GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP, New Jersey (AP) ― Stacy Lewis moved into position to take the top spot in the world, shooting a bogey-free 8-under 63 on Saturday to match the 36-hole record in the ShopRite LPGA Classic.
The second-ranked Lewis had a 12-under 130 total on the Bay Course at Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club.
A victory Sunday would guarantee Lewis the No. 1 ranking, which Park In-bee has held for 59 straight weeks after taking it from Lewis. Park, playing in the windier afternoon session, had three bogeys on her final five holes to shoot 70 and fall six strokes behind Lewis.
Korea’s Park In-bee putts for a birdie on the second hole on Saturday. (AFP-Yonhap)
“It would be huge,” Lewis said. “I was only there for four weeks last year, so I never really got to enjoy it. I definitely want to get back because I know kind of more now what to expect with it. Honestly, I’m kind of tired of hearing all the scenarios and hearing everybody talk about it. I would like to take care of that here this week.”
Lewis, the 2012 winner, won the North Texas LPGA Shootout four weeks ago.
Christina Kim was a stroke back after 67.
Watson in front at Memorial DUBLIN, Ohio (AP) ― Bubba Watson has been coming to Muirfield Village ever since his rookie year on the PGA Tour. Nine years later, he might have finally figured it out.
He had only five rounds in the 60s in his previous eight trips. Even with a bogey on his final hole Saturday, he had a 3-under 69 for his third straight round in the 60s this week. Watson is 11 under on the par 5s, the key to scoring.
Best of all, he walked off the course with a one-shot lead over Scott Langley in the Memorial. Not bad for a guy who has never finished better than a tie for 23rd.
Watson was at 12-under 204 and in position for his third win of the year. “I have a shot,” Watson said. “I’d like the same score tomorrow and let the boys beat me if they can beat me.”
Plenty of them should have a chance. With a bogey on the final hole, Watson’s lead shrunk to one shot over Langley, who had a 67 to make it an all-southpaw final pairing Sunday.