Minjee Lee, the world number six from Australia, shot a five-under par 67 on Saturday to take a three-stroke lead after the third round of the LPGA Founders Cup.
Lee, who is vying for her seventh LPGA championship, tied the low score of the day to stand at 12-under 204 after 54 holes at Upper Montclair Country Club in Clifton, New Jersey.
“I think I was pretty solid all day,” Lee said. “I made a lot of birdies on the front nine and then one eagle on the back and then I made pars coming in. I feel like I had a pretty good day.”
South Korea’s Ryu Hae-ran, a 22-year-old LPGA rookie, shared second on 207 with American Angel Yin. India’s Aditi Ashok, South African Ashleigh Buhai and South Korea’s third-ranked Ko Jin-young — a two-time Founders Cup winner — were on 208.
Lee was confident about her chances in Sunday’s final round but wary of when to be cautious and aggressive.
“I’m sure I’ll be nervous coming down the first hole but I think they’re good nerves,” Lee said.