BROCKTON, Mass., May 28, 2016 - Natalie Sheary (West Hartford, Connecticut) was more steady than dominant on Saturday as she carded a 2-under 69 to move to 11-under, 131 to take a three shot lead into Sunday’s final-round. Sheary has made just one bogey through 36 holes and will aim for her first career victory on Sunday. Marissa Steen (West Chester, Ohio) posted her second straight 4-under, 67 and will attempt to chase down Sheary for her fourth career win. Rebecca Artis (Coonabarabran, Australia) stands in third at 7-under, 135.
The cut was made at 2-over, 144 and 69 players will tee it up on Sunday. The final group of Sheary and Steen will tee at 1:10 p.m. The estimated finishing time and trophy ceremony is approximately 4:45 p.m.
Sheary started strong once again with back-to-back birdies on the third and fourth holes. She made birdie on seven to make the turn at 12-under. Her lone blemish of the entire tournament came on the 12th hole as she dropped to 11-under. She made six pars on her way into the clubhouse.
“Today was really, really steady,” said Sheary, who broke the Thorny Lea course record on Friday with a 62. “I hit the ball well again, just didn’t have as many close birdie putts. I had a lot of opportunities and made some on the front and didn’t make many on the back, but that is golf.”
Sheary has made eight birdies and two eagles against just one bogey over 36 holes. She has hit 26-of-28 fairways and 27-of-36 greens in regulation.
“There are a lot of positives that I will be taking into tomorrow,” said Sheary. “I feel like I am really playing smarter and going for pins when I can.”
Sheary again harped on the fact that her dad as her caddy is a major key to her success.
“Having my dad on the bag is super comfortable and I’m able to play golf as I did when I was younger,” said Sheary. “It feels like we are out for an afternoon round of golf.”
Sheary has nine career top 10 finishes including a second place result in 2008, but no wins. She has been in contention this year and her best finish is a tie for fifth at the Guardian Retirement Championship at Sara Bay.
“Obviously, a win would mean everything to me,” said Sheary. “Having a win with my dad on the bag and my mom watching and being so close to home would be really special.”
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