Lexi Thompson takes the lead in LPGA major

Lexi Thompson made a 15-foot eagle putt on the par-five 18th hole Saturday to take a one-stroke lead into the final round of the ANA Inspiration at Rancho Mirage.

Trying to win the major championship for the second time in three years, Thompson shot a three-under-par 69 to reach 10 under at Mission Hills.

After struggling with her putting most of the day, Thompson hit to two feet on the par-four 15th and 16th holes to set up birdies. She missed a six-foot birdie try on the par-three 17th, then hit a 207-yard, five-iron approach pin-high to set up the eagle putt on No. 18.

Top-ranked Lydia Ko, In Gee Chun and Ariya Jutanugarn were tied for second, and 15 players were within four strokes of the lead.

Herman, Lovemark tied at Houston Open

Jim Herman and Jamie Lovemark, two players who have never won a PGA Tour event or played in the Masters, shared the lead going into the final round of the Houston Open.

A win Sunday and they get to tee off at Augusta National next week.

The 38-year-old Herman shot a five-under 67 Saturday to position himself for a breakthrough. Lovemark, 28 and a former NCAA champion at USC whose pro career was derailed by major back surgery, wasn’t able to build on his fast start, which saw him birdie three of the first four holes. He stayed in the hunt with a 70 after opening rounds of 67 and 68.

Herman and Lovemark were at 11 under through 54 holes and a stroke ahead of Henrik Stenson, Dustin Johnson and Russell Hensley. Stenson, No. 7 in the current world ranking, posted the day’s best round with a 66 after also birdieing three of the first four holes. Henley had a 68 Saturday and Johnson a 70.

The two players ahead of Stenson in the world ranking, No. 2 Jordan Spieth and No. 5 Rickie Fowler, remained in contention at six under and seven under, respectively, after both carding 70s.

Champions

Scott Dunlap shot rounds of 66 and 69 to take a two-shot lead at the Champions Tour’s Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic.

It was a long day for the entire field, with all the players completing 36 holes. The first round was moved to Saturday after heavy rain wiped out play on Friday at Fallen Oak.

Dunlap is alone at nine-under 135. Jerry Smith is alone in second place at seven under after shooting a 68 in the second round.