American Golfer Ally Ewing Faces Challenges in Third Round of Women’s Open as Competitors Increase Pressure at Walton Heath
US Golfer Ewing Struggles in Third Round at Women’s Open
The Women’s Open golf tournament witnessed a challenging third round for American golfer Ally Ewing as she finished two shots behind co-leaders Lilia Vu and Charley Hull at the prestigious Walton Heath course on Saturday.
American talent Lilia Vu and British star Charley Hull now share the lead, both sitting comfortably at nine-under par. However, hot on their heels are Angel Yin and Kim Hyo-joo only one shot behind, with Ally Ewing trailing by two shots.
Ewing, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes shortly after earning her LPGA Tour card in 2016, displayed great resilience despite facing setbacks during her third round. Carrying a device to monitor her blood sugar levels on the course did not deter her from starting the day strong at 10-under par. Her exceptional performance during Friday’s six under-par 66 had given her a five-shot advantage over her competitors.
However, six bogeys throughout Ewing’s third round allowed other contenders to close in on the fifth and final major of this women’s season.
“I don’t lose any confidence today other than I gritted my teeth when it wasn’t great, and I still gave myself a chance to win this golf tournament,” expressed an optimistic Ewing while talking to the official Women’s Open website.
Vu has experienced quite a rollercoaster journey so far in 2023. After securing victory against Yin in a playoff to claim her first major title at the Chevron Championship in April, she failed to make the cut in four subsequent LPGA events, including the Women’s PGA Championship and the U.S. Women’s Open.
The 25-year-old Vu displayed remarkable consistency during her second round at Walton Heath, sinking five birdies with grace. She carried forward this momentum on Saturday by adding seven more birdies to her scorecard, ultimately leading her to share the top spot.
During the 16th hole, Vu came tantalizingly close to an eagle but settled for a sixth birdie instead.
Hull’s impressive third round included six birdies as well. Notably, she managed three consecutive birdies on holes 15 through 17 before skillfully saving par on the challenging 18th hole after encountering trouble off her tee shot into heather.
“Obviously it was so windy, but we dug deep,” shared Hull with enthusiasm when interviewed by LPGA website reporters. “I struck the ball pretty well. I was pretty confident and felt good out there, and I’m pretty proud of myself.”
Angel Yin is relentlessly pursuing her quest for a maiden major victory following two runner-up finishes earlier this year. One particularly heart-wrenching defeat occurred against Lilia Vu during their gripping playoff showdown at the Chevron Championship.
The determined 24-year-old Yin delivered an outstanding performance in her third round with an impressive score of 67 points, securing herself a strong position ending Saturday just one shot behind co-leaders Vu and Hull at eight-under par overall.