AYRSHIRE, Scotland: Lauren Coughlin carded a 6-under-par 66 yesterday to seize a one-stroke lead heading into the final round of the ISPS Handa Women's Scottish Open in Ayrshire, Scotland.
Coughlin, who earned her first career LPGA win last month at the CPKC Women's Open, collected six birdies during her bogey-free round to reside at 12-under 204 for the tournament at Dundonald Links.
Coughlin rolled in a birdie on the 18th hole to give her a one-shot lead on Megan Khang (69 on Saturday), who shared the 36-hole lead with two-time major champion Minjee Lee of Australia.
Coughlin credited her putting game for raising her confidence level.
"Yeah, I think a lot of it is putting," she said. "I started to get some confidence in the Asian Swing, and since then I've been able to keep it going. I'm starting to hit the ball extremely well, and yeah, I'm just starting to feel really good about my game and myself and trying to keep it going."
Khang totaled three birdies during her bogey-free round, with her final one coming after a long putt on the 17th hole. She has just one LPGA win on her resume but entered the week No. 27 in points for the season-long Race to the CME Globe.
Olympic silver medalist Esther Henseleit (66) of Germany recorded an eagle on the par-5 14th hole to go along with five birdies and one bogey.
"Yeah, I played really well," Henseleit said. "Had a great front nine and then kept it going on the back nine, and yeah, just a really solid day. Didn't make many mistakes. Kept it pretty easy and simple and rolled in a few putts."
Henseleit and Charley Hull (69) of England are tied for third place at 9-under, one stroke ahead of Lee (72).
Lydia Ko of Australia shot a 71 to sit a 7-under for the tournament, good enough for sixth place. Ko admitted she's had plenty on her plate of late, but isn't using that as an excuse.
"It is a long week, so it can get draining," Ko said. "So I'm sure by some point next week, I'm going to be tired but I think that's part of my job to keep my energy levels high and make sure that I'm still feeling fresh for Thursday to Sunday next week as well." — REUTERS