BOWLING HIGHLIGHTS COLUMN

  Local Bowlers Can Compete Statewide


   Local Sullivan County bowlers have three major United States Bowling Congress (USBC) tournaments that they can compete in and they are all located within driving distance in New York State.

  The 93rd Annual New York State Open (Men's) but also open to women bowlers, has been scheduled for the Ideal Bowling Center in Endicott next April and May.
  The tournament dates are April 22, 23, 28, 29, 30, May 5, 6, 7, 19, 20, 21.
  This tournament features team event, doubles and singles and the team event consists of five bowlers.

  The Southern Tier USBC is hosting this championship event.

  Multiple participation will be allowed but at least two players in the lineup must be different in the team event.

  Entry fee is $35 per person per event. Dates, event and times are available at www.bowlny.com or by calling 585-343-3736.
  Checks or money orders payable to New York State USBC must be mailed to New York State USBC, Attn: Mike Pettinella, 55 Edgewood Drive, Batavia, NY 14020.
  The 46th Anual NYS Queens Championship will be held April 22, at the Rapids Bowling Center in Niagara Falls.
  This event is open to Open and Classified divisions with two qualifying squads bowling five games at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Competition is scratch and 1 in 4 will cash and the lane condition will not be a house shot.
  Entry fee is $80 and after the 1 p.m. squad and re-oiling, semis, 1 game matches followed by stepladder, top 4 advance in each division.

  Make checks payable to NYS Queens and mail entry and fees to New York State USBC, 55 Edgewood Drive, Batavia, NY 14020.
  Website is www.bowlny.com                                                          

  The 81stAnnual New York State Women's Championships will be held April and May at Tonawanda Bowling Center in Tonawanda, NY.

  Entry fee is $30 per bowler per event. Mail checks payable to the NYS USBC at the address noted in the above paragraphs. Multiple participation is allowed but on the four team event two players must be different from the original team.   The divisional setup is Division 1 (scratch), Division 2 and Division 3 are handicap. 
  This tournament features four member team event, doubles and singles and will be held April 8, 9, 21, 22, 23, 28-29-30, May 5,6,7, 19,20, 21. Squad times and events are listed on the website www.bowlny.com


Ed's Outlook 

 

  Every sport needs sponsors and partnerships and GEICO, one of America’s premier auto insurers, will return to its entitlement  partnership position for the GEICO Professional Bowlers Association World Series of Bowling VIII in Reno, Nev., Nov. 27-Dec. 11, continuing its relationship with the PBA for the 14th consecutive year, including four years in a row as headline sponsor of the PBA WSOB.

  GEICO’s partnership will conclude with five national telecasts on ESPN along with hundreds of hours of digital coverage through PBA’s online bowling channel Xtra Frame. ESPN telecasts will include the live finals of the PBA World Championship on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 1 p.m. ET plus the finals of the PBA Cheetah, Viper, Chameleon and Shark Championships. All 2016-17 PBA Tour telecasts on ESPN also will feature a GEICO Championship Recap segment.

  GEICO, which serves more than 14 million private passenger customers and insures more than 24 million vehicles (auto & cycle), has been a PBA Tour partner since the 2003 GEICO Open in West Babylon, N.Y. In addition to its PBA entitlement sponsorships, it has been one of the leading advertisers in support of PBA’s telecasts.

  “We really like being a part of the PBA World Series of Bowling,” said Ted Ward, GEICO’s vice president of marketing. “It’s such a popular sporting event and it brings out such great fans. We’re happy we can support them.”

  The GEICO PBA World Series of Bowling VIII will award more than $750,000 in prize money, making it the richest event in professional bowling. A field of more than bowlers representing an estimated 20 different countries is expected. Since its inception, the WSOB has welcomed bowlers representing 36 different countries.

  “GEICO’s continuing partnership with the PBA is valuable not only to our programs at all levels, but to the bowling community around the world,” said PBA CEO and Commissioner Tom Clark. “We are extremely happy to welcome GEICO back for the 14th year in a row.”

  GEICO not only will have a significant presence on PBA’s ESPN telecasts, but also through the PBA Network which includes the online bowling channel Xtra Frame, social media, pba.com website, PBA YouTube channel and much more. The partnership package also will include visibility for GEICO on masking units and pin sweeps, and GEICO will be recognized as the “Official Auto Insurance Agency of the PBA World Series of Bowling.”

  

 Bowling Tip

By Mike Luongo

  The tip this week will be especially beneficial to youth and beginning bowlers.

  Many bowlers worry too much about their steps and footwork, giving very little thought to their upper body position.

  In the past, most new bowlers were told that you must use a four-step approach and push the ball away on the first step.

  This advise was generally imparted by someone wit the word "Coach" lettered on their shirt.

  Unfortunately, this advise is pure rubbish.

  First of all, all bowlers have different body types, different flexibility and different lengths to their arms and legs, so how is it possible that everyone can effectively use the exact same four-step approach? They can't.

  If you look back at the legends of the game, did any two bowlers have exactly the same style? No.

  The most important thing is to get the bowler's body in the correct position.....head over the ball with the bowling shoulder tilted to the ball side.

  In this way the feet will go where they must so that you do not fall down.

  The bottom line is if you are someone that works with new or youth bowlers, you must understand that everyone has different physiology so you need to help them get their body into the correct position and not focus on  how many steps they taker (or how these steps are taken) to get to the foul line.

  Mike Luongo is a certified IBPSIA Pro Shop Operator, Master Instructor, USBC Silver Level Coach and an Advisor-Special Events assistant with the Storm and Roto Grip Bowling Ball Company. Have a question, call him at 435-720-7939 or email at mikel@stormbowling.com

  Local Scores

  Callicoon Kristal Bowl

  Monday Ladies

  Rebecca Rhodes 186, 187, 521, Joyce Brooks 165, Kelly Gombita 155, Lillian Zieres 170, 172, Debbie Loughrey 163,  156, Pat Peters 156, Judy Mohn 154, Dawn Roemer 152, Kim Doty 173, Mardette Wilcox 172, 170, Kristen Emmett 150, 168.

 Wednesday Fun

   Jim Kautz 198, 241, 614, Brian Brustman 207, John Kline 182, Rich Thony 209, Tim Sykes 180, Bob Fix 185, Tom Gain 248, Bobby Glassel 230, John Diehl 200, Jack Diehl 181, Craig Stewart 207, 194, Roger Widmann 188, 203, John Fischer 195, 194, Mark Schriber 191.

Beechwood Lanes

Monday Ladies

  Beth Schumacher 166, 162, Tracy Puerschner 170, Autumn Ackerman 163, Diane Staves 151, Lois Erdmann 196.

Kiamesha Lanes

Monday Men's

Josh Strang 609, Pedro Agapito III a 605, Dean Shaddock 225, Paul Berens 244, Kyle Matthews 246, 623, Vinny Collura 259, 704, Donny Durland 235, 268, 279, 782, Mike Weiner 243, Ronald Totten 279, 628, Charley Tuttle 255, 612, Eddie Lake 229, 630, Rick Lake 233, 644, Juan Lopez 226, Gene Smith 233, 634, Lloyd Bridges 269, 693, Jon Wilhelm 234, 670, Robert Feeney 225, Vincent DeGraw 607, James VanAken 267, 694, Al Caycho 602, Bobby Cooper 225, Jody Farquhar 226.

Tues. Mixed Firefighters

  Pedro Agapito III a 258, 246, 685, Shane Cunningham 632, Kyle Vanwolde 237, 649, Trasey Barres 194, 177, 537, Carena Collura 211, 545, Charlie Tuttle 256, 670, Patti Meade 182, Karen Martin 199, 511, Kat Cronk 199, 194, 558, Tom Belgiovene 233, Kyle Giordano 260, 228, 231, 719, Jon Wilhelm 225, 627, Ed Guthrie 226, 606, John Hoffmann 232, 644, Leanne Mangabang 192, Mary Lee Williams 195, 190, 207, 592, Andrea Washington 182, 196, 550, Joan Lake 196, 511, Linda Schaefer 226, 534, Liz Stubits 183, 190, 541, Keith Smith 236, 225, 655, David Graham 236, 647.

Thursday Ladies

Sherri Laird 186, 184, 545, Lisa Cartwright 181, Tricia Tuttle 206, 529, Trasey Barres 502, Barb Merton 197, Danielle Johnson 190, Theresa Balzano 198, Liz Stubits 188, 526, Mary Jane Conklin 190, Joan Lake 188, 527, Audrey Woolard 221, 506.

Friday Mixed

  Donald Durland 258, 254, 733, Sarah Durland 217, 544, Cathy Carpenter 507, Anne Kaplan 188, MaryAnn Drobysh-Berens 189, 238, 577, Paul Durland 230, 614, Larry Whipple 234, 641, Eddie Lake 268, 688, Lauren Blume 180, Jessica Behnke 210, Trasey Barres 225, 578, Angie Desmond 188, 520, Keith Smith 257, 671, James VanAken 228, 614.

 

Ed Townsend is a Public Relations Consultant to the sport of Bowling and brings over 60-years of sports journalism experience in writing and compiling the information for this column. If you have league or tournament information, bowl a 300 game or 800 series or even bowl you age, let Ed know at 845-439-8177, email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com or fax at 845-205-4474. View this column and Ed's photos at http://bght.blogspot.com We are also on Facebook and Twitter.  

 

 

LANG CHARGED UP THE LEADERBOARD

clear skies and an eagle, amidst firm greens

Rolex Rankings No. 21 Brittany Lang charged up the leaderboard at the KEB HanaBank LPGA Championship in Friday’s second round, shooting a bogey-free 65 to move to 10-under-par and take a one-stroke lead over first-round leader Alison Lee. Lang tallied five birdies on the day, opening with a birdie on the first hole and finishing with a flurry as she birdied the 18th. The reigning U.S. Women’s Open champion also recorded her fifth eagle of the season on the par-5 15^th.

Lang credited the weather and greens conditions for her strong play. “It was a really enjoyable day. The greens are really firm but roll really nice. It was such a perfect day of weather.”

Lang shared her strategy with the firm greens. “You know, just hitting at the center of the greens and getting looks, because on firm greens I think that’s really important. Lang needed only 27 putts for the round. 

Luke, Brittany’s older brother and long-time caddy, is with her this week. Golf runs in the family and he was once an All-Conference golfer at Arkansas Tech. “I’m very lucky to have Luke on the bag,” she said. “We’ve been at it for a long time, so we kind of have a nice rhythm. He knows me, I know him. We work really well together.”

Lang is searching for her second win this season, the other was her first major win at the U.S. Women’s Open in July. She also has four additional top-10 finishes in 2016.

THE PRESSURE IS ON FOR ALISON LEE

Rolex Rankings No. 44 Alison Lee continued her strong play for Round 2 and carded a 2-under 70 for a total of 9-under pa.  With a mixed scorecard of three birdies, three bogeys and an eagle on the 15th hole, Lee still sits two strokes ahead of a pair of golfers tied for third – fellow American Cristie Kerr and Korea LPGA (KLPGA) member Sung Hyun Park.

While Lee has 10 career top-10 finishes over her first two seasons on Tour, she is still seeking her first LPGA vicgtory.

“I would definitely say a lot of pressure, especially this week, I’m in a good position to win this week,” Lee said. “Hopefully I can get it down. It’s a huge goal, dream of mine to win out here. I’m going to do my best to try not to think about it the next few days and just play golf, and hopefully everything will just fall into place.”

Lee tees off tomorrow with fellow Solheim Cup Team USA players Brittany Lang and Cristie Kerr.

On participating in Se Ri Pak’s retirement ceremony the other day, Lee said, “I was definitely teary eyed. A lot of girls around me were teary eyed. Just showed what a huge impact she had on all of us. It was really cool to see and I was really thankful I was able to watch her play on the LPGA Tour and also play against her on the LPGA Tour and now see her retire.”

by the numbers

3 – Americans who are among the top 4 players on the leaderboard after Friday’s second round (Brittany Lang, Alison Lee, & Cristie Kerr)

5 – Number of top-10 finishes recorded by KLPGA member Sung Hyun Park in 7 LPGA events she has played so far in 2016

23 – Total number of rounds in the 60s through the first two days of the KEB HanaBank LPGA Championship

T8 – Cristie Kerr’s best finish in 9 appearances at the KEB HanaBank LPGA Championship

KEEP ON EYE ON KERR

Since Cristie Kerr broke through for her first LPGA win in 2002, she has made winning a common place thing. Over her last 14 seasons on Tour (2002-2015, only three times has Kerr finished the year without at least one victory to her credit.

The 25-time winner is still looking for her first victory of the 2016 season but she put herself in the hunt for that victory thanks to a 7-under 65 in Friday’s second round. She sits in a tie for third with Sung Hyun Park, three shots behind leader Brittany Lang.

Kerr has yet to tally a top-5 finish this season, although she has 2 top-10s so far.

tIGHT RACE FOR ROLEX PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Entering this week’s LPGA KEB Hana Bank Championship, only four points separated Ariya Jutanugarn and Lydia Ko for the coveted Rolex Player of the Year award.

Ko held the top spot in the race with 247 points prior to the start of the LPGA’s fall Asia swing, but two weeks ago Jutanugarn became the new leader at 251 points, thanks to her sixth place finish at the Reignwood LPGA Classic.

Both players will need to put together a few strong rounds if they are going to earn any points in the race this week in Korea. Ko followed up a 3-over 75 in Thursday’s first round with a 3-under 69 on Friday and sits in a to sit in a tie 33^rd at even-par. Jutanugarn carded her second straight 1-over 73 and is tied for 47^th at 2-over-par.

Points for the Rolex Player of the Year are awarded to the top-10 finishers each week on the LPGA Tour. Time is running out for both players to solidify the honor, as Ko is set to play three more events after this week while Jutanugarn is slated to play four more.

Quick Facts

October 13 - 16

LPGA KEB Hana Bank Championship
SKY72 Golf & Resort, Ocean Course

Incheon, Korea

Field: 76 professionals, 2 amateurs

Format: 72-hole stroke play; no cut

Par: 72

Yardage: 6316

Purse: $2,000,000

               Winner:  $300,000

Defending Champion: Lexi Thompson  

TV Times
Golf Channel
October 13                    12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

October 13                    11:30 p.m. - 3:00 a.m.

October 14                    11:30 p.m. - 3:00 a.m.

October 15                    11:30 p.m. - 3:00 a.m.

All times listed are Eastern (Korea is 13 hours ahead)

Sponsor Invitations (7)

Yoon Kyung Heo, KLPGA

Yu-Sang Hou (a)

Min Lee, LPGA

Ju Young Pak (Park), LPGA

Se Ri Pak, LPGA

Chae Yoon Park, KLPGA

Eun Jeong Seong (a)

Past Champions

2015: Lexi Thompson, 68-67-69-69=273 (-15)

2014: Kyu Jung Baek, 74-69-68-67=278 (-10)

2013: Amy Yang, 67-71-69 =207 (-9)

2012: Suzann Pettersen, 63-68-74=205 (-11)

IN-KYUNG KIM GETS 4TH CAREER WIN

IN-KYUNG KIM OUTLASTS THE FIELD FOR FOURTH CAREER WIN

In-Kyung Kim (-24) shot a final round 66 and finished one-shot ahead of fellow South Korean Mi Jung Hur (-23) to win the Reignwood LPGA Classic in the first tournament of the Tour’s Asian swing.

Kim became the sixth South Korean player to win on Tour in 2016 and earned her first LPGA victory since the 2010 Lorena Ochoa Invitational. Her four-day total of 24-under par is the lowest of her career, besting her previous low by four strokes.

“I’m happy with how I played today,” Kim said. “I’ve made many -- I mean, I had to make decisions. There was couple really difficult decisions, but I think kind of I wasn’t really thinking about three shot behind or how many shots I was behind. I knew I had to play my best golf out here, and I just wanted to do that.”

Kim’s clutch eagle on the par-5 16th proved to be the difference as she went 4-under in her final four holes. She noted that in order to win she needed to be aggressive and only worry about the things under her own control.

“I think I managed,” said Kim. “I played aggressively, which I had to on this golf course. And especially back nine I knew that everybody was going to score, so I wanted to do the same thing. But the thing is I can’t really control the result but I give my best.”

The 28-year-old became the third oldest winner on the LPGA Tour in 2016 behind Anna Nordqvist (29) and Brittany Lang (30).

Mi Jung Hur mounted a late charge with birdies on five of her last six holes but was unable to catch her playing partner in the end. She picked up her second runner-up of the season in Beijing this week.

“The problem was I start today’s round with two bogeys on first two holes, which is very frustrating” Hur said. “But I made four birdies on final five so I’m pretty satisfied with my round today.“

Defending champion Mirim Lee made the top-3 an all Korean affair and finished at 22-under par. China’s Shanshan Feng and Canada’s Brooke Henderson tied for fourth place at -21.

SEPTEMBER TO REMEMBER

No golfer had a better month of September and early October than In-Kyung Kim. After winning the Ladies European Masters in Germany on the Ladies European Tour by five strokes, Kim matched her season-best with a sixth place finish at The Evian Championship followed by this week’s victory at Reignwood Pine Valley.

“I’ve worked really hard” Kim explained of her recent success. “I cannot really control the results, but I feel like last past three, four weeks that I been scoring really well I feel like I’m improving and growing. Physically I’m stronger than year before, but it took a while to get fit and things.”

HUR WINS RED BULL FINAL FIVE CHALLENGE

Mi Jung Hur was the winner of the $50,000 prize in this year’s Red Bull Final Five Challenge. The 5-hole challenge awarded the player with the lowest cumulative score in relation to par for tournament holes 14-18 throughout the week.

“I’m definitely happy,” said Hur. “So exciting to play those five holes, like short par-5 and short par-5, chance to eagle. So I made two eagles on second round. Anyway, it was very exciting. It was good experience.”

HERE & THERE COLUMN

   A Real Connoisseur For Sports



  They were all there...honoring their long friendship with a departed true connoisseur for sports. 
  Former Liberty resident Wayne C. Benton (AKA "B")  made his home the past five years at Pine Island,FL., he passed away to the great baseball diamond in heaven on August 18 with burial taking place September 18 at the Liberty Cemetery and a Celebration of Life following at Mr. G's in Liberty.

  Now Wayne was not a politician or famous person with notoriety but while living in Liberty "B" displayed a brilliant knowledge of sports which played  a huge part of his life and he knew most everything about baseball and football. He was an avid follower of the Detroit Tigers and Washington Redskins. He was a retired New York State Corrections Officer.

  A serious collector of sports memorabilia, the Liberty Softball League became a large part of Wayne's life for many years as he competed both as a player and team manager and this is where he acquired so many of his close friends, both those who he played with or coached and those he competed against.

  His niece, sister and several former ballplayers spoke accolades about Wayne at Mr. G's telling stories about his jokes and quick-witted sense of humor, that he was outspoken and direct and that he never was afraid to "tell it like it is."
  One always knew where they stood with Wayne.
  A beautiful tribute to Wayne was given on Facebook by Bob Camperlino, Governor of the Cape Coral Moose Lodge 2199 where Wayne was a bartender and in fact the bar has been renamed the Wayne Benton Memorial Bar.

  Camperlino remarked, "the world is a smaller place today, Wayne Benton has passed on and I and many others will miss him. Wayne was a member of our lodge and he was there when the Lodge opened in 2008. Wayne loved the Lodge and he continued working in spite of some physical limitations that would have stopped  most of us a long time ago. He was noted for his apparent mean spirit behind the bar with his favorite phrase "the blender's broken" and those of us who knew

Wayne can tell you this was his 'act' and he played it well. He was a joy to be around, he will be missed as he meant a lot to his  family, us and many friends."

  Just one of those great guys who passed through and touched the lives of so many.
  They turned out to honor and remember him September 18 and I'm sure to he was looking down and smiling seeing all his family and friends. 
  RIP Wayne we will never forget you and those great memories that we all will cherish forever.

                              

                                            

A great photo of Wayne Benton as it appeared on an AllStar  card handed out at the Celebration of Life on September 18.
                                                           
                                    

Mike Woods, right, a former Liberty Men's Softball league officer and league player, reminisces showing newspaper photos and clippings with Wayne's widow Polly Reed Benton at the Sept. 18 Celebration of Life. 


                                                       

HERE & THERE COLUMN

    Show Respect For Our Flag & Anthem

  Why have American Flags been removed from fire trucks.... and why haven't NFL players who have become anthem-haters been told to stay in the locker room until kickoff. 
  What is this country of ours coming to when flag and anthem haters dictate what all of us respect.
  It wasn't too long ago that Old Glory was removed from the Arlington Fire District trucks in the Town of Poughkeepsie.
  Arlington Fire Commissioners fed the public the statement that the flags were a liability.
  The flag of the United States should be welcome anywhere anytime in this country.The liability is from those who don't respect their country of origin or taught the sacrifices made for their liberty.
  Nearly 100 years ago, the American Legion and other organizations crafted the National Flog Code and Congress subsequently adopted these advisory principles.
  With all that's going on in our world today, our flag is a symbol of pride for many and a unifying force that we stand together when faced with adversity and challenges.
  Our flag stands for the countless sacrifices that American heroes have made to protect and uphold our freedom and our values, and prominently displaying the flag is honoring the great Americans who fought for this country with a flag that is a symbol that demonstrates and inspires others throughout the community.
  This outrageous act at the Arlington Fire District developed into heated discussion and soon the fire commissioners came up with a suitable compromise and flags are once again on their fire trucks.
  Local firemen have told me that their departments have flown flags at the rear of its trucks for many years and that their departments take great pride in displaying the flag on each of their apparatuses.
  I have no respect for National Anthem haters.....how dare these athletes dishonor all the men and women who gave their lives for our flag.
  Denouncing America and its flag is not a precious right and the anthem is a very special part of any pre-game ceremony.
  Take your political issues elsewhere.....show respect for our Flag and the National Anthem.

LIBERTY STUDENT ATTENDS SPECIAL AG PROGRAM

 LIBERTY STUDENT ATTENDS SPECIAL AG PROGRAM
                                                                      


  LIBERTY--Fifteen-year-old Liberty Central School sophomore Dustyn Kratz recently attended an Iowa State University AgDiscovery program that proved to be a unique opportunity for students to gain a first-hand look at the many paths open to them in the agricultural sciences.

  Dustyn was one of 16 students selected from 83 applicants from 13 different states around the country who applied for the program.
  The program lasted for two weeks and was part of the sixth annual United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) sponsored AgDiscovery program  held at Iowa State University (ISU).

  In his local community of Liberty Dustyn is involved in Boy Scouts, several 4-H groups and plays football and indoor and outdoor track at Liberty Central.
  He has always had an interest in animals and has wanted to become a veterinarian since he was five-years-old and going to AgDiscovery only confirmed this.

  At the AgDiscovery program Kratz gained knowledge designed to help high school students learn about careers in plant and animal science and wildlife management.

  The program allowed students to live on a college campus and learn about agriculture from university professors and scientists in a variety of fields.

  Kratz said that the focus of ISU's AgDiscovery program is the interconnections between wildlife biology and conservation, laboratory technology and diagnostics, animal science and veterinary medicine.

  As a partipant in this program Dustyn spent two weeks living at Eaton Hall on ISU's campus and visited facilities including Blank Prk Zoo, One Heart Equestrian Therapy. Reiman Gardens, Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, Iowa DNR Springbrook Conservation Education Center, Animal Rescue League, Iowa First Fish, C & M Acres Alpaca Farm, Obviously Ostriches, Summit Farms, Wild Rose Pastures, Cochran Goat Farm, Hawkeye Breeders Service, Che-Jak Llama Farm, Story City Locker, ISU Beef & Poultry Farm, ISU College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa Science  Center, Prairie Meadows Racetrack, USDA's National Center for Animal Health and the USDA Wildlife Services at Des Moines International Airport.

  Kratz received "hands on" experience in anatomy, bacteriology, hematology, immunology, embryology, animal necropsies, epidemiology and other veterinary diagnostic procedures.

  Dustyn also participated in diversity, character and team-building activities and visited the Iowa State Capitol and the Iowa Gold Star Museum.

  Dustyn is the son of John and Tara Kratz and is presently looking at several colleges that offer Veterinary Medicine.    

                                                                                         
                                                                   

Dustyn Kratz with his 4-H project at this years Little World's Fair in Grahamsville.



                        

MI JUNG HUR LEADS TOURNEY

MI JUNG HUR LEADS BY ONE HEADING INTO SUNDAY

South Korea’s Mi Jung Hur followed her record-setting performance on Friday with a 6-under 67 to take a one-shot lead over Canada’s Brooke Henderson heading into the final round at the Reignwood LPGA Classic.

Hur was bogey-free on Saturday after setting the tournament record with a 63 on Friday. Five of her birdies dropped after the turn as she continued her stellar play on the back nine - collectively, Hur is 14-under on the back nine this week.

Hur said that she will not be concerned with the scores of other players on Sunday. Instead, she will focus on reaching her own goal - beating her career-best finish of 21-under par in her last win at the 2014 Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic.

“I think nobody knows about the winning score for this year, so I just want to set my goal and try to get it,” said Hur. “After that I can think about it.”

With a win this week, Hur would become the sixth South Korean player to win on the LPGA Tour in 2016, and the second in a row after In Gee Chun’s victory at the Evian Championship. South Korea leads the LPGA in wins by country with seven this season.

Henderson (-19) will play alongside Hur for a second consecutive day, with 2013 champion Mirim Lee (-17) rounding out the final group. The Canadian is one of six players with multiple wins this year and will be gunning for her third win of the season on Sunday.

Henderson missed a couple of opportunities on the final two holes to stay tied with Hur, as she lipped out a short birdie putt on the par-3 17th hole and found the greenside bunker with her second shot on the 18th. The World No. 4 player will be itching to bounce back early on Sunday.

“I think when you finish like that it does give you a little bit more excitement looking forward to tomorrow,” Henderson said. “Especially being the final round. Really looking forward to it.”

Two Chinese players, Shanshan Feng (-17) and Simin Feng (-12) will be joined by South Korea’s In-Kyung Kim (-17) in the group following the leaders.

2016 WINS LEADERS

5 - Ariya Jutanugarn

4 - Lydia Ko

2 - 4 players tied (Brooke Henderson, Ha Na Jang, Sei Young Kim, Haru Nomura)

1 - 7 players tied

RECORDS IN REACH

Mi Jung Hur’s 54-hole total of -20 is the lowest 54-hole score of any tournament in 2016. With the direction scores have been trending at Reignwood Pine Valley Golf Club, there could be a few more scoring records broken by the time play ends on Sunday.

Reignwood LPGA Classic Scoring Record - 26-under, Shanshan Feng, 2013

Lowest Winning Score on a Par 73 Layout in 2016 - 18-under, Hyo Joo Kim, Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic

Lowest Winning Score on Tour in 2016, Overall - 27-under, Sei Young Kim, JTBC Founders Cup (Par 72)

RED BULL FINAL FIVE CHALLENGE

The Red Bull Final Five Challenge returns at the Reignwood LPGA Classic this year. The 5-hole challenge awards the player with the lowest cumulative score in relation to par for tournament holes 14-18 throughout the week.

Mi Jung Hur and Mirim Lee are currently tied for the lead in the challenge at 9-under par on holes 14-18 through
Saturday.

The winner of the challenge will receive $50,000 USD at the conclusion of the tournament. Players need to finish all 4 rounds, 72 holes (or the official number of rounds completed in this year’s Reignwood LPGA Classic if shortened due to weather) to be eligible.

QUOTABLE

“They both are my favorite player on the tour, so I just want to enjoy the game with them. Actually it’s hard to enjoy with them. Try to enjoy, yeah, that game with them.”

               - Mi Jung Hur on playing with Brooke Henderson (World No. 4) and Shanshan Feng (World No. 14) on Saturday