Jutanugarn up by three in Prattville

Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn fired a career-best nine-under-par 63 to claim a three-shot lead at the Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic. 

Jutanugarn, who is on 14-under, is followed by Minjee Lee and Ryan O’Toole as they sit in a tie for second on 11-under. 

So Yeon Ryu occupies fourth place on 10-under, while Stacy Lewis and Morgan Pressel are in a tie for fifth on nine-under. 

Jutanugarn, who is on track to win her maiden LPGA Tour title, got off to a mediocre start as she made two birdies and a bogey on the front nine. It was on the back nine where the 20-year-old made her charge as she made five consecutive birdies from the 10th to 14th before going on to tie the tournament’s 18-hole scoring record with a hat-trick of birdies from the 16th to 18th. 

Lee once again had a solid round as she carded a 68, which began with her making three birdies on the front nine. Despite proceeding to make two birdies and a bogey on the back nine, the Australian retained her position on the leaderboard. 

O’Toole continued to impress on Saturday as she also recorded a 68, which saw her start with a duo of birdies and a bogey on the front nine. The American had a stellar back nine though as she started with an eagle at the par-five 10th before going on to make a birdie at the 14th. 

Ryu only made two birdies and a bogey during her round of 71, while 2012 champion Lewis registered a 68, which consisted of five birdies and a bogey. Pressel meanwhile fired a 70, which included four birdies and two bogeys. 

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