Galloway, N.J. – Ilhee Lee hit three shots with 68 in the Shoprite LPGA Classic Saturday, delaying a game in the afternoon, leading by four players in the final round.
Lee tied for the first round lead with Elizabeth Szokol after 63, and Lee rebounded from a double bogey on the eighth and ranked fifth in five shots. The 36-year-old South Korean player has a total of 131 shots in Seaview’s Bay course.
“Today was a completely different day, a completely different day, and I knew it would be a completely different day, so I had no expectations,” Lee said. “Like I was yesterday, I was just playing golf. Have fun there. I did some birdies in the first nine games.”
She won the 2013 Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic with her only Tour title.
“Now I know how fun this game is, so I just love golf,” Lee said.
Szokol entered the tie 69 times in the 54-hole match against fellow American Jennifer Kupcho (64) and Japanese players Mao Saigo (65) and Ayaka Furue (66).
“Just want to be patient all day,” Szokol said. “Nothing as good as yesterday, but still playing very well.”
Kupucho was birding in her afternoon round.
“I think tomorrow will improve,” Coupcho said. “There isn’t playing from the tee, but at least here, it can be controlled from rough or fairway bunkers.
No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul shot her second second 68, reaching under 6, while Nelly Korda ranked 6th, under 66.
“I’ve been very happy with the game today in the last two days,” Corda said. “It’s a tricky golf course. Keeping you on your toes all the time.”
U.S. Women’s Open champion Maja Stark missed the layoffs in 70 and 75 last week on Erin Hills. Defending champion Linnea Strom also quit the game and hit 72-75.
