On moving day at the AIG Women’s British Open, Hinako Shibuno posted a 5-under-par 67 for a 14-under-par total, to lead by two shots from overnight leader, Ashleigh Bunai.
On moving day at the AIG Women’s British Open at Woburn Golf Club, Japan’s Hinako Shibuno posted a 5-under-par 67 that included six birdies on the back nine to take her to 14-under-par and two shots clear of overnight leader, Ashleigh Bunai.
After 9 holes Buhai led the final women’s major of the year by five shots and with three birdies on her card, she appeared to be in control. However, she felt the strain on the back nine over the Marquess Course that included three bogeys for a level par round 72.
Hinako, known as the ‘Smiling Cinderella’, is not only competing in her first major, but also her first tournament outside of Japan. Before the championship began, her goal was to simply make the cut.
"It's definitely exceeding my expectations. Right now I feel like I'm doing something very incredible. It's more like a Japanese golf course, so maybe that’s why it’s going so well. Last year I went to Thailand to train, but that was the only time I have been outside Japan."
Hot on Hinako’s and Bunai’s heels is World No 2 Sung Hyun Park, just one shot further back on 11-under-par, followed by a tightly packed group including Morgan Pressel, this year’s double major winner Jin Young Ko and Lizette Salas on 10-under-par.
Still in contention are Bronte Law, who remains bogey-free after 54 holes and she shares 7th place with fellow Englishwoman Charley Hull and Carlotta Ciganda.
Hull rallied after a two-over-par front nine to return home in 32 shots and is feeling confident going into the final round.
"Hopefully tomorrow I can have yesterday's front nine and today's back nine. I'm hitting it well and I'm putting well. It’s just another day at the office and I’ll pretend I'm out there with my friends playing golf."
The other member of the English trio, reigning champion Georgia Hall, did not have the day she was hoping for, posting a 2-over-par 74, 4-under-par total.
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