Sarah Schmelzel and Albane Valenzuela took the third-round lead Saturday in the Dow Championship, shooting a 2-under 68 in alternate-shot play to move into position for their first LPGA Tour victories.
Schmelzel and Valenzuela had a 13-under 197 total at Midland Country Cup heading into the better-ball final round. They opened with an alternate-shot 68 on Thursday and had a best-ball 61 on Friday.
“You’re kind of on pins and needles most of the day, just hoping you don’t get your partner in trouble,” Schmelzel said. “Just super solid. I feel like we had really good attitudes throughout the entire day. I think both of us took every single shot as it came.”
The teams of Jin Hee Im-Somi Lee (68) and Manon De Roey-Pauline Roussin-Bouchard (69) were a stroke back.
“I’m very proud of us,” De Roey said. “We hung in there. We fought until the end.”
Jennifer Kupcho and Leona Maguire, the second-round leaders after a 60, birdied the final two holes for a 72 that left them tied for fourth at 11 under with Lauren Hartlage-Brooke Matthews (66) and Sung Hyun Park-Ina Yoon (67). Kupcho won in 2022 with Lizette Salas.
“Just try and go low and try and post a number early and see what happens,” Maguire said. “I think it was nice to see two putts go in at the end.”
Lexi Thompson-Megan Kang (68) and Rio Takeda-Miyu Yamashita (67) were 10 under.
Defending champions Ruoning Yin and Jeeno Thitikul, both among the top five in the women’s world ranking, were 9 under after a 67.
Schmelzel and Valenzuela parred the final seven holes. They had four birdies and two bogeys in the round.
“I feel like we had a really good day,” Valenzuela said. “Our goal in foursomes was just to get a couple under or maybe a little bit better. We had a few mistakes, and that’s going to happen in this format. We also did a lot of really good stuff.”
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the DAO Championship is a standout on the LPGA Tour A truly unique event that distinguishes itself from the standard tournament format It’s not just another stop on the tour It’s an experience a celebration of partnership and strategy that captivates players and fans alike From the meticulously manicured greens to the electric atmosphere the DAO Championship offers something special Breaking from tradition with its innovative team format at Midland Country Club This isn’t your typical individual stroke play It’s a collaborative effort where two players combine their strengths and navigate the course together The beautiful landscape of Midland Country Club provides the perfect backdrop for this exciting competition challenging players with its strategic layout and stunning views Instead of the usual solo grind where golfers rely solely on their own abilities and mental fortitude 72 two-player teams compete forging alliances and partnerships that add a new layer of intrigue to the game These teams comprised of some of the best players in the world bring a dynamic energy to the course as they work together towards a common goal Testing not just individual skill but true partnership under pressure communication trust and a shared understanding of the game become paramount as teams navigate the challenges of each round It’s a fascinating display of teamwork and camaraderie showcasing a different side of professional golf The event alternates between four ball and alternate shot formats adding a strategic element that keeps players and viewers on their toes This blend of formats requires versatility and adaptability forcing teams to adjust their strategies and play to their strengths demanding both aggression and precision Players must be willing to take risks and go for the green while also maintaining the composure and accuracy needed for delicate putts It’s a true test of a golfer’s all-around abilities In four ball players can attack knowing that both players on the team are playing their own ball and the best score counts Knowing their partner is a safety net allowing for more daring shots and aggressive play This format encourages risk-taking and provides opportunities for teams to make up ground quickly In alternate shot every swing is magnified as partners must alternate hitting the same ball until its hold This format creates dramatic momentum swings where a single errant shot can drastically alter a team’s position on the leaderboard and keeps fans engaged with its unpredictability The constant shifts in momentum and the high stakes of each shot create an electrifying atmosphere that draws spectators into the heart of the competition Watching players strategize and support each other offering insights and encouragement offers a fresh personal look at the sport It’s a chance to see the human side of these elite athletes as they navigate the pressures of competition and rely on their partners for support The atmosphere is electric with teamwork taking center stage creating a unique and unforgettable experience for everyone involved Saturday’s third round often referred to as moving day in traditional tournaments played in the demanding alternate shot format presents a crucial test of skill and partnership is often the tournament’s turning point It’s the day when teams either solidify their position at the top or falter under the pressure potentially losing their chance at victory It’s the day when true teamwork is tested when communication and trust are pushed to their limits And the pressure can make or break a team’s shot at the trophy The DAO Championship is more than just a golf tournament It’s a celebration of partnership strategy and the enduring spirit of competition After a grueling third round Sarah Schmemellzel and Albane Valenuela lead at 16 underpar Their partnership built on consistency and smart play has outshown more high-profile teams Schmemellzel’s steady ball striking and Valenuela’s competitive fire have proven a perfect match They’ve thrived by minimizing mistakes and capitalizing on opportunities adapting seamlessly to each format Both are chasing their first LPGA win and their calm united approach has put them in prime position Leading a team event brings unique pressure but their visible rapport suggests they’re ready for the challenge For Schmemellzel and Valenuela shared responsibility has become a source of strength Now with just 18 holes left they’re poised for a potential breakthrough victory Alternate shot or forsomes is golf’s ultimate test of partnership Two players alternate shots making every swing a shared responsibility The format disrupts rhythm and demands patience as players must adapt to whatever situation their partner leaves them Strategic decisions like who tease off on which holes can make or break around Course management becomes a chess match with every choice affecting both players The mental game is crucial Trust communication and support are non-negotiable Mistakes are inevitable but great teams move on quickly and stay united In alternate shot you win and lose together making it the truest examination of partnership in golf Only the strongest duos survive the pressure and unpredictability of this format As the pressure mounted in round three the dynamic duo of Schmelzel and Valenuela emerged as a force to be reckoned with Their remarkable two under 68 in the challenging alternate shot format wasn’t just luck It was a masterclass in teamwork showcasing their ability to seamlessly blend their strengths and support each other through every swing Throughout the round they strategically capitalized on birdie opportunities sinking four crucial putts while minimizing damage with just two bogeies demonstrating their composure and ability to bounce back from minor setbacks Their smart course management and calculated risks were evident as they skillfully navigated the course avoiding the big mistakes and hazards that often derail teams in this demanding format Their steady play unwavering focus and positive attitude kept them ahead of the competition even after facing inevitable challenges and setbacks on the course After the round Valenuela summed it up perfectly encapsulating their winning formula We just tried to stay patient trust our instincts and most importantly have each other’s back knowing that we could rely on one another in any situation Their ability to secure key par saves on the challenging back nine showcased their remarkable resilience and composure under immense pressure solidifying their position as top contenders Their synergy was clear for all to see Schmelzel’s powerful and accurate drives consistently set up Valenuela’s confident and precise putting creating a seamless rhythm and flow that other teams simply couldn’t match giving them a distinct advantage Their strategic tea choices combined with a conservative approach when the situation demanded it kept them consistently out of trouble allowing them to maintain their momentum and avoid costly mistakes Their disciplined and methodical approach to each hole minimized errors and maximized their opportunities to score ultimately contributing to their impressive round This wasn’t just a good score or a stroke of luck It was a testament to their preparation strategic thinking and a perfectly executed game plan that unfolded seamlessly on the course Now with their exceptional performance in round three they’re in prime position and poised to claim victory setting the stage for an exciting final round Schmemellzel and Valenuela lead but the chase is on Lexi Thompson and Brook Henderson just one shot back are peing at the right time Swedish duo Sagstrom and Grant also at 15 under bring chemistry and firepower Other contenders including the Cordisters and defending champions are within striking distance The fourball format means anyone can go low No lead is safe Chasers can attack while leaders must balance aggression with caution The stage is set for a dramatic unpredictable Sunday Only the team that handles the pressure will emerge victorious Player interviews revealed the mental battles of alternate shot Schmemellzel credited their success to a positive attitude and keeping things light Thompson emphasized trust If I miss Brooke can recover and vice versa The format tests not just skill but relationships Every mistake feels magnified Even struggling teams found value in the challenge seeing it as a learning experience Valenuela’s mindset stood out Leading is a privilege not a pressure She focused on controlling their game and attitude not the competition This perspective seeing the final round as an opportunity could be their edge The emotional roller coaster of team golf is real but the best partnerships thrive under it Sunday will test nerves trust and the ability to embrace the moment As the sun rises on Sunday casting a golden glow across the meticulously manicured greens the final round of the tournament promises a thrilling showdown The air is thick with anticipation The energy palpable as players and spectators alike prepare for what is sure to be an unforgettable day of golf The stage is set for a dramatic conclusion where fortunes will be made and dreams realized The format for this climactic showdown a return to the exciting and unpredictable fourball more commonly known as best ball This format injects a unique dynamic into the competition fostering teamwork and strategic decision-making It’s a departure from the individual grind placing emphasis on collaboration and capitalizing on each player’s strengths Best ball is synonymous with an all-out birdie fest With two players contributing on every hole the potential for low scores skyrockets Expect to see aggressive pinseeking daring putts and a relentless pursuit of birdies as teams vy for the top spot on the leaderboard It’s a format that rewards risk-taking and encourages an attacking mindset The beauty of best lies in its simplicity Both players play their own ball throughout the hole navigating the course with their individual strategies and skill sets But only the lower the score counts towards the team’s total for that hole This creates a safety net allowing players to take chances knowing that their partner can potentially cover for them This naturally encourages aggressive play Players are more willing to go for the green in two attempt difficult shots and take risks that they might otherwise avoid in a standard stroke play format For Schmemellzel and Valenuela this means they must strategically shift from a defensive posture to a more assertive offensive approach They need to identify opportunities to attack and capitalize on their strengths Their primary objective aiming for birdies and lots of them to fend off the relentless challengers nipping at their heels Every putt becomes crucial Every approach shot a chance to gain an edge The beauty of the format allows one player to unleash their aggressive side taking on risky shots and aiming for the spectacular All the while the other player can adopt a more conservative strategy playing safe and ensuring a solid score in case the aggressive play doesn’t pan out This balanced approach is all about maximizing scoring chances By strategically combining risk and caution teams can create more opportunities to card those crucial birdies Open communication and capitalizing on individual strengths will be paramount to success Constant dialogue shared insights and a clear understanding of each other’s capabilities are essential Schmemellzel’s powerful driving her ability to consistently bomb it off the tea and gain valuable yardage Combined with Valenuela’s deft short game her precision around the greens and ability to sink clutch putts will be absolutely key to their chances of holding on to that lead and ultimately securing the victory They need to seamlessly blend their talents and execute their strategy flawlessly However a slender oneshot lead offers little cushion in this highstakes environment It’s a precarious advantage that can vanish in an instant In the unpredictable world of golf a single hole a lucky break or a costly mistake can dramatically swing the leaderboard turning contenders into pretenders and vice versa To maintain their position they need to post a low number an impressive score that sends a clear message to their rivals Realistically they’ll likely need to shoot seven underpar or better to feel even remotely secure heading down the final stretch Anything less and they risk being overtaken by the chasing pack The final round isn’t a leisurely stroll It’s a sprint not a marathon There’s no time for hesitation no room for error Every shot counts Every decision matters Ultimately the team that comes out firing on all cylinders seizing the initiative from the very first T-shot will undoubtedly have the best chance to emerge victorious and hoist the trophy The pressure is on the stakes are high and the stage is set for a captivating finale For Schmelzel and Valenuela Sunday is about more than a trophy It’s a shot at their first LPGA win A breakthrough would validate years of hard work and open doors to bigger events and endorsements Winning as a team adds a special layer of meaning and shared accomplishment The financial rewards and a two-year tour exemption would bring security and freedom Both players stand to reshape their careers with a victory The pressure is immense but so is the opportunity They must focus on their process and partnership not the outcome The chance to etch their names in LPGA history is within reach The third round delivered drama teamwork and a packed leaderboard Schmemellzel and Valenuela’s poise has earned them a slim lead but the chase is fierce Sunday’s fourball finale promises aggressive play and wild momentum swings The leaders must be bold The Chasers brilliant It’s a perfect setup for a day of compelling golf For Schmemellzel and Valenuela a life-changing moment is just 18 holes away They’ve proven their partnership Now they must close the deal Will they hold on or will a powerhouse team surge past The only thing left is to watch the drama unfold
