Schmelzel, Valenzuela Seize Lead at LPGA Dow Championship with Clutch Foursomes Round

Posted : 29 June 2025

American Sarah Schmelzel and Switzerland's Albane Valenzuela surged to the top of the leaderboard at the LPGA Dow Championship on Saturday, thanks to a composed two-under-par 68 in the alternate-shot (foursomes) format. Playing at Midland Golf Club in Michigan, the pair finished with a three-day total of 13-under 197, earning them a narrow one-stroke advantage going into the final round. Both players are still in search of their maiden LPGA Tour title.

Their steady round included four birdies, notably at the first, sixth, seventh, and ninth holes, with Schmelzel sinking crucial putts on six and seven. That early birdie on the first helped settle their nerves in a format known for its intensity and shared responsibility. “You’re kind of on pins and needles most of the day,” Schmelzel admitted. “You’re just hoping you don’t get your partner in trouble.”

Despite a bogey at the fifth and another on the 11th, the pair kept their composure and parred their way in, missing a few birdie chances but doing enough to stay ahead of the field.

Close behind them are Belgium’s Manon De Roey and France’s Pauline Roussin-Bouchard, who carded a one-under 69, and the South Korean duo of Im Jin-hee and Lee So-mi, who matched the leaders with a 68 of their own. Both trailing teams stand at 12-under 198.

Roussin-Bouchard reflected on the mental shift required after switching back from Friday’s best-ball format to alternate shot. “It’s not that we were really stressed,” she said. “It’s just that momentum didn’t come straightaway.” The pair managed to find their rhythm with a key par save at the fifth and birdies at the seventh and down the stretch, despite a bogey at the eighth.

Meanwhile, overnight leaders Jennifer Kupcho and Leona Maguire struggled to find their footing on Saturday, posting a two-over 72. However, they closed with back-to-back birdies to salvage their round and remain in contention at 11-under 199. They are tied for fourth with South Koreans Park Sung-hyun and Yoon Ina, and the American duo of Lauren Hartlage and Brooke Matthews.

Kupcho, already a past champion at this event in 2022 and a runner-up in 2023, brings experience and resilience into the final round. With tight scores and shifting momentum, Sunday promises a fierce battle for the title at one of the LPGA’s most dynamic team events.

Schmelzel, Valenzuela Seize Lead at LPGA Dow Championship with Clutch Foursomes Round

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