Japan’s Minami Katsu held strong with a two-stroke lead at the LPGA Buick Shanghai, setting up a thrilling final round where she aims for her maiden LPGA Tour victory and a place in the record books for most first-time and different winners in a single season.
The final round of the LPGA Buick Shanghai promises to be a historic affair as Japan’s Minami Katsu stands on the precipice of her first career LPGA Tour title. Maintaining a two-stroke advantage after Saturday’s third round, Katsu is not only battling for a personal milestone but also for a significant place in the tour’s record books.
Her consistent performance at the Qizhong Garden Golf Club has captivated fans, setting the stage for a thrilling Sunday showdown against some of the LPGA’s most formidable talents.
Katsu’s Stellar Performance and the Road Ahead
Minami Katsu continued her impressive run in Shanghai with a 4-under-par round of 68 on Saturday. This followed her scorching 61 (-11) in the second round, which set a new course record at the Qizhong Garden Golf Club. Her third round included six birdies and two bogeys, moving her to a commanding 17-under overall.
The 27-year-old Japanese star is now one round away from securing her maiden LPGA Tour victory, a feat that would carry additional historical weight for the tour.
“I didn’t know about that, there were no multiple winners this season,” Katsu stated, expressing surprise at the competitive landscape. “That was the first time I heard about that. So a bit surprised about that. Also, it’s very competitive out here and I feel like there is a chance for everyone.”
A victory for Katsu would mark her as the 12th first-time winner this season, which would tie the existing LPGA record for the most first-time winners in its history. Furthermore, she would become the 27th different winner in 2025, a statistic that would set a new LPGA Tour record, highlighting the incredible depth and talent on display this season, as reported by Field Level Media.
The Chasing Pack: Major Winners Hot on Her Heels
While Katsu has demonstrated exceptional play, the final round will test her resolve against a leaderboard stacked with seasoned champions. Two multiple major winners are tied for second, just two strokes back at 15-under.
Minjee Lee’s Resurgent Round
Australia’s Minjee Lee showcased her major-winning pedigree with a spectacular 7-under 65 on Saturday. Her round was highlighted by a field-leading nine birdies, including an incredible stretch of five consecutive birdies from holes Nos. 7-11. Lee navigated the challenging mid-90s temperatures with poise, positioning herself for a strong final push.
“I can’t control what anyone else is doing, so I’m just going to focus on what I can do and do it to the best of my ability,” Lee commented on her strategy for Sunday. Lee is seeking her 12th career LPGA Tour win and her second of the season, following her triumph at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, as confirmed by official LPGA statistics on LPGA.com.
Jee No Thitikul’s Flawless Climb
Joining Lee in a tie for second is Jee No Thitikul, who delivered a pristine 6-under 66 without a single bogey. Her six birdies propelled her up the leaderboard, demonstrating the consistent precision that has made her a formidable competitor.
Thitikul is chasing her sixth LPGA title and her second victory of the current season, having previously won the Mizuho Americas Open. Her consistent performance in high-pressure situations makes her a significant threat for the final round, as noted in her player profile on Golf Channel.
Other Contenders
Further down the leaderboard, but still within striking distance, are Jenny Bae (68 on Saturday) and South Korea’s Somi Lee (67), both tied for fourth at 14-under. They are only three shots off the pace, ensuring that the pressure will remain high throughout Sunday’s play.
Why This Weekend Matters: LPGA History in the Making
For the fan community, this tournament embodies the thrilling unpredictability and global talent pool of the LPGA Tour. The possibility of a new champion emerging, especially one who could simultaneously set or tie multiple tour records, adds an extra layer of excitement.
Katsu’s potential win would underscore the intensely competitive nature of professional golf, where new stars are constantly challenging established legends. It speaks to the “chance for everyone” that Katsu herself alluded to, inspiring both aspiring golfers and dedicated fans.
Analyzing the Final Round Strategy
The final round will be a masterclass in strategic golf and mental fortitude. Minami Katsu will need to maintain her aggressive yet controlled play that saw her set the course record. Her primary challenge will be to manage the inevitable pressure from her experienced pursuers while protecting her two-stroke cushion.
Minjee Lee, with her track record of strong finishes, will likely adopt an assertive strategy, aiming for more birdies in the hot conditions. Jee No Thitikul’s clean scorecard suggests a meticulous approach, and she will aim to replicate her bogey-free performance to put pressure on Katsu.
The heat at Qizhong Garden Golf Club will also play a role, demanding peak mental and physical endurance from all competitors. As Lee noted, “mentally focused and try to put one foot in front of the other is going to be important.”
All eyes will be on Sunday’s final round as Minami Katsu seeks to convert her lead into a career-defining victory and etch her name into the LPGA history books. The stage is set for an unforgettable conclusion to the LPGA Buick Shanghai.
