Celine Boutier inched closer to her second title in as many weeks after seizing a three-stroke lead following the third round of the Women’s Scottish Open on Saturday in Ayrshire, Scotland.
Boutier, who captured her first major title at last week’s Evian Championship in her native France, carded a 6-under-par Saturday to boost her tournament score to 13-under 203 at Dundonald Links.
Boutier, 29, collected eight birdies — including four on her first seven holes — against just two bogeys to take the lead over Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit (66 on Saturday) and Sweden’s Maja Stark (72).
Boutier credited her putting for the good day.
“Just trying not to overthink the lines and hit some solid and aggressive putts,” she said. “I feel like that was really helpful because, you know, sometimes you can question your lines a little bit. They’re a little bit tricky to read sometimes, there’s double breakers and stuff like that. So I’ve definitely made a point to not really overthink it.”
Boutier is pleased her solid play carried over from last week.
“I feel like I’ve definitely been playing well and the fact that I got a good result last week also is giving me a little bit of confidence,” she said. “And just trying to build off of that, and hopefully a good, solid round tomorrow.”
Tavatanakit rose up the leaderboard on the strength of two eagles — on the par-5 Nos. 3 and 14 holes — and three birdies. She is bidding for her first win since her maiden Tour victory at the 2021 ANA Inspiration.
Her goal for Sunday is simple.
“Just keep hitting solid shots, a good shot, good tee shots, good second shots. Keep yourself in good position,” Tavatanakit said.
Stark made a birdie at the 10th hole to move up to 13-under, however bogeys on three of her final eight holes knocked her into a tie for second place. She is seeking her second LPGA Tour title after winning the 2022 ISPS Handa World Invitational in Northern Ireland.
Sweden’s Madelene Sagstrom (68) benefited from a birdie on the 18th to sit alone in fourth place at 9-under.
“I feel — my game feels good. So I’m just going to keep having this game plan and keep having the same feelings,” Sagstrom said. “Hopefully that still works out on the range. And then just hope the putter gets hot. That’s all I can hope for.”
Sagstrom was one stroke ahead of Denmark’s Nicole Broch Estrup (68) and two in front of the trio of second-round leader Hinako Shibuno (77) of Japan, Sweden’s Caroline Hedwall (67) and Australian Sarah Kemp (72).
Defending champion Ayaka Furue of Japan shot a 69 on Saturday to sit in a tie for 37th at even-par for the tournament.
–Field Level Media
