Olivia Mehaffey remains on course for back-to-back wins after she posted a one over 73 to go into the final round of the Helen Holm Scottish Strokeplay just three shots behind Swedish leader Linnea Strom.

As Strom bogeyed her last two holes at Troon Portland for a 74 to lead on two under par, one clear of Anais Meyssonnier of France and 15 year old Scottish star Shannon McWlliam, Mehaffey made two birdies and three bogeys in a 73 to share fourth with England’s Hollie Muse on one over.  Scores

The Royal County Down Ladies star won her third successive Irish Girls Open strokeplay at Roganstown last weekend and she is clearly relishing the chance of challenging for another win at Royal Troon on Sunday.

High winds made life tough for the 105-strong field with the cut for the top 60 and ties falling at 14 over par 158.

That meant an early exit for Shannon Burke (161), Maura Diamond (168) and Victoria Craig (168) with eight Irish surviving to play Sunday’s final round over the Old Course at Royal Troon.

Castletroy’s Chloe Ryan (73-76 149) is tied for 10th  with Lurgan pair Annabel Wilson (73-78 151) and Niamh McSherry (73-78 151) tied for 20th.

Lisburn’s Paula Grant (76-76 152) is 25th on eight over with The Heath’s Mary Doyle (76-77 153) and Lahinch’s Sinead Sexton (73-80 153) joint 32nd.