Strudwick turns back the clock

England’s Sue Strudwick turned back the clock with a great third-round 67 as American Angela Stanford took a grip on the Franklin American Mortgage Championship in Nashville, Tennessee.

Stanford, with just one tour win, had a 66 – five birdies in a row from the seventh and another at the par-five 18th – to lead by four shots on an 18-under 198.

Swede Sophie Gustafson, with a 68, and American Cristie Kerr, with a 66, shared second place on 14 under, with French Solheim Cup player Patricia Meunier-Lebouc in a three-way tie for fourth on 13 under.

Strudwick, who won three times on the Ladies’ European Tour and was the LPGA’s Rookie of the Year in 1993, quit full-time tournament golf two years after undergoing neck and wrist surgery.

“But I’m now teaching here in Tennessee so I decided to come out of retirement for one week,” explained the 40-year-old after moving into a tie for 22nd on seven under 209. “Today was just like the old times.

“I hit the ball really well and rolled in some putts. But, whatever happens, I won’t be tempted back to the tour. I’m very busy at the Knoxville Golf Centre and, after 22 years of travelling, I couldn’t face it again.”

Kent’s Karen Stupples had an eagle at the 14th in a third successive 70 and was on six under, while Scot Mhairi McKay, who made the cut on the final mark, made headway with a 68 for a four-under 212.

Stanford set out with a one-shot lead, but bolted ahead with her sparkling birdie streak.

“I’ve played great all week and just having so much fun,” said Stanford, who lost in a three-way play-off to Hilary Lunke in the 2003 US Women’s Open.

“I led from start to finish in my other win (the 2003 ShopRite LPGA Classic) so I know I can do it again tomorrow.”