SOUTHPORT, England (AP) ― One year later, Park In-bee is still chasing history at the Women’s British Open.
Instead of trying to win an unprecedented fourth straight major, Park has a chance to become only the seventh woman to win four of the LPGA’s majors. Instead of photographers capturing her every move at St. Andrews, the 26-year-old South Korean has gone about her work without fanfare at Royal Birkdale.
That changed Saturday with a remarkable start, and a late ruling that put Park in the lead.
On the tough opening stretch at Royal Birkdale, she ran off three birdies that sent her to a 4-under 68. Then, Park went from a one-shot deficit to a one-shot lead when Ahn Sun-ju was penalized two shots after her round for building a stance in the bunker on the 18th hole.
“I definitely enjoyed it last year,” Park said. “But this year has just been a little bit different. Last year I enjoyed it and having pressure and experiencing something I never have experienced before. If I end up winning tomorrow, I’ll definitely enjoy this year better.”
The 18 holes remaining could be a sprint among a dozen players.
Park had a one-shot lead over a pair of major champions ― Suzann Pettersen of Norway (68) and Shanshan Feng of China (69) ― along with Ahn. Julieta Granada (72) and Amelia Lewis (71) were another shot behind.
Ahn appeared to be the player to catch after what she thought was a 69 for a one-shot lead.
Harman leads John Deere
SILVIS, Illinois (AP) ― Brian Harman is going to play in the final pairing of a PGA Tour stop for the first time. His playing partner is one accomplished part-timer.
Harman had two eagles in a 6-under 65 on Saturday that gave him a one-stroke lead after three rounds of the John Deere Classic.
Harman’s solid performance got him to 17-under 196 at TPC Deere Run. His partner on Sunday will be three-time Deere winner Steve Stricker, who is all alone in second, one stroke better than Scott Brown.
“I pay attention to what Steve’s doing but don’t base my game on his,” said Harman, who was grouped with Stricker and Johnson Wagner in the third round. “He’s had a lot of success here.”
Stricker, who shot a 7-under 64 for a three-round total of 197, is 116 under par in his last 23 rounds at TPC Deere Run, including victories in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Brown is third after a 10-under 61, matching the best round on the PGA Tour in 2014.
Second round coleaders Zach Johnson and William McGirt are at 199, along with Tim Clark and Jerry Kelly.
Two years ago, Harman was paired with eventual winner Johnson, though not in the final twosome.
“I watched Zach win this golf tournament, and learned a lot,” Harman said.
Stricker, making his ninth start of the year, isn’t making room for another Deere trophy just yet.
