Maria McBride has established a commanding four-stroke advantage heading into the final round of the U.S. Senior Women’s Open at Barton Hills Country Club in Ann Arbor. The 52-year-old golfer fired a tournament-best 6-under 66 on Saturday, bringing her total to 7-under par. Favorable weather conditions, including rain that softened the course and two weather delays, contributed to McBride’s exceptional performance, which featured only 29 putts and 16 greens in regulation.
Despite McBride’s strong position, defending champion Becky Morgan and legendary golfer Annika Sorenstam remain within striking distance at 3-under par. Sorenstam, who has finished in the tournament’s top 10 in recent years, shot a 1-over 73 on Saturday after leading after the first round. Both Morgan and Sorenstam seek to become the championship’s first two-time winner since the tournament’s inception in 2018.
McBride’s recent success extends beyond Ann Arbor—she won the Legends Tour event last week in Indiana. Her length off the tee has been particularly notable throughout the week, averaging over 250 yards, more than 15 yards better than the field average. France’s Patricia Meunier-Lebouc and Scotland’s Catriona Matthew round out the top contenders, sitting at even par and 2-under respectively.
The final round begins Sunday morning, with McBride and Morgan scheduled for the concluding pairing at 1 p.m., while Sorenstam and Matthew will tee off at 12:49 p.m.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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