Sports
Thompson Tied for Lead at Meijer LPGA Classic After Strong Improvisation
BELMONT, Mich. — Lexi Thompson birdied two of the final three holes Saturday in the Meijer LPGA Classic, sharing the third-round lead with five other players. This marks her chance to win her first title in over six years.
Thompson shot a 4-under 68, overcoming a bogey on the par-5 14th after driving into the water. “Not my best ball-striking day,” Thompson admitted. “But I scrambled very well and stayed positive, patient, and that’s what it’s kind of all about.” At 11-under 205 at Blythefield Country Club, she is tied with Nanna Koerstz Madsen, Sofia Garcia, Hye-Jin Choi, and others.
Thompson returns to the top after losing a playoff on the same course last year. “Everybody is going to come out swinging,” she said. “Good weather tomorrow, so I know birdies will have to be made and I’ll have to go pin-seeking. I will hope for the best, go out there and embrace the opportunity, and really love on the fans.”
The 30-year-old from Florida last won on the LPGA Tour in June 2019 at the ShopRite LPGA Classic. This season, she is participating in a part-time schedule and plans to compete next week in the KPMG Women's PGA Championship in Texas.
Koerstz Madsen bogeyed the last two holes, dropping from a two-stroke lead. “The positive thing is now I feel what’s going on when I get a little nervous, so I can work on what I need to be focusing on tomorrow,” she said. “Because I’m definitely going to be nervous tomorrow.”
Garcia led at 13-under after 12 holes but bogeyed the next three. “I’m happy I was able to get it back together,” Garcia said. “Made a really good chip out on 16. Was able to have a good finish.”
Choi missed a 5-foot birdie putt on 18, while Matilda Sagstrom, the T-Mobile Match Play winner in April, achieved an eagle-birdie-eagle burst on Nos. 4-6. “I always try to attack the course,” said Sagstrom. “I think I do play quite aggressive. I think this course demands shots.” Karis Davidson was 9-under after a 71, while Megan Khang and others followed closely behind.
