After a period of inconsistent performances throughout the 2026 LPGA season, marked by a series of missed cuts, Yealimi Noh dramatically reversed her fortunes at the AIG Women's Open. Her exceptional third-round score of 2-under-par 69 at Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club elevated her to a leading position with a total of 7-under 206 after three rounds. This impressive turnaround highlights her mental fortitude and technical prowess, transforming a season of struggles into a potential major championship victory. The unexpected surge into contention has captivated fans and reshaped the narrative of the tournament, setting the stage for a thrilling final round.
While Noh ascended, the previous leader, Haeryn Ryu, experienced a downturn in her performance. After a strong start, Ryu faltered with a 3-over 74, dropping her into a multi-way tie for second place. This shift underscores the unpredictable nature of golf, where momentum can change rapidly. Meanwhile, other contenders like Esther Henseleit, Jeeno Thitikul, Shiho Kuwaki, and Lucy Li also vied for position, with Henseleit delivering a standout 4-under 67. The leaderboard remains tightly contested, promising an exciting conclusion to the final major of the year.
Noh's Remarkable Resurgence
Yealimi Noh, a 25-year-old professional golfer, experienced a challenging 2026 LPGA campaign, marked by a series of missed cuts, including two in major championships, leading into the AIG Women's Open. However, her fortunes took a dramatic turn at Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club. Carding a superb 2-under-par 69 in the third round, Noh ascended to the top of the leaderboard with an aggregate score of 7-under 206. This remarkable resurgence showcases her resilience and ability to perform under pressure, transforming a season of struggles into a commanding lead in a major tournament. Her consistent play in the initial rounds, with scores of 67 and 70, had already positioned her well, but the third-round performance solidified her lead.
Noh's third-round journey was a testament to her determination. Despite a shaky start, including a bogey on the par-5 seventh hole that saw her fall six shots behind the then-leader Haeryn Ryu, Noh rallied spectacularly. She recorded an unlikely birdie on the par-3 ninth, initiating a run of three consecutive birdies. This momentum, coupled with another birdie on the 16th hole, propelled the San Francisco-area native into the lead. Her round was also characterized by excellent putting, needing only 26 putts, which helped her recover from early bogeys and maintain composure. This impressive display underscores her capacity for recovery and her growing confidence on the major championship stage, marking a significant turning point in her season.
Shifting Fortunes and Fierce Competition
While Yealimi Noh surged ahead, the previous front-runner, South Korea's Haeryn Ryu, faced a challenging third round. After an impressive start to the tournament, Ryu's performance cooled, resulting in a 3-over 74. This score led to a significant drop, placing her in a five-way tie for second at 4-under for the tournament. Her struggles on Saturday, particularly with her ball striking and putting, contrasted sharply with her earlier precision, where she hit 31-of-36 greens. Despite the setback, Ryu expressed a positive outlook, drawing confidence from her two previous major victories this season, indicating her mental preparedness for the final round.
The competition behind Noh remained intense, with several golfers making significant moves. Germany's Esther Henseleit delivered an outstanding 4-under 67, the best score among the top contenders, largely due to her exceptional short game and only 26 putts. She moved into a tie for second alongside Ryu, Thailand's Jeeno Thitikul, Japan's Shiho Kuwaki, and Lucy Li, who carded a 2-under 69. Japan's Ayaka Furue posted the day's best overall round with a 6-under 65, climbing six spots into a tie for eighth at 2-under 211. Even World No. 1 Nelly Korda, despite a second consecutive 1-over 73, remained in contention, tied for 16th, highlighting the depth of talent and the competitive nature of the AIG Women's Open.
