Fudoh Clings to One Shot Lead After 3rd Round of Women's British Open.

Yuri Fudoh and Ji-Yai Shin had identical rounds and scores after two rounds of the RICOH Women's British Open. Shin's 18th hole bogey was all that stood in the way of it happening again. Fudoh's -3, 69 gave her a whiff of breathing room in the form of a one shot lead over Shin. They'll both be in the final pairing again tomorrow. Ai Miyazato's excellent 68 gave her 3rd place alone, one in front of two Americans, Juli Inkster and Cristie Kerr. One more back was Mi Hyun Kim. The tiny one shot the round of the day, a 67. This left her T6 with Eun-Hee Ji, Natalie Gulbis, and Average Golfer's pick to win, Ya-Ni Tseng, all at -9. There was a three way tie at -8 featuring Na Yeon Choi, Momoko Ueda, and defending champion, Lorena Ochoa.

Inkster began the day eagle, birdie, but was derailed some by a back nine 38. Kerr had 6 birdies in her round, but 4 bogeys as well to bring her back down to earth. It appears it would take a 66 or so to challenge from 4 or 5 spots back on Sunday. Not that many strokes to overcome, but a host of other players. If conditions remain the same as today, there's birdies to be had.

Notables included Karrie Webb, 69, T15, Paula Creamer, 70, T19, Suzann Pettersen, 71, T19, and Annika, 70, T38. I'm sure it's not the way Annika wanted her "last" major to go.

It's a horse race on Sunday, down to the wire. Tune in.

Til' next,


Average Golfer Observation......With the surge of excellent Korean players, my spellcheck is crying "Uncle!".

Fudoh, Shin Lead Women's British Open After 2nd Round - Inkster Lurks.

Yuri Fudoh of Japan and Ji-Yai Shin from Korea mirrored each others scores to share the lead at the halfway mark of the RICOH Women's British Open. Both penciled 66, 68, 134 totals to split a one shot lead over resurgent Juli Inkster. Inkster's 65, 70, 135 left her one shot clear of Bo Bae Song and Cristie Kerr. At -7 was the three way tie of Natalie Gulbis, Ai Miyazato, and ever- favorite Lorena Ochoa. An additional ten players were within 5 shots of the lead, well within striking distance. Among them was Laura Diaz, owner of the bizarre round of the day. Diaz carded 3 eagles on the day on the 1st, 10th, and 11th holes. She missed a 30 ft. eagle putt on the 14th for what would have been a record four eagles in one round. Still, she finished with a 72 that left her at -6, four shots back. Five bogeys and a double bogey added to the roller coaster appearance of Diaz' card. Kerr had the round of the day propelled by six birdies and an eagle for a 65 that put her right in the thick of the race.

Notables include Ya-Ni Tseng at -5, Suzann Pettersen at -4, Paula Creamer, -3, Annika making the cut at even par, and Laura Davies, playing on the weekend at +1. Jeong Jang, one of the pre-tournament favorites withdrew and Morgan Pressel missed the cut.

78 players will tee it up for the weekend, which is the top 65 and ties. $2,100,000.00 is at stake. Rainy outbursts peppered today's round and I'd expect nothing less for the final two rounds. Saturday's results should lend some shape to the final round. Expect it to be tight at the end. Can't wait.

Til' next,

2008 Women's British Open Odds.

Well, what do you know? A British Open we can actually call the British Open. The R&A, for whatever reason, hasn't sunk their fangs into this one yet, hence not the Women's Open Championship. Truth be told though, the official moniker is the RICOH Women's British Open.

Let's handicap the final women's major of the year. As is our habit, Average Golfer relies on the good folks at Ladbrokes to provide current odds. They provide the numbers, I provide the witty repartee and invaluable insight. Let's examine the top 15 in the eyes of the bettors.

Lorena Ochoa, 3/1 .....Sure, the favorite, but outside the top ten last week and not quite up to her usual domination. Of course she can win, but don't like the odds.

Annika Sorenstam, 12/1 .....Playing well tee to green. Not the putter we're accustomed to. Could win, but don't see her as 2nd favorite.

Paula Creamer, 16/1 .....Would have her ahead of Annika. Multiple wins this year and this is on an American, target style course. Consider her one of the favorites. Obviously.

Na-Yeon Choi, 20/1 .....#1 tour rookie. T2 last week, T3 the week before. On a hot streak. Can win. Tough to make a major your 1st victory though.

Suzann Pettersen, 25/1 .....Threat to win anywhere, anytime. Can overpower a golf course. Disappointing T20 last week. Can win.

Ya-Ni Tseng, 25/1 .....Cool beyond her years. Already has one major in her stable. Why not another? Can win.

Angela Park, 33/1 .....Beautiful golf swing. 2nd last week. Third at US Women's Open. She's due, overdue. Could win.

Cristie Kerr, 33/1 .....6th last week. Peaking at the right time. Pressure won't affect her. Possible, but too many ahead of her this year.

Eun-Hee Ji, 33/1 .....Another excellent rookie. Won Wegman's, T11 last week at Evian. Real shot here.

Jeong Jang, 33/1 .....Great mid-season. Slipping some of late. Could win, don't see it.

Ji-Yai Shin, 33/1 .....Owns all existing KLPGA records. Plays well internationally and in majors. Watch out for this young lady. Could win.

Karrie Webb, 33/1 .....Mediocre at best season by her standards. Still, expect her to elevate for a major. Won't win though.

Seon Hwa Lee, 33/1 .....Surprised she's not higher. Two wins this year including the Ginn Tribute. Could win.

Hee-Won Han, 40/1 .....T3 in putts per green. 4th at State Farm Classic. Not consistent though. Can't win.

Inbee Park, 40/1 .....Won the US Women's Open for Pete's sake. 40/1? A travesty. Can win.

The tournament's being held at Sunningdale Golf Club in Berkshire, England. It's a target course not unlike what the ladies play week in and week out on the LPGA tour. The only thing resembling the men's version will be the British weather. Predictably unpredictable. Be ready tomorrow for Average Golfer's astute predictions.

Til' next,