Hometown favourite Kelly Korda shot a 3-under 68 with an eagle-birdie finish Saturday to take a three-shot lead into the final round of the LPGA Drive On Championship.
Trying to complete a wire-to-wire victory at Bradenton Country Club, Korda rebounded with the late flurry after making consecutive bogeys on Nos. 7 and 8 in 10-15 mph wind with the temperature in the upper 70s.
“I’m actually kind of taken back with how much support I’ve been getting this week,” Korda said.
“Being in Florida I always get a lot of support, but hometown, it’s crazy. I was born just in the hospital just down the road from here. It’s been nice seeing friends and family come out ... Feeling the support.”
The eight-time LPGA Tour winner was 13 under.
“It’s a confidence boost knowing I can climb up the leaderboard and contend and stay in contention,” Korda said.
“Definitely didn’t have the great start today.”
Coming off a victory in the Tournament of Champions, Lydia Ko was tied for second after a 69. Megan Khang (66) and Ayaka Furue (69) also were 9 under.
“It was really windy,” said Ko, a victory short of entering the LPGA Hall of Fame.