Simin Feng leads LPGA Q-School finals by two after final-hole eagle

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) – Simin Feng of China eagled the par-5 18th hole Friday to take a two-stroke lead after the third round of the LPGA Tour Qualifying Tournament.

 

The 20-year-old Feng shot a 3-under 69 on LPGA International's Jones Course to reach 12-under 204.

 

The top 20 finishers Sunday will earn full LPGA Tour cards, and Nos. 21-45 and ties will receive conditional status.

 

"It's a great feeling to play good early," Feng said. "It feels great to be in the lead but there's still two more days to go and many more holes to come so I just have to keep going."

 

Feng played one season at Vanderbilt before turning professional last year. She tied for sixth in the event last season to earn an LPGA Tour card.

 

"I kind of tried to tweak my practice a little bit before this tournament," Feng said. "I decided to focus on my wedge game and the scoring part of the game, which has really helped me here. I've been able to save some shots and make some birdies on par 5s."

 

Cydney Clanton was second after a 69 on the Jones Course.

 

"To get out to a good start is always nice," Clanton said. "The weekend is just a grind. You just have to shoot low numbers. You have to just keep going."

 

South Korea's Julie Yang was another stroke back after a 72 on the Hills Course.

 

Grace Na and Thailand's Budsabakorn Sukapan were tied for fifth at 8 under. The 18-year-old Sukapan also eagled the final hole on the Jones Course for a 67. Na had a 69, also on the Jones Course.

 

"Everything was working really well today," Sukapan said. "I made some long putts and some par saves and my approach shots were good too."

 

Cheyenne Woods, Tiger Woods' niece, had a 72 on the Jones Course to drop from a tie for ninth into a tie for 16th at 4 under.

 

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