Just as the leaders were teeing off in the fourth round of the Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic, a former UCLA Bruin from Thailand was finishing up in spectacular fashion.
Patty Tavatanakit flew up from 45th to the clubhouse lead at 20 under par by breaking the course record with an incredible 11 under, 61. Playing in just her fourth professional event (2 Symetra Tour tournaments at last month’s US Women’s Open as a qualifier), Tavatanakit tied an LPGA record with three eagles on the front side going out in 29, and just missing one last birdie on 18 to finish at 61.
(Patty Tavatanakit taps in for course record 61)
Two of her three eagles came on the par five 3rd and par 5 9th. The other was on the 361 yard, par four 6th where she drove to within three feet of the cup.
I caught up with Patty after the record breaking round:
(Audio: Patty Tavatanakit)
The effort will get Tavatanakit well up the leaderboard but won’t be enough to win as the 4 co-leaders started the day at -20 setting up a furious finish Sunday evening.
