The Golfweek Red Sky Classic is starting to feel less like a golf tournament and more like USC’s personal victory parade. The Trojans have built a lead so colossal, it’s probably already got its own zip code. While the other teams are still fumbling with their yardage books and wondering what color the sky is, USC is apparently playing a different game entirely – one where the main challenge is remembering where they parked the bus.
Thankfully, the individual race is providing just enough tension to keep us from face-planting into our lukewarm coffees. Miami’s Scarlett Schremmer is clinging to a two-shot lead, playing with a composure that makes you wonder if she’s ever actually seen a golf tournament before. Her bogey-free 66 sounds impressive, but as anyone who’s ever been ahead in anything knows, the finish line has a nasty habit of playing peek-a-boo.
Right on Schremmer’s heels is Southern California's own Sarah Hammett. This Aussie import just dropped a 7-under 65, which I’m told is her personal best by a "comfortable margin." Imagine your best golf round ever, then subtract two shots – that’s Hammett’s current mood. She’s sitting at 9 under, lurking like a shark that’s just spotted a particularly plump, slightly wobbly swimmer. She’s ready to feast if Schremmer so much as sneezes.
And who else is sniffing around this lead? A trio at 8 under: LSU’s Raegan Denton, Pepperdine’s Eunseo Choi, and USC’s Kylie Chong, who, having shared medalist honors last year, clearly knows how to grab a trophy. With nine players still within striking distance, the final round might actually be interesting – assuming USC doesn't decide to just hold a team photo session on the 18th green. It’s the usual story: the unbeatable dynasty versus the hopeful underdogs, all set against a pretty backdrop that hopefully isn’t too distracting.