Golf: Lydia Ko stays in title mix after penultimate round at LPGA Drive On Championship in Florida

Kiwi golfer Lydia Ko will enter the final round of the LPGA Drive On Championship in Florida four shots off the pace, after American Nelly Korda's late charge on Sunday (NZ time).

Starting the day in a share of third place, Ko carded a two-under-par 69 in her penultimate round at Brandenton to move to nine-under overall.

The world No. 9 closed in a three-way tie for second place alongside American Megan Khang and Japan's Ayaka Furue.

Korda sits four shots clear atop the standings at 13-under overall, closing her three-under par round with an eagle and a birdie.

At one stage, Ko held the lead on the back of four birdies through the front nine, but was overtaken by the surging Korda in a back nine where she held par, with the exception of a bogey on the 14th hole.

Last week, Ko earned her first tour victory in 14 months, when she triumphed at the season-opening Tournament of Champions on her home course at Lake Nona in Orlando.

A win in Brandenton would give Ko the point she needs to book her place in the LPGA Hall of Fame.

Kiwi golfer Lydia Ko will enter the final round of the LPGA Drive On Championship in Florida four shots off the pace, after American Nelly Korda's late charge on Sunday (NZ time).

Starting the day in a share of third place, Ko carded a two-under-par 69 in her penultimate round at Brandenton to move to nine-under overall.

The world No. 9 closed in a three-way tie for second place alongside American Megan Khang and Japan's Ayaka Furue.

Korda sits four shots clear atop the standings at 13-under overall, closing her three-under par round with an eagle and a birdie.

At one stage, Ko held the lead on the back of four birdies through the front nine, but was overtaken by the surging Korda in a back nine where she held par, with the exception of a bogey on the 14th hole.

Last week, Ko earned her first tour victory in 14 months, when she triumphed at the season-opening Tournament of Champions on her home course at Lake Nona in Orlando.

A win in Brandenton would give Ko the point she needs to book her place in the LPGA Hall of Fame.

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