Minjee Lee leads the LPGA Tour's LA Open
Australia's Minjee Lee has a fifth LPGA title in her sights after overcoming a triple bogey to hold the lead going into the final round of the LA Open.
World No.4 Lee reeled off seven birdies, five of them after her big blemish on the third hole, and finished with a four-under 67 to reach 11-under at Wilshire Country Club.
That gave the 22-year-old Perth product a one-stroke lead from Denmark's Nanna Koerstz Madsen, who also had a 67, with a three-shot gap back to third-placed Inbee Park (68).
The super-consistent Lee is seeking her first win since last year's Volvik Championship, having finished top-three in three of her past eight starts this year, including last week's Lotte Championship, where she tied third.
Last season she had 13 top-10 finishes and finished second on the LPGA season money list.
"I sort of fought my way back to my score today," Lee said.
"After that [triple] I wasn't super nervous or anything. I just sort of tried to believe in myself and just go out there and make as many birdies as I can, try and hit as many good shots as I can."
Lee she will have her work cut out to break through on the final day amid some prolific competition.
South Korean star Park has won seven majors among her 19 LPGA Tour titles.
"It's extremely hard to stay patient on these greens," Park said. "I really feel like I should be 15-under par easily by now. These greens are just so complicated,
World No.1 Jin Young Ko is tied fourth with American Morgan Pressel (70), five shots behind Lee after a 67.
She's the only player with multiple victories this year, taking the Founders Cup in Phoenix and the major ANA Inspiration in Rancho Mirage.
Young Australian Hannah Green is also in line for a good pay day, tied 10th on four under after a 71.
AP