Noh takes AIG Women's Open lead as English duo chase major title
Yealimi Noh holds a three-shot advantage heading into the final round at Royal Lytham, setting up a Sunday clash with England's Lottie Woad and Charley Hull for the year's final women's golf major.
Yéalimi Noh has taken a three-shot lead into the final round of the 50th AIG Women's Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes. The American capitalized on a third-round collapse by overnight leader Haeran Ryu to post a two-under 69 and reach seven under par.
The shift at the top of the leaderboard keeps European hopes alive for the final major championship of the year. England's Lottie Woad sits four shots behind the leader, while her compatriot Charley Hull remains five strokes back after a resilient third round.
Ryu, who was pursuing a third consecutive major victory, held a four-shot advantage before carding five bogeys across an erratic eight-hole stretch. She ultimately signed for a three-over 74, dropping to four under par alongside Japan's Kuwaki and Thailand's Jeeno Thitikul.
Hull shot a 71, recovering from what she described as playing like a 10-handicapper over her opening six holes. She noted that missing short putts early on cost her, but she is focused on enjoying the final round without applying excessive pressure.
Woad has relied on steady ball-striking and tactical patience to stay in contention. Analyst Christina Kim noted it is remarkable the Englishwoman has dropped only five shots all week, highlighting her consistency despite putts failing to drop.
Noh, who had struggled with missed cuts this season, admitted to a rocky start before finding a better tempo on the back nine. She now faces the challenge of sleeping on a major championship lead for the first time in her career, with Kim suggesting the American might have finally caught lightning in a bottle.
World number one Nelly Korda suffered a final-hole double-bogey that left her eight shots adrift on one over par. However, the depth of the field remains high, with German golfer Esther Henseleit capitalizing on the easier front nine to post a strong round and stay in the hunt.
The tournament continues to anchor the European summer sporting calendar, driving significant broadcast and sponsorship value to the continent's premier women's golf event. With a packed leaderboard, Sunday promises a high-stakes conclusion at one of the UK's most traditional links courses.
