FRISCO, Texas — Australian golfer Minjee Lee seized control of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship with a masterful third-round 69, opening up a commanding four-shot lead as overnight leader Atthaya Thitikul faltered under the pressure of the "brutal" conditions at Fields Ranch East.
Lee, a two-time major champion, showcased her trademark consistency in gusty winds and firm greens, carding three birdies against just two bogeys to reach 7-under for the tournament. Meanwhile, Thitikul, who held a one-stroke lead after 36 holes, struggled to a 3-over 75, dropping into a tie for second with China’s Ruoning Yin (70) and Sweden’s Linnea Ström (71).
"It was really tough out there," Lee admitted after her round. "The wind was swirling, and the pins were tucked. You had to stay patient and trust your game. I’m happy with how I handled it, but there’s still a lot of golf left."
Thitikul’s Struggles Open the Door
The 20-year-old Thitikul, a rising star on the LPGA Tour, began the day with a one-shot advantage but quickly unraveled with bogeys on three of her first six holes. A double-bogey at the par-4 12th compounded her woes, leaving her scrambling to stay in contention.
"I just couldn’t find my rhythm," Thitikul said. "The course was playing so tough, and I made a couple of bad decisions. Minjee played amazing—she deserves the lead."
Key Moments from Moving Day
Lee’s round was defined by clutch putting and strategic course management. Highlights included:
- A 25-foot birdie putt at the par-3 8th to steady her round after an early bogey.
- A brilliant up-and-down from a greenside bunker at the 14th to save par.
- A closing birdie at the 18th, where she stuck her approach to five feet.
Meanwhile, Yin and Ström quietly climbed the leaderboard with steady play. Yin, the 20-year-old who won her first LPGA title earlier this season, credited her patience: "I knew pars were good today. I just tried to avoid big mistakes."
The Challenge Ahead
With a four-shot cushion, Lee is in prime position to capture her third major title. However, Fields Ranch East has proven unforgiving, and history shows that no lead is safe in a major championship. Notable contenders within striking distance include:
- Ruoning Yin (-3) – A rising star with a fearless approach.
- Linnea Ström (-3) – Seeking her first LPGA victory.
- Hyo Joo Kim (-2) – A major champion known for her consistency.
Lee, however, remains focused on her own game. "I’m not going to change anything," she said. "Just stick to my process and trust my shots."
Course Conditions Draw Praise, Criticism
The PGA of America’s setup at Fields Ranch East has been a talking point all week. Players have lauded the championship test but admitted the course is playing at its limit. World No. 1 Jin Young Ko, who sits at even par, called it "one of the hardest majors I’ve ever played."
Defending champion In Gee Chun, who shot a 74 to fall to 1-over, echoed the sentiment: "The rough is thick, the greens are firm, and the wind never stops. It’s a true major test."
Final Round Predictions
With Lee in control, the final round could come down to whether anyone can apply early pressure. Yin, who played alongside Lee in the third round, believes a fast start is crucial: "If I can make a couple of birdies early, maybe she feels it. But Minjee is so steady—it won’t be easy."
Ström, meanwhile, is embracing the underdog role: "I have nothing to lose. I’ll just go out there and play my game."
Conclusion
As the final round approaches, all eyes will be on Minjee Lee as she looks to add another major to her résumé. But with a stacked leaderboard and a relentless golf course, Sunday promises drama until the very last putt drops.
Lee summed it up best: "Majors are never easy. I’ll have to earn it."
