In her 16th career Epson Tour start, Haley Italia is hoping for her first win and her first top 10 finish at the same time.
On Saturday, she carded a 1-under 68 to get to 8-under 136 heading into the final round.
“Today started off good, we had a birdie on the par-5 first so that got us going,” said Italia. “Towards the end it got a little rocky, I had to get up and down on the last two holes.”
Italia moved to 9-under after a birdie on the sixth hole. She dropped back to 7-under with bogeys on the eighth and tenth holes. She made birdie on the par-5 15th to get to 8-under.
The Pace, Florida native dropped a six foot par putt on the 18th hole and showed a lot of emotion with a fist pump.
“You never want to end on a bogey,” said Italia. “Making that last putt helps going into Sunday.”
Italia missed most of last year with an injury, but had time to recuperate during the offseason.
“We had a good offseason plan and I was able to finish the last few events on the LPGA last year,” said Italia. “It helps to be healthy, even with confidence and I knew I would be in this position eventually this year.”
Italia has some experience playing in the final group, but only in Suncoast Series mini tour events.
“Sunday is just going to be another solid day enjoying the walk,” said Italia. “It’s going to be targets and placement.”
On Saturday, she carded a 1-under 68 to get to 8-under 136 heading into the final round.
“Today started off good, we had a birdie on the par-5 first so that got us going,” said Italia. “Towards the end it got a little rocky, I had to get up and down on the last two holes.”
Italia moved to 9-under after a birdie on the sixth hole. She dropped back to 7-under with bogeys on the eighth and tenth holes. She made birdie on the par-5 15th to get to 8-under.
The Pace, Florida native dropped a six foot par putt on the 18th hole and showed a lot of emotion with a fist pump.
“You never want to end on a bogey,” said Italia. “Making that last putt helps going into Sunday.”
Italia missed most of last year with an injury, but had time to recuperate during the offseason.
“We had a good offseason plan and I was able to finish the last few events on the LPGA last year,” said Italia. “It helps to be healthy, even with confidence and I knew I would be in this position eventually this year.”
Italia has some experience playing in the final group, but only in Suncoast Series mini tour events.
“Sunday is just going to be another solid day enjoying the walk,” said Italia. “It’s going to be targets and placement.”
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