Lilia Vu Takes Two-Shot Lead into Final Round at Ford Championship

CHANDLER, Ariz. (AP) — Lilia Vu secured a two-shot lead over England’s Charley Hull on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Ford Championship with a 4-under 68, despite a brief stumble during the round.

Vu’s remarkable tournament streak of 41 holes without a bogey ended on the sixth hole at the Whirlwind Golf Club, where she also faced a more challenging moment on the 14th hole with a double bogey. However, Vu quickly refocused, responding with three consecutive birdies.

“I was telling my caddie, ‘I just can’t get the numbers right today.’ And he just said to me, ‘I’m just going to get you on the green and then you can just try and make the putt from there,’” Vu said, reflecting on her strategy as she navigated the windy conditions.

Vu finished the day at 18-under 198. She highlighted her improved play, specifically noting her ability to judge the distance and manage the tricky bounce and winds.

Hull kept pressure on Vu, posting a final-hole birdie to also finish with a 68, leaving her just two shots back heading into Sunday’s final round.

A notable challenge for Vu and Hull is the strong competition, as seven other players trail closely behind, all within four shots of the lead. The conditions throughout the tournament demanded precision, particularly on the firm greens.

The defending champion, Nelly Korda, struggled, finishing the day with a 73. Korda’s performance left her seven shots behind the leaders, reflecting her difficulties on the back nine.

Among the players challenging for the title are Ayaka Furue of Japan, who shot a 67, and Maja Stark of Denmark, who finished with a 69, both sitting three shots behind. Others at 14-under include Jin Young Ko from South Korea and Shanshan Feng of China, while Zhang continued to impress with the lowest round of the day at 65.

The final round promises a thrilling finish as Vu seeks to maintain her lead amidst aggressive competition and the ever-changing dynamics of golf.