Lydia Ko seized the second-round lead at the JTBC Founders Cup in Phoenix, after her third-round five-under par 67. 

South Korea’s Mirim Lee led through 36 holes. She fired an eight-under par 64 in the first round on Thursday and followed up with a five-under par 67 on Friday. She hit 13 of 14 fairways and 16 of 18 greens in her nearly perfect first round. Her third-round 70 left her at 15-under par, one stroke behind Ko. 

Lee is in her rookie season on the LPGA, but does have three wins on the Korean Ladies Professional Golf Tour (KLPGA). In just two previous starts on the LPGA, Lee finished T-33 in the Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic and T-25 in the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open.

Lydia Ko began the third round two shots back of the Lee, but rounds of 67-66-67 put her at 16-under par and one shot clear of Lee. She has proven to be a very consistent player and will difficult to catch on Sunday.

Ko joined the LPGA last fall at the age of 16 and though she won twice on the LPGA as an amateur, is seeking her first win on tour as a professional. She did win the Swinging Skirts Ladies Masters in December, but it is a KLPGA Tour event.

American Jessica Korda has posted 69-66-66 to get to 15-under par and tied with Lee also one stroke behind Ko. Korda won the first event of the LPGA Tour season at the Pure Silk-Bahamas Classic. With $222,000 in earnings already this year, she is No. 3 on the Race to the Globe.

There are some big names within striking distance of Ko, should she falter on Sunday.

Sun Young Yoo is one more shot back at 14-under par. Azahara Munoz, So Yeon Ryu, Amy Yang, Michelle Wie and Chella Choi are at 13-under par.

Veterans Morgan Pressel, Stacy Lewis and Paula Creamer are T-10 and still have a chance to win at 12-under par.

The final round of the JTBC Founders Cup should be fun to watch on Sunday.