On Saturday, Jenny Bae fired a 71 at the LPGA Mexico, taking the solo lead by one shot. With this performance, she looks to be in a strong position for a possible first-career victory on the tour. The American-born golfer, who plays for Sweden, started her day in style with three birdies on her first three holes. Her impressive performance grew more hesitant by the end of the round. Her 7-under par total of 209 was two better than the next competitor.
That sense of early momentum was very much on Bae’s side, as she ripped away immediate control of the tournament. After that amazing beginning, she struggled to stay on her feet during the race. Despite the great start, no further birdies came for Bae after the third hole. She had to settle for pars on five other scoring chances that would have stretched her lead even more.
Unfortunately, the last few holes would be devastating for Bae. Her round ended with a last-bogey on par-5 18th hole. Her second shot went way off target, into a playing area lined with sharp crushed coral. This blunder stood out even more than her previous triumph as it put into doubt her capacity to hold it together on the biggest of stages.
“I didn’t finish as well as I wanted to, but that’s OK,” – Jenny Bae
Bae recognized the importance of fighting for every stroke in the final round, stating, “Just tells me that I need to fight more the last 18 holes.” Reflecting on her missed opportunities for additional birdies, she added, “I feel like I definitely left a few birdies out there, but it’s OK because I know those chances that I missed today could be the birdies that I get tomorrow.”
Although Bae was in first the whole day, Gabriela Ruffels gave a solid effort late in her round. The 10-year-old Ruffels proved her worth with a plethora of beautiful shots. That changed when she rolled in a beautiful 15-foot birdie putt on the par-4 14th to get back to two over for the day. She continued her momentum by leaving her tee shot just in front of the green on the 17th before pitching to a back pin location just four feet away for another birdie. Ruffels closed her round with a dramatic eagle on the 18th hole. This accomplishment was her third straight birdie, setting her up to finish the day on a positive note.
“I was just proud of the way I kind of stuck in there and felt like I gave myself the chance to kind of come back,” – Gabriela Ruffels
Ruffels was pleased with her execution and noted that it gave her a great vibe leading into the last round. “To finish the way I did is really good and some momentum into tomorrow,” she noted.
With the final round fast approaching, Bae is in for the most challenging test yet. She’s got only a one-shot lead over the likes of Ruffels and others. To claim her maiden LPGA title, she will have to lean on her veteran experience and mental toughness.
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