Karrie Webb is in territory she used to take for granted - in contention at a major on the U.S. LPGA Tour. She relishes the feeling like never before.
''I still get really excited for the majors and the importance they have on everyone's career,'' Webb said on Saturday after shooting a 4-under 68 to move within one shot of the lead after the third round of the LPGA Championship. ''I probably want it more than I ever have in my career.''
Webb, who counts seven majors among her 38 career wins, hasn't won one since beating Lorena Ochoa in a one-hole, sudden-death playoff in 2006 for her second Kraft Nabisco Championship title. Here, the Australian star is chasing Eun-Hee Ji heading to Sunday's final round.
Webb had four bogeys en route to a 2-over 74 on the opening round. The Australian has come back into contention with two straight rounds under par, though Friday's 71 was punctuated by five birdies and four bogeys. She had five more birdies on Saturday and only one bogey - at the first hole - to match Ji for the lowest round over the first three days.
''I think my patience level has really been quite good - for me,'' said Webb, whose best finish in 10 tournaments this year is a tie for fourth at the Mobile Bay LPGA Classic in late April. ''On Thursday, I started feeling sorry for myself. The fact that I overcame that early trouble really reinforced that. The stakes will be a lot higher (Sunday), but I've done a good job so far.''
Webb rallied with birdies on three of her final five holes, capping the rush with a 15-foot birdie putt from the fringe at No. 17.
''I want to have a chance to win,'' Webb said. ''It feels great to have a chance tomorrow.''
