Bernardo Heights LPGA Tournament : Sheehan Takes 3-Shot Lead as Bradley Falters

Patty Sheehan shot a four-under-par 68 for a 208 total Saturday to take a three-stroke lead after three rounds of the $200,000 Kyocera Inamori golf tournament at Bernardo Heights Country Club.

Second-round leader Pat Bradley had five birdies and two double-bogeys while struggling to a 74, leaving her in a second-place tie with Japan’s Ayako Okamoto, who shot a 69.

Jan Stephenson, Deb Richard and Japan’s Atsuko Hikage were at 212.

Sheehan, a six-year tour veteran, is trying to win her third Kyocera tournament in five years on three different courses. She had three birdies and one bogey on each side of the 6,391-yard course.

“I’ve been in a mini-slump and haven’t been playing well or putting well, so my confidence has been absent,” Sheehan said.

“It feels good to be three shots in front. Let the rest of them chase me.”

Bradley, who is trying to become the second LPGA player to win consecutive tournaments this year, dropped out of the lead after missing a two-foot putt to take a double bogey on the par-3 ninth.