Aryn Matthews Joins Park atop Leaderboard Heading into Final Round of PGA Women's Championship of Canada
SMITHS FALLS, Ont. - Aryn Matthews will enter Thursday's final round with a share of the lead after another steady performance at the 39th PGA Women's Championship of Canada, carding a second-consecutive 70 sit at two-under-par alongside first-round leader Eileen Park at Smiths Falls Golf & Country Club.
13-year-old Riviera Lindholm, Kaprice Park and Kayla Black are the closest chasers, three back at +1.
Matthews followed up an eight-birdie first round with a more steady day Wednesday, making four birdies and three bogeys to tie the lead, while Park battled through a second-round 73 after opening the championship with a four-under 67 that featured seven birdies.
With 18 holes remaining, the pair will battle for the national title and an exemption into the 2026 CPKC Women's Open. The highest ranked player on the She Plays Golf Championship Series Order of Merit who is not already in the field will also earn an exemption.
Matthews credited her consistency and improved course management Wednesday for putting herself in contention.
"Yesterday, I hit a lot of great shots, but this course is tricky, so when you're out of position, it's difficult to make par," said Matthews. "Today I found myself in a lot of great positions, so it was much smoother sailing. Overall, I feel really good. I'm hitting the ball really well."
After making bogey on 15, the Kent State athlete bounced back with a birdie on the difficult 17th hole to get to 3-under for the event before making only her second bogey of the day on the 18th.
"The 17th hole sets up great for me," said the product of Little Britain, Ontario. "It's just a rip driver. Today the ball wasn't flying as far because it was humid and damp, so I wanted to be really aggressive to that front pin. I ended up hitting a great shot and rolled in a solid putt. It was a good feeling."
Despite the pressure that comes with holding a share of the lead entering the final round, Matthews says she's embracing the opportunity.
"It's great. I mean, it's a privilege to be able to feel nervous and excited," she said. "I'm just ready to go out there tomorrow, have a great day and have some fun."
Matthews has also enjoyed support from her teammates at Kent State University, who have been following along throughout the championship.
"Our team's pretty close, so everybody cheers everybody on during the summer, even though we're all over the world. It's amazing to have a team like that."
Following 36 holes, the championship field was cut to the low 30 players and ties. All PGA of Canada professionals continue to compete for the additional $10,000 professional purse, regardless of the overall championship cut.
Lauren Zaretsky is currently the low professional, four back of the overall lead, at 2-over par. Professionals are competing for a $12,500 first-place cheque.
Casey MacNeil is tied for low PGA of Canada professional with Diana McDonald at 5-over par.
PGA of Canada players are also looking to climb the Birdie Juice Birdie Race leaderboard. Whoever makes the most birdies this week will take home a $250 bonus. MacNeil and Christine Wong currently lead with six birdies each.
With the leaderboard tightly packed entering the final round, Thursday is shaping up for an exciting finish at Smiths Falls Golf & Country Club as players chase the national championship, low PGA of Canada professional honours, valuable Order of Merit points and a coveted place in the 2026 CPKC Women's Open.