Woad seizes control at LPGA Kroger Queen City Championship

Lottie Woad has taken command of the LPGA’s Kroger Queen City Championship, holding a three-shot lead at 11-under par heading into the final round in Bond Hill, Ohio. The second-year professional surged ahead during a weather-delayed third round, capitalising on a decisive five-hole stretch between the seventh and eleventh holes where she recorded four birdies.

Woad, who finished third at this venue last year, opened Saturday’s round one shot off the pace but claimed the top spot before the turn. Her performance was anchored by precision ball-striking, hitting 10 of 14 fairways and 13 of 18 greens in regulation. Despite suffering just two bogeys, her ability to convert opportunities on the back nine established a buffer that has proven difficult for her rivals to bridge.

Amanda Doherty sits in second place at 8-under, having navigated a challenging back nine to maintain her position. The 28-year-old, who splits her time between the LPGA and Epson Tours, trailed by as many as five strokes late in the round but birdied the par-four 17th hole to steady her scorecard. Doherty expressed a mix of nerves and excitement ahead of the final day, noting the unique pressure of playing in the final group with Woad.

Haeran Ryu occupies third place at 7-under, having shot consecutive rounds of 66 to reach the summit of contention. Ryu recorded seven birdies during the third round, demonstrating consistent form that has kept her in the mix. Meanwhile, 2024 champion Lydia Ko sits alone in fourth place at one-under, relying on strong iron play that saw her land 14 of 18 greens in regulation despite hitting only half of the fairways.

The third round saw a significant shift in the leaderboard for the tour’s top-ranked players. World number one Nelly Korda fell to a tie for 19th place after shooting a 72, two shots over par. Korda, who has won three times this season, was three shots back entering the day but could not match the pace set by the leaders. Jin Young Ko, who shared the 36-hole lead, also dropped to a tie for 19th after a round of 75, while Jennifer Kupcho similarly fell to 19th place.

Jeeno Thitikul remains in contention, tied for fifth at 5-under, marking her third consecutive runner-up finish at this venue. The final round on Sunday will determine whether Woad can secure her second LPGA Tour win since joining the circuit in 2025, or if the field of contenders can close the gap on the leader.