Spain’s Azahara Muñoz posted a third-round score of 69 in the RICOH Women’s British Open, helping her chances of a wild card spot into the European side for The 2017 Solheim Cup, which will be announced after the final round on Sunday evening.
Muñoz carded four birdies on the day at the 7th, 8th, 11th and 17th, and was faultless until a bogey five on her final hole. With a 9:40 tee off time, Muñoz took advantage of the early, calmer conditions.
“It’s definitely an advantage but its been blowing pretty good since the beginning, just the last couple of holes it’s really picked up. So I guess it’s lucky, it’s nice to get out early in the morning and post a good score,” said the three-time Solheim Cup player, who was a member of the winning European teams in 2011 and 2013.
Muñoz is ranked 79th in the Rolex Women’s World Rankings and sits 12th in the Ladies European Tour Solheim Cup standings, both of which will most likely leave her out of the eight automatic qualification places. The European team captain, Annika Sorenstam, will select the final four spots and Muñoz admits that Solheim selection has been on her mind, not only this week, but all year.
“It’s been playing a lot, but it’s been playing all year, and, you know, I think I put a bit too much pressure on myself so I’m just trying to play my game, go back to what I used to do, just you know, just hitting good shots and not think of the outcome so much. So obviously it’s in my head, but I’m just trying to focus on my round,” the four-time Ladies European Tour tournament winner said.
Both Annika Sorenstam and Juli Inkster, the USA team captain, are at Kingsbarns Golf Links watching their prospects compete in preparation for the announcement of both teams on Sunday evening. Golfing legend Sorenstam is taking her captaincy very seriously and is already being well received by the European players in contention.
“Yeah, we’ve been in touch. Obviously she’s been sending emails to everybody but not if I’m in the team or not. So I think, you know, she’s been a good captain keeping everything quiet and I guess once the rankings are finalised tomorrow, we’ll know,” Muñoz continued.
The 29-year-old from Malaga sits at five-under for the tournament and will need to play some incredible golf in tomorrow’s final round to be in with a shot at claiming the title. However, going into round four, she feels good about her game.
“I’m feeling good, I’ve been hitting really good shots. Pretty much hitting every fairway and every green so I’m giving myself a lot of chances and today I rolled the putts really well so hopefully more of that tomorrow.”
Find the full team rankings at solheimcupeurope.com
