Jeon In-jee, who has been in good form this season, is targeting a final-day comeback win at the LPGA Tour Meijer Classic, which carries a total purse of $3.25 million.
Jeon recorded seven birdies in a clean round during the third round held Friday at Blythefield Country Club (par 72) in Belmont, Michigan. With an intermediate total of 10-under-par 206, Jeon jumped from a tie for 36th the previous day to sole fourth. She trails sole leader Yan Jing (United States, 14-under-par 202) by four strokes.
Jeon, who has four career LPGA Tour wins, struggled with back and shoulder injuries following her victory at the 2022 major KPMG Women's PGA Championship. But she has shown signs of revival this season, recording two top-10 finishes in eight tournaments. In particular, she displayed her former skills at the U.S. Women's Open earlier this month, finishing sole fourth.
Leading with driver shots of 278 yards on the day, Jeon missed five greens but reduced her putts to 26 to cut strokes. After making three birdies on the front nine, Jeon added four "stepping-stone birdies" at the 12th, 14th, 16th, and 18th holes on the back nine.
"Honestly, yesterday's round was a bit boring, but before starting today's play, I talked with my caddie about how I felt I could make a lot of birdies," Jeon said. "Since training with my coach at the U.S. Women's Open, I've definitely gained confidence. Fitting the putter to suit me was a big help."
Leader Yan Jing competed at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics as a member of China's national team. She has yet to win on the LPGA Tour. Lottie Woad (England) is in second at 13-under-par, and Cassie Porter (Australia) is in third at 12-under-par. Hsu Wei-ling (Taiwan) and Liu Yan (China) are also tied for fourth with Jeon.
Im Jin-hee cut six strokes to finish tied for seventh at 9-under-par, and Kang Min-ji is tied for 10th at 8-under-par.
