EL DORADO, Arkansas, September 16, 2017 - Dottie Ardina (Philippines) continued her tremendous play on Saturday with another 5-under, 67 at the Murphy USA El Dorado Shootout. She moved to 10-under, 132 and will take a three-stroke lead into Sunday’s final-round. Ardina has made just one bogey over the first 36 holes and will go for her first career win on Sunday. No. 2 on the Volvik Race for the Card money list, Celine Boutier (Montrouge, France), will enter the final-round in second at 7-under, 137. Charlotte Thomas (Guildford, England) carded a 4-under, 68 on Saturday to move into third place at 5-under, 139.
If Ardina wins, she would be just the second from the Philippines to win on the Epson Tour. The only player to win was Lynda Jensen, who won once in 1985 and twice in 1988.
The final-round will begin at 7:30 a.m. and a split-tee start will be used. Play is expected to finish at approximately 2:30 p.m. and the trophy ceremony will take place on the 18th green immediately following. The final group of Ardina, Boutier and Thomas will tee at 9:20 a.m.
The cut was made at 6-over, 150 and 61 players will tee on Sunday.
Ardina, 23, started with a par save on hole one and then her only bogey of the tournament on two, but she quickly got going. She tallied birdies on four straight holes between four and seven to make the turn at 8-under. She made birdies on 13 and 16 before closing with two pars.
“It was a little more interesting than yesterday, I think I only hit ten greens so I had to save pars today with up and downs,” explained Ardina, who carded a bogey-free 67 on Friday. “I’ve been putting well and just trying to keep it simple.”
Ardina attempted just 25 putts on Saturday.
“I’ve made really one mistake in 36 holes, which is pretty good,” said Ardina. “If the hole locations are tucked, I’m just playing for the middle. As long as I have a birdie putt, I’m fine with it.”
Two years ago at the Four Winds Invitational, Ardina held a three-stroke lead into the final round, but Brooke Henderson caught her to win. She’ll try and pick up her first win on Sunday.
“I just want to play like I did today and Friday,” said Ardina. “My putter and my iron shots have been key this week.”
She also has her dad, who doubles as her coach, back with her this week.
“He’s been my coach so it is nice to have him here with me,” said Ardina. “He really guides me and my swing so I think that helps me for Sunday.”
)
)
)
)
