Yealimi Noh Leads Women's Open by Three Shots After Ryu Stumbles 2026

Yealimi Noh leads the Women's Open by three shots heading into the final round, after Ryu Hae-ran's remarkable third-round stumble at Royal Lytham and St Annes turned the championship on its head.

The South Korean Ryu looked unstoppable early, marching to a four-shot lead after four holes and still holding the same advantage on the 7th tee. But a catastrophic back-nine collapse saw her fall three behind Noh by the time she walked off the 18th green, leaving the field wide open for Sunday.

Ryu's Collapse at Royal Lytham

Ryu, aiming for an extraordinary third major win in as many starts, was unflappable until the par-4 7th, where she cracked a drive right toward the railway line between Blackpool South and Preston. After a penalty drop, a bogey seemed manageable. Yet it triggered a horrible run that included bogeys on the 8th, 10th, 12th, and 14th after finding a series of bunkers.

Her lead, still one at the turn, had evaporated by the 10th when she found herself level with Shiho Kuwaki. The damage was severe: Ryu finished the day at four under par, tied with Jeeno Thitikul, Lucy Li, Esther Henseleit, and Kuwaki, all chasing Noh.

Noh's Links Masterclass

While Ryu faltered, Noh delivered a links masterclass. Her 69 included an inward half of 33, a performance that surprised many given her modest overall major record. “It was a little bit of a rocky start,” said Noh, who was three over through six. “But my putting was solid after that and my shots too. I just settled into a better routine and focused on my tempo on the back nine.”

Noh added, “It’s just another round of golf out there tomorrow and I’m going to enjoy it. I’m just happy to be in this position and ready to go again.” Her composure under pressure has been the story of the day.

Key Stats and Comparisons

The comparison between Ryu's first nine and back nine is stark. She played the front nine in level par, but the back nine in five over, a collapse reminiscent of Adam Scott's capitulation here in the 2012 Open when Ernie Els claimed the title. There is clearly something about Lytham that tests even the best.

What to Watch in the Final Round

• Can Noh hold her nerve for a first major title?
• Will Ryu recover from her mental scars to chase a third straight major?
• Can the chasing pack of Thitikul, Li, Henseleit, or Kuwaki post a low number?
• Weather conditions are expected to be breezy, adding to the difficulty.

Noh's lead is significant, but Lytham has proven that nothing is safe. The final round promises drama, with five players within three shots of the lead and a course that punishes any mistake. Nelly Korda birdied late to stay in contention, though she remains further back.

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