Paige Pierce Takes the Lead Ahead of Thrilling Final Round

The stage is set for an electrifying conclusion to the 2019 PDGA Professional Disc Golf World Championships as Paige Pierce stormed back into contention with a breathtaking 9-under par round. The talented American, seeking her fifth Open Women's title, has tied herself at the top of the leaderboard alongside Catrina Allen and Eveliina Salonen.

Pierce's exceptional play was marked by a mix of skill and nerves, which she admitted had been building up throughout the day. "I have butterflies right now," she confessed after submitting her impressive scorecard. Starting six strokes off the lead, Pierce focused on executing her game plan rather than worrying about the deficit.

The 28-year-old's strategy paid dividends as she took a birdie-heavy approach to the challenging Sunset Hills course. Despite two air-balled putts and three par-fours that could have been better, Pierce expressed satisfaction with her performance. "I was thinking about a number I wanted to achieve – 10-under," she revealed. "Other than those minor mistakes, I feel pretty happy about it."

Pierce expects the final round to be a test of putting prowess, as all three leaders are capable of making birdies on almost every hole. She isn't alone in anticipating a thrilling finish, with Salonen and Allen also acknowledging that the outcome will depend heavily on their putts.

Salonen's friend and playing partner, Henna Blomroos, impressed with a 2-under par round but ultimately fell short of advancing to the final day. Meanwhile, Sarah Hokom secured second place in the scorecard, six strokes behind the leaders. The reigning world champion is confident that her game plan will remain unchanged for the final round.

In contrast to Pierce's emphasis on putting, Hokom believes that certain holes at Sunset Hills are beyond her range and requires her to focus on securing birdies where she knows she can make them – primarily on the front nine.

As the women's field narrows to just 20 players, the excitement is palpable. Blomroos and Kristin Tattar will tee off among the chasing pack, joined by Rebecca Cox and Lisa Fajkus. With Pierce, Allen, and Salonen locked in a three-way tie for the top spot, the final round promises to be an unforgettable experience.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/news/im-just-ready-i-wish-it-was-right-now