Yealimi Noh has surged into a three-shot lead at the Women's Open, delivering a links masterclass with a round of 69 at Royal Lytham and St Annes. This move comes after Ryu Hae-ran, who was seeking a third consecutive major win, saw her early four-shot lead evaporate during the third round.
Ryu, who led by four shots after four holes and on the 7th tee, finished the day three shots adrift of Noh. Her round included bogeys on the 8th, 10th, 12th, and 14th after finding a series of bunkers.
Noh, who was three over through six holes, stated her putting and shots were solid after a "rocky start," adding, "I'm just happy to be in this position and ready to go again."
Home hopes remain alive with Lottie Woad at three under par after a round of 70, and Charley Hull a stroke further back at two under par following her 71. Nelly Korda's Women's Open aspirations were reportedly ended by a double bogey on the final hole, leaving her eight shots behind Noh.