Fatima Fernandez Cano (Santiago, Spain) moved into a one-stroke lead following the third round of the Carolina Golf Classic presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina after a 7-under 65 at Forest Oaks Country Club on Saturday. The Troy University alumna is 16-under overall with the help of one final birdie on No. 18 to close out the day.
“My driver showed up in the back nine today finally after yesterday. I started hitting it a little bit better and longer. (On No. 18) I was hoping to get it on the green (in two), but somehow, I hit it 40 yards left. I actually had a great chip up and down there because the line was not very good,” said Fernandez Cano, who finished the hole with an 18-foot birdie putt.
Fernandez Cano is playing in her first tournament since receiving news that she has secured her spot in the 2021 Race for the Card top-10. With one of her season goals checked off the list, naturally she moves to the next – a win. She claimed her first win last season at the IOA Championship presented by Morongo Casino Resort and Spa, but Fernandez Cano is hungry to claim another before the season is over.
“Honestly, I am just happy. My goal for the season was to get my card and I finally got that done. It was official this week,” she said. “But like I said before I am still missing that one win. I am staying patient, I am not in a rush, if it happens it happens and if it doesn’t it doesn’t, you know. I just want to get it done and be patient tomorrow and hopefully.”