Grace Kim and Hannah Green found themselves tied for the lead at the JM Eagle LA Championship after a challenging day at Wilshire Country Club. Despite struggling with a 5-over 76, Kim managed to maintain her position at the top of the leaderboard alongside defending champion Green, who carded a 70.
The difficult conditions at the tree-lined course, including bumpy poa annua greens and tricky wind, tested the skills of the players. Kim, who had a four-stroke lead going into the day, faced setbacks with bogeys and a double bogey but remained focused on her game.
Green, on the other hand, showcased resilience by saving par on the 18th hole with a crucial putt. She recovered from a series of bogeys on the front nine to play a strong back nine, including an eagle on the par-5 13th.
Maja Stark, who was in contention with Kim and Green, finished with a 73 after a bogey on the final hole. She was joined by Jin Hee Im and Esther Henseleit, both trailing by a stroke, and Nasa Hataoka at 5 under after a solid round.
Despite the challenging conditions, the players remained focused on their game plan and staying in the present moment. Kim emphasized the importance of maintaining shot focus, while Green acknowledged the difficulty of trusting shots on the firm and bouncy greens.
Stark, coming off a strong performance in the previous week's tournament, continued to show her competitive spirit despite the final hole setback. With top-ranked Nelly Korda withdrawing from the competition, the field remained open for a new champion to emerge.
The JM Eagle LA Championship promises an exciting finish as Kim and Green lead the pack heading into the final round, with several contenders close behind vying for the title.
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