Karis Davidson rebounds from mid 3rd round struggles
Karis Davidson – in action early in today’s third round – image USGA Logan Whitton
Karis Davidson moved within three of the lead midway through her third round of the US Women’s Open at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles with birdies at the 1st and 10th holes, but agonising double bogeys at her 12th and 15th holes before a birdie at the 16th and another at the last, saw her eventually finish with a round of 71 and at even par for her opening 54 holes.
While perhaps now out of contention for a very high finish, it has nonetheless been a spirited US Women’s Open debut for the 27-year-old Queenslander. who is six shots behind the joint leaders, Nelly Korda and Sei Young Kim and in a share of 18th place.
Appearing to be cruising with two birdies and nine pars when she reached the 12th fairway, Davidson found herself just 104 yards from the hole after a powerful drive of over 280 yards. She hit a poor approach into the right-hand bunker, took two to get out, and the resultant double bogey saw her slip back in the field.
Another double at the 15th after finding the left rough from the tee and coming up short with her approach saw her slip further back before a rebound birdie from 20 feet at the 16th and another from 15 feet at the last.
Given the disappointment in the middle of her back nine, it was a great comeback for Davidson and leaves her not without the chance of what a week ago might have seemed a dream performance.
Without even a start in the event until the final spot became available, thanks to her alternate standing amongst the qualifiers, Davidson has gone steadily about her business on the demanding layout.
Davidson, who played her first couple of years as a professional on the Japan LPGA Tour before heading to the US in 2022, earned her status via the Q School in late 2001.
She played both the LPGA and Epson Tours in 2022, but has made steady progress since, to the point she has now made all nine cuts this season.
Tomorrow, she has a good opportunity to add considerably to the US$241,000 in LPGA earnings she has to her name already in 2026.
Of the other Australians, Minjee Lee is the next best after a 3rd round of 71 to be at 3 over and tied for 34th, Grace Kim at 4 over and Hannah Green, perhaps surprisingly, after a round of 75 in a share of 46th.
