Lexi Thompson rallies to win Meijer LPGA Classic in Michigan

American Lizette Salas, bidding for a second LPGA title, made a fast start and strong finish to take a commanding four-shot lead after the third round of the Meijer LPGA Classic in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Saturday.

Thompson, who placed third at the Women’s PGA Championship earlier this year, finished the week at the Blythefield Country Club at 18-under-par 266.

They were joined there by Korean-American rookie Alison Lee (70), Gerina Piller (69) and Katie Burnett (66).

Brittany Lincicome, South Korean Ryu So-Yeon and Caroline Masson, of Germany, all shot six-under 65 to move into a tie for fourth at 10-under-par 203.

Salas birdied three of the first four holes and added another at the par-4 ninth hole to pull in front.

Top-ranked Inbee Park, a playoff loser last year in the inaugural event, was tied for 18th at 4-under after a 68.

Tamulis, a former Michigan Womens Open victor and Symetra Tour graduate, said winning for the first time on the LPGA Tour in her home state would be a dream come true. Three months ago she felt she needed a change so she hired a new coach and revamped her swing.

“I made a couple of little changes after ANA, after missing the cut, and just gradually things have been coming together”, Salas told Golf Channel, referring to the year’s opening major, the ANA Inspiration in April. After saving par with a 25-foot putt at 13, she hit a shot inside 2 feet at the par-3 14th for birdie and followed with a 6-footer at 15 and a 30-footer at 16.

“I wanted to make more birdies on the back nine”, she said.

“I played in the afternoon yesterday and it got pretty windy, especially on my second nine”.

Tamulis began with a birdie at the first, but a bogey just before the turn saw her return to level par for the day.

Salas, who had three birdies and three bogeys through 16 holes, stayed in it with a 20-foot birdie putt at No. 17.