A Lim Kim takes a three-shot lead over Linn Grant into the final round of the LPGA Tour’s season-opening Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions on Sunday after both shooting five-under 67s in the third round.
World No 1 Nelly Korda also shot 67 and remains in contention at four shots back in a tie for third.
Bidding for her second LPGA tour win since November and her third overall, the 29-year-old Kim holed out from greenside bunkers for eagle on the par-five ninth and birdie on the par-five 14th.
The South Korean player also birdied the par-four 18th to get to 15-under. Kim has a field-best 81 putts in three rounds.
She previously won the 2020 US Women’s Open and 2024 LOTTE Championship.
“My goal, my starting goal always my job, not result,” Kim said. “So, I really focus on my prepare, process, and then, just hit it. That’s all. So my position, I don’t care. That’s not important for me.”
Grant won the 2023 Dana Open for her lone LPGA Tour title. The 25-year-old Swede also closed with a birdie.
“Really trying to figure out where I’m at, all the changes I’ve done, how that feels, and really just trying to get every shot as good as possible,” Grant said. “I think that mindset is good to have any week. It’s just easier now than in the middle of the season.”
Defending champion Lydia Lo and Korda were tied for third, four strokes behind Kim. Ko had a 65 for the best round of the day.
“Everything has been pretty solid,” Ko said.
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“Even the first day I hit the ball decent. Really struggled on the greens. I think that part of my game has improved the most in the past couple of days. Golf is strange.”
Lauren Coughlin was fifth at eight under after a 68.
