Hye-Jin Choi is playing the kind of golf that makes you wonder if she secretly moonlights as a cartographer, because she's mapping out this Shanghai course with pinpoint accuracy. She's currently leading the LPGA event by a single stroke heading into the final round, proving that sometimes, a wire-to-wire victory is less about explosive fireworks and more about a steady, unwavering hand. Choi dropped four birdies on the front nine, which is basically the golf equivalent of hitting all your green lights on the way to the office, making the commute look effortless.
Her advantage is narrow, just one shot separating her from Amy Yang in second, with Ruoning Yin lurking two shots back. It’s a delicious little pressure cooker situation. Choi, who already has a baker’s dozen wins back home in South Korea, is clearly aiming to add that elusive LPGA Tour trophy to her already impressive collection. Because why have a good career when you can have a great career, right?
Meanwhile, defending champ Jeeno Thitikul seems to be experiencing one of those golf days where the ball just doesn't want to cooperate. After a Saturday 74, she’s sitting at even par, a far cry from last year’s thrilling five-hole playoff victory. The LPGA’s Asian Swing is heating up, and next week the circus moves to South Korea. I really hope Choi brings this laser-like focus with her, because watching someone execute like this is, frankly, good for the soul. And also, makes for fantastic writing.