Still, Park couldn’t help sneaking a peek or two at the kid along the way.

What she saw impressed her more than any 300-yard drive.

"There was not a sign to show she was 14 years old," Park said. "That was really impressive."

The future of women’s golf was on full display today in the LPGA’s first major championship of the year, where Wie shot a methodical 3-under 69 to move to two shots of the lead going into the final round.

It wasn’t only Wie, though the lanky teen was the one getting most of the attention. Playing just behind her was 17-year-old Aree Song, who has been around so long she seems more like a grizzled veteran than someone playing in only her fourth pro tournament.

Park shot a 5-under 67, and Song had a 69 to top the leaderboard filled with a mixture of youth and proven winners.

"I think I set myself up for a pretty nice day tomorrow," Song said. "I’ve always dreamt about this."

On a day when Annika Sorenstam played early and almost unnoticed, Wie and Song showed notice that they’re not here just to compete today.

Both have already done that as 13-year-olds. Now they have something bigger in mind — like the traditional winner’s jump in the pond surrounding the 18th green.

"Last year I didn’t know how well I could shoot or how bad I could shoot," Wie said. "This time I am trying to win it or like be in the top five at least."

So is Park, who has a little more experience at this kind of thing.

In her fifth year on tour, Park, who attended school in Hawai'i before moving to Arizona, believes her time has finally come to win a major championship. If she can play today like she did in the third round, that time will come.