As play pauses mid-round, Lottie Woad and Hyo Joo Kim remain locked at the summit of the leaderboard at 19‑under par, sharing the lead through 11–12 holes. Woad, making her professional debut, has held steady with pars since the turn. Her two-stroke cushion coming into Sunday continues under her measured, bogey‑free approach. H. Kim, meanwhile, charged back with precise birdies at 11 and earlier holes, showcasing impeccable iron control and putting resolve.
Two strokes back at 15‑under, Nanna Koerstz Madsen stabilized with a subtle but sturdy round, preserving par across the back nine to hold solo third position. Just behind her, Sei Young Kim slipped a stroke on the 10th but remains at 14‑under, about to move into the later stages of her day – still firmly within striking distance. Their poised consistency makes them potential late threats if the leaders stumble. Nelly Korda, at 13‑under, remains in solo fifth. She has maintained her pace with conservative, steady play through 11 holes. Though not making runway birdie runs, her error-free execution keeps potential at hand—even if back‑nine strategy may limit upward momentum in the closing stretch.
In solo sixth at 11‑under, Julia López Ramirez posted strong, steady scores early but remains out of the lead group for now. At 10‑under sits Ariya Jutanugarn, carving her experience into aggressive birdie shots while controlling mistakes. At 9‑under, Lilia Duncan continues her surge with a string of birdies, though she trails in a larger vigil for cracks in the top. Paula Reto rounds out the top ten at 8‑under, having dropped one mid-round yet still capable—especially if front runners pressure the greens and falter.
Cut-Outs and Unexpected Exits
Notably, some high-profile names have bowed out earlier – Maja Stark, Grace Kim, and former champion Ayaka Furue missed the cut, demonstrating the razor-edge volatility of links golf. Wind, firmness, and coastal lie combinations have proven to ask nearly as much of tour experience as they do of raw talent.
Sunday’s play has become a chessboard. Woad’s advantage has hinged on patience and unwavering par saves. Kim’s challenge, conversely, has leaned on well-timed aggression—her birdie at 11 an early statement of intent. Koerstz Madsen and Sei Young Kim may well be calibrated to flip tempo if conditions shift. Meanwhile, Korda’s round feels like containment—not mistake‑free domination, but steady survival. López Ramirez and Jutanugarn must climb fast, harvesting birdie chances or watching the opportunity slip. As leaders approach the concluding holes, the par‑5s at 14 and 17 loom as key junctures. How Woad and Kim navigate those sequences may define Sunday’s hero. A dropped shot there spells vulnerability; a birdie could widen the gap.
The wind remains a latent force. Though conditions calmed mid-morning, breezes are forecast to build late afternoon – making tee shots on 17 and approaches to 18 more punishing under pressure.
What to Watch Next
Will Woad sustain her precise, bogey-free rhythm through the final holes?
Can Kim sharpen her putter and close with authority?
Will Madsen or Sei Young Kim ramp up aggression and force a leaderboard scramble?
Can Korda convert a late birdie run – or is she pacing for Royal Porthcawl instead?
