USA’s Rose Zhang, Nelly Korda climb into contention entering final round of Olympic golf

PARIS — Rose Zhang’s first Olympics got a little more interesting Friday, and so did Team USA’s hopes of winning a medal in this week’s women’s golf tournament at Le Golf National.

Zhang, a 21-year-old two-time NCAA champion at Stanford, eagled two of her five final holes – and double-bogeyed another – to finish with a 5-under-par 67, moving her into a tie for third placeentering Saturday’s final round.

Now at 7 under for the tournament, Zhang is two strokes behind the third-round leaders: New Zealand’s Lydia Ko and Switzerland’s Morgane Metraux (each at 9 under). Japan’s Miyu Yamashita (7 under) is tied with Zhang for third.

Zhang’s third round was among the best score of any player Friday. The highlight? On the par-5 18th hole, Zhang’s second shot was a 6-iron from 191 yards over the water to within a few feet of the hole, allowing her to tap in for a round-closing eagle.

Given her college accomplishments, Zhang turned pro last year to high expectations, especially after she won the Mizuho Americas Open in her LPGA debut.

“There’s been ups-and-downs and not something that everyone sees,” Zhang told reporters after Friday’s round. “I’ve realized it’s such a great privilege to be out here competing and representing your country and just playing on a weekly basis. So I’ve been learning a lot there and learning about myself.”

Zhang has already appeared in the Solheim Cup and made this USA Olympic team alongside Nelly Korda and Lilia Vu, currently the world’s top two players.

Korda, the reigning Olympic gold medalist, is hanging around in contention at the Olympics, too. Korda shot a 70 on Friday and is tied for seventh at 4 under entering Saturday’s final round.

We’ll see how it goes,” Korda said. “I’m giving myself a chance.”