JASPER, Indiana — Trish Johnson turned in the tournament’s best round so far in the LPGA Seniors Championship with a 6-under 66 that included seven birdies.
Johnson found her groove on No. 4 and made all seven birdies in a 10-hole stretch, ending with a string of three straight on No. 13.
The London native on Friday moved the lead to 8-under for the tournament being held at Sultan’s Run Golf Club. But she is aware the tournament is anything but over.
“There is still a long way to go tomorrow,” Johnson said.
“I mean, Webby (Karrie Webb) is only three behind right now; I am not counting any of my chickens at all. I am just going to go and put out another low round because the more Webby plays, the better she gets, so I need to get to at least -10. I am just going to have to play good again tomorrow.”
Johnson already has two Stephen L. Ferguson Trophies in her collection and will look to add a third when she walks off No. 18 tomorrow.
With a win, Johnson would have won half of the Senior LPGA Championships that have been contested.
She attributes her excellent play this week to her putting, which is the part of her game she has dedicated most of her time to.
“I think when I putt well, and I am putting very well, I am tough to beat,” Johnson said.
“I did quite a lot of putting work last week, just put in a lot of hours at the studio, and I think I am reaping the rewards because of that.”
Webb will try to track down Johnson when the final round starts early Saturday morning.
Webb will start the day three shots back after a second-round 68 (-4) moved her to -5 for the tournament.
With a win, Webb would be the first player to win back-to-back Senior LPGA Championships and tie Johnson with two trophies. It was a long day on the course for the seven-time major champion, but she was trying to stay within striking distance with 18 holes to play.
“I don’t remember the last time I played 32 holes in a day,” Webb said.
“I’m glad we had carts because it’s hot, and this course is a challenge for sure. Trish made a lot of putts, and I just didn’t want to fall too far behind.”
Jackie Gallagher-Smith made a jump up the leaderboard in her second round. The Indiana native signed for a 67 (-5) and moved her into a tie for fourth place at -3 for the tournament. Gallagher-Smith won once on the LPGA Tour at the 1999 Giant Eagle LPGA Classic. She will need another low round to catch the leaders, and she will have the support of the Indiana crowd when she hits her first tee shot on Saturday.
