ADELAIDE, Australia - Jin Young Ko continued her domination of the Women’s Australian Open, shooting a 1-under 71 Saturday to increase her lead to four strokes after three rounds.
The South Korean, who led after each of the opening two rounds of the LPGA tournament, had a three-round total of 11-under 205 at Kooyonga Golf Club.
Australian golfer Hannah Green moved into second place after the round of the day, a 66.
Green, 21, is seeking to become the first Australian to claim her national crown since Karrie Webb won the last of her five titles in 2014. Webb, who is playing a part-time schedule in 2018, missed the cut Friday by one stroke.
Green birdied her first three holes on Saturday and then added two more on the eighth and ninth. Two more birdies followed on the back nine with her only dropped shot a bogey on the 17th.
Full-field scores from the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open
“I was very pleased with my ball striking,” Green said. “I have put myself in contention so I’m very happy with how things are panning out.
“It was a real shame about Karrie missing the cut, but I know she has got different plans.”
South Korea’s Hyejin Choi (70), was tied for third, five strokes behind. Australia’s top-ranked golfer Minjee Lee was tied for fifth after a 69, six off the lead.
Former No. 1 Lydia Ko shot a 71 and was eight strokes behind.
“It’s always nice to be able to start the season on a good note, and I’ve obviously got tomorrow,” Lydia Ko said. “Hopefully, I’ll be able to finish off on a high note.”
