Memphis' Rachel Heck, 15, steady in U.S. Women's Open, moves up 15 places
By John Varlas
Consistency was the name of the game for Memphian Rachel Heck in the third round of the U.S. Women's Open Saturday in Bedminster, N.J.
The 15-year-old — who is the youngest player competing in the third major of the season — shot even-par 72 on Saturday and heads into Sunday's final round at 2-over 218 for the tournament.
She moved up 15 places on Saturday and is tied for 36th.
After an up-and-down second round, the USA Today girls high school golfer of the year birdied the 389-yard par-4 17th to cancel out a bogey on No. 1 at the 6,699-yard Trump National layout.
She made 16 pars.
Through three rounds, The Commercial Appeal Sports Awards golfer of the year is averaging 237.67 yards off the tee and 1.68 putts per hole. She's hit 71.4 percent of the fairways and 70.4 percent of the greens in regulation.
Shanshan Feng maintained the lead and is at 9-under 207.
More:Memphis' Heck, 15, makes U.S. Women's Open cut
More: At 15, Memphis golfing phenom heads to U.S. Women's Open
Reach John Varlas at john.varlas@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @johnvarlas