Lydia Leads through 54-holes in quest for LPGA Tour glory

Lydia Ko has made the biggest charge on moving day to record a round of five-under par, 67 at Lake Merced Golf Club to lead by just one over Jessica Korda on the LPGA Tour.

With six birdies, it was the best round of the day as she looked to be the Ko of old as she aims to win for the first time since the 2016 Marathon Classic.

This is her first 54-hole lead since that win in 2016, proving her love for this course where she won for the first time as an LPGA member (won twice here as a non-member).

Ko is also a member at the Lake Merced Golf Club and was naturally very satisfied with her third round performance, which equalled the lowest of her year.

"I love San Francisco, Im a member here so sometimes I get some friendly member bounces, but it brings back a lot of great memories and I knew no matter how well I played I was going to have a fun time," smiled Ko.

Beginning the day three shots off the pace, the world number 18 fought till the end and now is the final round favourite.

"Until that moment you are taking off your glove and the ball goes in the final hole on the last, you can never give up and thats just what Im trying to do and as long as theres another hole to be played, another shot to be played, youve got another birdie opportunity."

With 14 greens in regulation, it was on the 11th hole where the best highlight came after missing the green right and making an amazing chip in from the bunker to claim back the lead.

She would then go on to make birdies on 15 and 16 to finish with a flurry. Even with two agonisingly close attempts on the final two holes, it was still enough to hold the lead and set up an exciting Sunday (Monday NZT).

Although it is Monday, tomorrow will be an thrilling morning for all New Zealand golf fans with this being Kos best chance to win in over a year as she looks to kick the week off in style.

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- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Golf NZ