Nasa Hataoka had a remarkable performance on Saturday at Pebble Beach. She shot a bogey-free 66, the lowest score of the tournament. Hataoka finished the third round at 7-under-par, taking the lead in the U.S. Women’s Open. Allisen Corpuz, who shot a 71, is one shot behind Hataoka.
Hataoka, a 24-year-old from Japan, has been a contender in previous major championships. She lost in a playoff in the 2018 ANA Inspiration and the 2021 U.S. Women’s Open.
Saturday’s conditions were challenging with gusts of wind reaching 20 mph. However, Hataoka played a steady round and secured birdies on the 10th, 12th, 14th, and 17th holes.
Hataoka will be paired with Corpuz in the final group on Sunday. Corpuz, a 27-year-old from Hawaii, is competing in her first U.S. Women’s Open. She has had a solid week, shooting rounds of 70-68-71.
Bailey Tardy (68), Hyo Joo Kim (69), and Jiyai Shin (70) are also within striking distance of the lead. The final round of the U.S. Women’s Open is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. PT on Sunday.
