PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Megan Khang closed with an 18-foot birdie putt for her third straight 6-under 66 and a one-stroke lead Saturday at the Portland Classic in a bid to win a second straight- next week.
The 25-year-old American took the lead at Columbia Edgewater six days after winning the CPKC Women’s Open at Shaughnessy in Vancouver, British Columbia, for her first win on the LPGA Tour. Columbia Edgewater and Shaughnessy are both designed by AV Macan and have tall trees.
“The game feels solid,” Khang said. “I think last week definitely helped build some confidence, knowing that I can win here. Not just if it happens or when, but like it happened, so it’s definitely a good feeling to be there below the belt.”
Hyo Joon Jang of South Korea and Monday qualifier Chanettee Wannasaen of Thailand tied for second.
The 20-year-old Jang, ranked 488th in the world, shot a 62. He had 11 birdies and one bogey.
“I never counted birdies,” Jang said. “I’m more focused on the present.”
19-year-old Wannasaen, ranked 367th, had 65th.
Wannasaen has missed nine straight cuts in LPGA Tour play. He lost in a playoff to Yue Ren last week in Idaho at the Epson Tour’s Circling Raven Championship.
“Qualifying on Monday meant a lot to me because I was more confident before I played in the tournament,” said Wannasaen. “Since Monday was qualifying, I played really well.”
Khang played the back nine in 5-under 31 to get to 18 under.
“Just trying what I learned last week to this week, I think a shot at the lead,” Khang said. “So it’s definitely close and there’s a ton of people. I know you can actually shoot down low, and so it’s going to be anybody’s game I feel.”
Carlota Ciganda of Spain is fourth at 15 under after a 66. Xiyu Lin (66) is at 14 under with Atthaya Thitikul (67), Ruoning Yin (68) and Gina Kim (68).
Perrine Delacour, the leader after each of the first two rounds, had a 75 to fall to 16th at 11 under. After opening with bogey-free rounds of 63 and 67, he opened and closed with double bogeys Saturday. He also had three bogeys and just two birdies.
Columbia Edgewater member Caroline Inglis tied for 58th at 5-under after a 75. The former University of Oregon player lives across the Columbia River in Vancouver, Washington.