Coughlin heads Khang by one in Scotland; Maguire 63rd – News – Irish Golf Desk

Leona Maguire carded a third-round 75 to share 63rd heading into the final round of the ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open at Dundonald Links.

The Co Cavan star (29) , who got the tougher side of the draw, is on seven-over par, 19 strokes behind American Lauren Coughlin, who fired a bogey-free, six-under 66 to lead by one stroke from compatriot Megan Khang on 12-under.

“It’s just what I’ve been doing all week, staying super patient and trying to guess the wind as good as I can and make good putts,” said Coughlin, who won her maiden LPGA title last month.

“A lot of it is putting. I started to get some confidence in the Asian Swing, and since then I’ve been able to keep it going. I’m starting to hit the ball extremely well, and I’m just starting to feel really good about my game and myself and trying to keep it going.

“I was starting to get confidence with the putter but also starting to get confidence with myself and my game and just going and being me and relaxed is all I need to do.

“I think I’ve just been able to keep my feels even in the off-weeks. I’ve actually been impressed with myself that I’ve been able to keep it going because it’s not easy when you’ve got to go home.”

It was also a good day for Khang, who produced a bogey-free round of 69.

“The front nine was just staying patient out there and playing with Charley [Hull] and Minjee [Lee] is always a good time,” said Khang.

“I just had to stay within myself to give myself a few good chances on the front, didn’t get lucky enough for them to drop, but I had good par saves to keep me in it, and on the back nine, I made some putts in my favour.

“The plan is the same thing as today was, to just stay patient out there. Putts will drop and just make the most of it, but to give myself the opportunities to hole birdies and when I have to get some up-and-downs when need be. It’s going to be what makes or breaks this tournament.”

Germany’s Esther Henseleit and England’s Charley Hull sit in a share of third place on nine-under-par after three days of action.

Henseleit was one of three players to shoot 66 and put herself into a good position ahead of the final day.

The two-time LET winner made four birdies on her front nine before adding another on the 10th and then rolling in her eagle putt on 14.

Her only dropped shot of the day was on the 16th but the Olympic silver medallist is only three strokes behind leader Coughlin with one round remaining.