AUGUSTA, United States (AFP) – Top-ranked leader Jennifer Kupcho was pleased with her practice Friday ahead of the final round of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur at the famed home course of the Masters.
Kupcho stood on 5-under par 139 with a one-stroke lead over Mexico’s Maria Fassi after 36 holes at nearby Champions Retreat with Americans Kaitlyn Papp and Sierra Brooks and Thailand’s Pimnipa Panthong another stroke adrift.
The Philippines’ Yuka Saso, the reigning Asian Games champion, is six shots adrift at 145.
“I’m going to go out and enjoy my round. I’m so lucky to have made it here and I’ll try my best to make it memorable as possible,” said the 17-year-old Saso.
Before Saso, only two Filipinos have played a competitive round at Augusta – legends Golem Silverio and Frankie Minoza.
All 72 competitors enjoyed a practice round Friday at Augusta National but only the top 30 advanced to compete over 18 holes, women battling for a trophy at the iconic course for the first time.
Kupcho and Fassi will tee off in the last group at 10:20 a.m. while Americans Anna Redding and Allisen Corpuz tee off in the first pairing at 8 a.m. Saturday after ceremonial first-tee shots by former LPGA stars Annika Sorenstam, Lorena Ochoa and Nancy Lopez.
Kupcho worked Friday with caddie Brian Murphy, her bagman when she toured the course in 2017 with her Wake Forest University team and again in the final round.
‘‘It was just a lot of fun to see the course again,’’ Kupcho said. ‘‘I played really well and was hitting the ball well. So I think I’m ready for tomorrow.’’
Fassi, a University of Arkansas senior, reached the green in two shots on all four of Augusta National’s par-5 holes on Friday.
‘‘It was unreal,’’ Fassi said. ‘‘It’s really hard to describe how amazing everything was out there. I was excited on every single shot I hit and just hitting those putts and seeing how much they break.’’
Her college coach, Jose Maria Sanchez, will be her caddie Saturday.
‘‘It is going to be a battle out there, not only between me and Jennifer but like two or three groups behind us as well,’’ Fassi said.
