Lottie Woad and Charley Hull of England positioned themselves to challenge on the final day of the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Lytham and St Annes following the completion of the third round on Saturday.
Woad maintained steady progress by carding a one-under round to reach three under overall. Hull recovered from a difficult start that saw three early bogeys, ultimately signing for a one-under 71 to sit at two under. Hull highlighted her resilience, noting that she struggled with her putting early on before launching a comeback on the back nine with birdies at two holes and a crucial par save approaching the finish.
American Yealimi Noh claimed the lead at two under par after shooting a two-under 69 in challenging windy conditions. Noh was among only nine players to complete the third round in red figures. Several top-ranked competitors remained within striking distance, including Germany’s Esther Henseleit at four under, alongside American Lucy Li, Japan’s Shiho Kuwaki, Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul (ranked world number two), and South Korean Ryu Hae-ran, who is targeting a third consecutive major title. New Zealand’s Lydia Ko maintained position at one under par.
World number one Nelly Korda saw her chances diminished after a double-bogey on the 18th hole left her eight shots back. South Korea’s Ryu, who had led overnight, experienced difficulty navigating the course’s bunkers and posted a three-over 74 as she tumbled down the leaderboard alongside the overnight advantage she held.
Historically, no player has held a three-stroke lead after 54 holes of the Women’s Open without ultimately winning the championship, providing a notable reference point as the field prepared for the final round of competition.
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