Canada’s Brooke Henderson will carry a three-shot lead into the final round of the LPGA Tour’s season-opening Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions.
The native of Smiths Falls, Ont. shot a 3-under 69 in the third round on Saturday to put her at 14-under for the tournament in Orlando.
American Nelly Korda and Japan’s Nasa Hatoaka are tied for second at 11-under.
Henderson led by one after the first round, four after two rounds and had the edge up to six early in the third round.
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With her lead down to two after missing birdie putts within seven feet on her previous two holes, Henderson drained a 35-foot downhill putt for a beautiful birdie on No. 16 to gain some much-needed momentum.
“I wasn’t as smooth out there today, but I feel like we fought it out pretty well. I still was hitting the ball very well and giving myself a lot of opportunities, so no complaints there,” Henderson said.
“Wasn’t making the same amount of putts that I did the other days, but the putter still feels really good, and I’m just super excited to be in contention and in the final group first tournament back. Just a great feeling, and grateful to be here and hopefully tomorrow is a good day.”
Korda, the world No. 2, made a big charge on the back nine, notching four birdies in a stretch of five holes.
Henderson, 25, has said she is feeling better after dealing with a back injury late last year.
Henderson won twice on tour last year to give her 12 career LPGA wins, most of any Canadian golfer on a top tour. She finished third in the tour’s point standings last year.
The Canadian is seventh in the world rankings.
