Nasa Hataoka Fires Low Round Of The Week To Lead US Women's Open

Hataoka was the only player to fire a round in the 60s on Saturday, as she takes a one shot lead into the final day

 Nasa Hataoka waves to the crowd
(Image credit: Getty Images)

On Saturday, Nasa Hataoka had a day to remember as the 24-year-old fired a six-under-par round of 66 to lead by one going into the final round of the US Women's Open.

Conditions were tough on Saturday at Pebble Beach and, in the scoring, that was obvious, with just 11 players firing under-par rounds. What's more, Hataoka's round was the only one in the 60s, with six birdies and 12 pars giving her a one stroke margin over Allisen Corpuz going into Sunday.

"Compared to the first two days, it was a bit windier today. However, the temperatures were higher, thank goodness, so I think my body participated with the higher temperatures, and I was able to manage all my goals," stated Hataoka following her round, with the Japanese star looking to pick up her first Major scalp.

Gaining +8.701 shots on the field, Hataoka needed just 24 putts during her third round on Saturday, with the 24-year-old revealing that: "About three weeks ago with the assistance of my coach, I was able to change my strategy. 

"I would say that prior to that I felt that my strokes were not as good as they should have been, and I didn't think that the way the ball was tumbling around, that was not very stable beforehand. But thanks to the work I started three weeks ago, I think I was able to manage very well today."

Nasa Hataoka waves to the crowd at Pebble Beach

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Starting the round, it was Bailey Tardy who led but, following two birdies, three bogeys and a double, she fired a three-over-par round to sit at four-under-par and three shots back of Hataoka.

Certainly, going into the final day, there are a number of big names inside the top-10, such as Charley Hull and defending champion, Minjee Lee. However, only six players are under-par at Pebble Beach, with Corpuz being the nearest challenger to Hataoka.

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Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x