Jeeno Thitikul fired a 7-under 65 on Saturday at Liberty National, overcoming blustery conditions and a double bogey to take a one-shot lead heading into the final round of the Mizuho Americas Open.
The world No. 2 sits at 14-under 202, just ahead of Celine Boutier, who posted a 66 to reach 13-under. Defending champion and world No. 1 Nelly Korda lurks just two shots back after a solid 68.
Thitikul’s round was a masterclass in resilience. She racked up nine birdies, including two late ones at 16 and 17, to offset a double bogey at the par-4 sixth where she found the hazard.
“I know it’s going to be a really tough day and then I have to be patient out there,” Thitikul said. “So I don’t know how I did that, but like I take it.”
The LPGA Tour moved several tees forward to account for winds strong enough to bend flagsticks, particularly on Liberty National’s closing stretch. That decision opened up scoring opportunities that many players capitalized on.
Boutier made the most of the setup, rolling in a spectacular 40-foot birdie putt over a ridge at the 15th to kick off a streak of three consecutive birdies.
“It was challenging with the wind, but the setup made it possible to have some chances if you were hitting good,” Boutier said.
Korda, still seeking her first win of the year, kept herself firmly in contention. She converted a 15-foot birdie putt from just off the green at the par-3 14th, which runs along the Hudson River with Manhattan’s skyline as a backdrop. After a missed opportunity at the reachable 16th, she bounced back with a perfectly judged wedge to 4 feet for birdie at 17.
“You just have to dial in to small targets and you have to be focused 100% on each shot,” Korda said. “You knew you were going to make mistakes. Had a pretty solid day.”
Andrea Lee posted her third consecutive 68 to join Korda at 12-under 204, while Yealimi Noh chipped in for eagle at the 16th during her round of 67 to sit three shots off the pace.
Sunday’s final round features earlier tee times to accommodate network television coverage with a 3 p.m. finish. The wind is expected to ease somewhat, which could lead to lower scoring.
“It’s supposed to be a bit less windy. I’m assuming the scores are going to be kind of low, too,” Boutier said. “We’ll see what happens, but happy to be in this position.”
