Minjee Lee delivered a masterclass performance at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship, carding a bogey-free 3-under 69 in the third round to take a commanding four-stroke lead over Jeeno Thitikul. This remarkable feat marked the first bogey-free round of the tournament, achieved amidst relentless Texas winds that tested the mettle of the world's best golfers.

Lee's Steady Climb to the Top

Lee, a two-time major champion, began the round three strokes behind Thitikul but quickly seized control. Her pivotal moment came at the 405-yard 12th hole, where a 2-foot par putt propelled her into the lead as Thitikul faltered with consecutive bogeys. Lee's consistency was evident as she strung together eight consecutive pars before sinking a 4-foot birdie at the 487-yard ninth hole.

Challenging Conditions

The Fields Ranch East course at PGA Frisco proved to be a formidable challenge, with gusts exceeding 30 mph and temperatures soaring into the mid-90s. Nelly Korda, the world's top-ranked player, described the conditions as "just brutal" after her round of 72, which included a mix of birdies and bogeys.

Thitikul's Struggles

Thitikul, who had led after the first two rounds, struggled to maintain her momentum. Despite a 13-foot birdie at the 172-yard par-3 eighth hole, she faltered with back-to-back bogeys on the back nine, allowing Lee to surge ahead. Thitikul's round of 76 left her at 2-under for the tournament, four strokes behind Lee.

Notable Performances

• Grace Kim carded the best round of the day with a 68, climbing from a tie for 68th to tied for 10th.
• Lexi Thompson, despite a triple-bogey start, finished tied for third at 1 over.
• Brianna Do made a hole-in-one at the 150-yard fourth hole, adding a touch of brilliance to the day's play.

Looking Ahead

As the tournament heads into the final round, all eyes will be on Lee as she aims to secure her third major title. With the winds expected to remain fierce, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the Women's PGA Championship.

Leaderboard Highlights

Lee's performance not only highlights her skill and composure but also sets the stage for an exciting final round. Will she hold her nerve and claim the title, or will the challenging conditions give her rivals a chance to close the gap?