UNITED KINGDOM (AFP) — Home favorite Charley Hull seized a share of the lead with American Lilia Vu heading into the final round of the Women’s British Open at Walton Heath on Saturday with a four-under-par 68.
The 27-year-old finished on nine-under-par for the tournament and level with Vu, who is aiming for a second major of the season following her Chevron Championship triumph after carding a 67.
Ally Ewing, who held a five-shot lead overnight, slumped to a 75 but is still in touch at two behind the leaders on seven under. Angel Yin (67) and Kim Hyo-joo (68) are tied for third place on eight under.
England’s Hull is still chasing a first major title after several near misses in her career so far.
Hull is staying at home this week — she lives less than half an hour from the course — and she has played Walton Heath many times with male friends from the furthest back tees.
With the benefit of local knowledge, and huge support from the gallery, she packed in six birdies, including three in a row from the 15th.
“I’m super excited about tomorrow,” Hull said.
“I’m not really feeling any pressure because I’m staying at home and I have played the course so often with my mates.”
“I played very solid today and the three birdies in a row from the 15th was great. I then got up and down for par at 18 which was vital.”
Hull shot 66 in the final round and finished joint second at the US Women’s Open at Pebble Beach last month.
Vu had seven birdies in a five-under round.
“This is the first time since winning Chevron that I have felt comfortable with my game. It has given me a lot of confidence,” she said. “It’s great to go into tomorrow with a chance to win.”
The 24-year-old American lost to Vu in a play-off at the Chevron Championship and tied for second at the 2019 US Women’s Open.
She burst onto the scene as a teenager, earning a place on the US Solheim Cup team in 2017 and winning a tournament in Dubai in the same year. She has yet to claim another victory.
“Tomorrow I just have to stay patient,” she said. “But I think the fans are going to see a lot of aggressive golf in the final round. It’s going to be fun.”
Ewing missed a short putt at the first and also three-putted the third for bogey. She did make a couple of birdies around the turn but could not hold onto her lead.
