Ok-Hee Ku Takes Lead as Phoenix Heat Hits Alcott

While Amy Alcott wilted in the 90-degree heat Saturday, South Korea’s Ok-Hee Ku kept her cool to take a two-stroke lead in the third round of the $350,000 LPGA Turquoise golf tournament.

Ku, who has won 16 tournaments in Korea but is seeking her first LPGA Tour victory, shot a three-under-par 70 and was at 209 through 54 holes.

Rosie Jones and second-round co-leaders Alcott and Colleen Walker were next at 211. Jones shot a 70 on the 6,404-yard Moon Valley Golf Course, while Alcott and Walker had 73s.

Alcott, who set a course record with a 65 Thursday, immersed herself in ice after Saturday’s round on a third straight day of temperatures in the 90s.

“I felt dizzy on the 14th hole,” she said. “I’m usually good in hot weather, but I got shaky and light-headed. Usually, I have a wet towel around my neck. I put it on at the 15th hole when I felt sick. It was all heart that I even finished the round.”

Alcott, who has 26 LPGA victories in 13 years, can become the tour’s third millionaire if she claims the $52,500 first-place check today.

“I feel good about tomorrow,” she said. “I think I can still play well.

Japan’s Ayako Okamoto, second on this year’s earnings list at $60,750, was three shots back after shooting a 70 for a 212 total.