Charley Hull in Pursuit of Lilia Vu at Ford Championship
In the blistering Arizona sunshine at the Ford Championship, Charley Hull delivered an impressive four-under-par 68 in the third round at Whirlwind Golf Club's Cattail Course. Despite a somewhat shaky start with a bogey on her opening hole and a three-putt on the 14th, Hull's resilience shone through. The English golfer finished strong, collecting six birdies throughout her round, including two in the final three holes. As the final day looms, Hull stands a mere two shots behind leader Lilia Vu, positioning herself within striking distance to claim the title.
Lilia Vu Sets the Pace
Lilia Vu maintained her lead, showcasing tenacity and focus. Despite facing a couple of challenges with bogeys on the sixth and ninth holes, and a double bogey on the 14th, Vu's remarkable skill allowed her to finish with three consecutive birdies. This powerful finish set a new tournament record, with Vu reaching 18 under par after 54 holes, setting a high bar for her competitors.
The Californian has demonstrated exceptional consistency and mental strength throughout the tournament, presenting a formidable challenge for anyone looking to overtake her during the final round.
Contenders in the Chase
Denmark's Nanna Koerstz Madsen and Japan's Ayaka Furue are both tied for third place at 15 under. Furue made significant progress with a strong performance that saw her sign off with an impressive 67. The Japanese golfer’s precision and calm under pressure have kept her in close contention as the competition narrows.
Meanwhile, Thai talent Atthaya Thitikul is in the mix at 14 under, following a round of 70. Though a little off the pace set by Vu, Thitikul's consistent play keeps her in the tournament's crucial conversations.
Among the other notable performances, American Nelly Korda had a difficult day on the course, with a round of one-over-par 73. This leaves her seven strokes adrift and facing a challenging final round if she aims to close the gap.
Hull's Optimism and Approach
Reflecting on her performance, Charley Hull reported, "It is what it is and it ain't what it ain't, but nice to finish with a birdie." Her pragmatic attitude combined with her positive finish reveals a player focused on the task at hand, unfazed by the pressure of competition. Hull's strategic play and potential for explosive scoring make her a dynamic competitor poised to challenge Vu’s lead.
As the tournament approaches its climactic final day, the stage is set for a dramatic conclusion. With Hull and others in pursuit, Vu will need to maintain her high level of play to secure victory. The competition is fierce, and the prospect of a tense showdown looms large, promising an exhilarating close to the Ford Championship.