FPO Final Round Preview

FPO Final Round Preview

Story/Photo by Chris Yucus

Sure, she’s got a nine-stroke lead on the field at -18 heading into the final round. But Paige Pierce doesn’t feel like she has the 2021 Ledgestone FPO title locked up just yet.

Especially not with Sunday’s final round to be held at the new ultra-tough Northwood Black course in Morton.

“I don’t feel comfortable with nine strokes,” Pierce told the media after her 996-rated -7 Round 3 performance at Sunset Hills DGC in Pekin on Saturday.

“If I was at 15, maybe. You guys saw it yesterday on the men’s broadcast. Paul McBeth over par. Lots of the best players in the world over par.That course can really get you.”

Chasing Pierce on Sunday’s top card will be Missy Gannon (2nd, -9), Sarah Hokom (3rd, -8) and defending Ledgestone FPO Champ Catrina Allen (t-4th, -7). Allen carded the hot round Saturday at Sunset Hills with a -8 to move 11 strokes behind Pierce.

“I know if I’m playing well, Northwood is the place where I can do something spectacular,” Allen said.

Sunday’s Round 4 chase card will be a bit of a family affair as Valerie Mandujano (6th, -5), and her sister Alexis Mandujano (8th, -2) join Maria Oliva (t-4th, -7) and Hailey King (7th, -2) in looking to move up the leaderboard.

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Paige Pierce will look to hold onto her 9-stroke lead Sunday during the final round of play at Northwood Black.

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