Entering the final round of the $4 million Aramco Championship on Sunday, leader Lauren Coughlin knows not only does she have to beat the other players, she has to survive the challenge that is Shadow Creek. Coughlin has led from the start and was two shots head of Nelly Korda.
“As you’ve probably seen, this golf course is really, really hard, especially if you get in the wrong spot,” Coughlin said after round three.
I felt like I did a pretty good job today of at least getting in spots, and if did get a little out of position. Again, I am just staying as patient as possible and taking what it gives. Again, just trying to guess as best you can on some of the bounces and hope the wind catches it when you’re trying to get it. I will keep trying to stay as patient as I possibly can tomorrow and whatever happens, happens.”
Only eight players post sub-par scores during the third round of the $4m LPGA-LET co-sanctioned event. One of them was Korda, who won the 2024 LPGA Match Play at Shadow Creek and who is seeking her 17th LPGA Tour win.
“Shadow definitely showed its colors today, or the last couple days,” Korda said. “It’s been playing brutally hard, just especially the back nine, too. Tomorrow is just going to be another beast of a day. You just kind of have to roll with the punches from Shadow.”