Ko and Jutanugarn Share Lead in LA Open

Jin Young Ko and Moriya Jutanugarn share the third round lead in the 2018 HUGEL-JTBC LA Open at the historic Wilshire Country Club. The LPGA return to the City of Los Angeles for the first time since 2001 was just what the ladies tour was looking for in terms of showcasing talent, putting on a show with World #1 implications.

Ko and Jutanugarn, ranked #18 and #17 in the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings respectively, are tied at 9-under. Inbee Park (#3), Eun-Hee Ji (#21), Marina Alex (#37), Minjee Lee (#15) and Caroline Inglis (#55 CME) are within four strokes. In total, 11 players are within six of the lead with another half dozen right behind. 10 of the top 17 shot 69 or better leading into tomorrow's final round.

Ko, Lee and Pernilla Lindberg each shot the low round of 66 on moving day. "I played with Inbee and Eun Hee, really famous on the LPGA," said Ko, a 2018 rookie currently ranked eighth on the Official Money List. Ko also leads the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year race. "I thought was doing great players, so I just need to focus on my game. But she's great, so I didn't... nervous, yeah."

Jutanugarn said: "Today was kind of a pretty rough day for me with not a very good start and trying to come back. I just try to play my game and be patient out there."

Here are the ROLEX Rankings #1 scenarios: Lexi Thompson (Tied 23, E), So Yeon Ryu (8th, -4) and Inbee Park (3rd, -7) all have a chance to overtake Shanshan Feng for the No. 1 spot in the Rolex Rankings this week based on their final results at the HUGEL-JTBC LA Open.

Ryu must win the tournament to have a chance but it will also depend on how Feng, Thompson and Park finish. Thompson needs to finish in fifth or better with Feng and Park's results factoring into the scenario. Park will need to finish sixth or better and the outcome will depend on the results of Feng and Thompson. Feng is currently tied for 12th at 3-under par.