Three share lead as LPGA AmazingCre Portland Classic heads to final round

Published 12:00 am Saturday, September 17, 2022

Three players share the lead, and 13 are within three strokes of the lead as the LPGA AmazingCre Portland Classic heads to the final round Sunday, Sept. 18, at Columbia Edgewater Country Club.

Lilia Vu maintained a share of the lead for a second day, sitting at 13-under-par 203 through three rounds. She is joined by fellow American Andrea Lee and Japan’s Ayaka Furue.

Those three are scheduled to tee off last on Sunday at 10:15 a.m.

Four golfers are one stroke back: Hannah Green (the Portland Classic winner in 2019), Daniela Darquea, Paula Reto and Hinako Shibuno.

Sitting at minus-11 are Ryann O’Toole and Esther Henseleit.

Oregon native Caroline Inglis is one of four players at 10-under after shooting a 3-under 69 on Saturday.

Vu, who had never led an LPGA event until Friday, said she just wants to have fun on Sunday.

“I think the advantage is off the tee. If you get in the fairway, you set yourself a good approach shot, you’ll have a good chance at birdie most of the time,” Vu said.

Furue had a bogey-free 5-under round on Saturday to gain a share of the lead.

“It’s very important to play bogey-free golf,” Furue said. “I believe it’s more important than getting birdies, not having bogeys. So, I’m very happy with that today.”

Lee, who had six birdies in a 5-under Saturday round, said the shorter course with tighter fairways at Columbia Edgewater fits her game.

“I love the golf course. I’m not like the longest player on tour, so I think it’s one of the shorter courses we play out here. I think that’s definitely played to my strengths,” Lee said.

Vu (UCLA) and Lee (Stanford) are former Pac-12 Conference golfers each seeking her first LPGA Tour victory. Furue, a tour rookie, is seeking her second win of the year.

TV coverage Sunday on the Golf Channel is scheduled noon to 3 p.m. daily.

Tickets start at $5 (plus fees). For tickets and other details, visit portlandclassic.com.