Canada’s Brooke Henderson holds a four-stroke lead with 12 holes to play after a weather-affected fourth round forced the MCKAYSON New Zealand Women’s Open to a Monday finish.
Trailing by a shot after 54 holes, Henderson adjusted to heavy downpours that saturated fairways and greens at Windross Farm Golf Course. She rattled off three birdies in six holes to reach 17-under par.
Overnight leader Belen Mozo surrendered two strokes in six holes and is now tied for second with Brittany Lincicome. Nicole Broch Larsen and Jing Yan are five back in a tie for fourth at 12-under.
Tournament host Lydia Ko was one-under for her round through 10 holes to get to nine-under and eight shots adrift of Henderson. She would need a miracle to win her fourth national crown.
No player was able to complete their round as five hours were lost in two major rain delays. Cheyenne Woods had the round of the day going and was four-under through 14 holes when play was finally suspended at 5.30pm.
Tournament officials are determined to complete all 72 holes to decide the championship. “We wanted to get as much done today so we have less to play tomorrow,” said Bo Ream, the LPGA’s director of rules and competitions.
“There are a number of things we needed to factor in before making this decision. Course condition is number one. We factor in what the tournament sponsor is looking for, what the travel schedule is for the next event and a number of other factors.
“At the end of the day our players want to play 72 holes, especially when that has been advertised in advance. We think it is the right thing and they are going to appreciate that.”
Play will commence at 8.15am on Monday and entry will be free for the public. Parking is at Ardmore Airport with complimentary shuttles to the course.
