Jiyai Shin Takes the Lead at Women’s British Open After Nelly Korda’s Back-Nine Struggles

Jiyai Shin surged ahead on the third round of the Women’s British Open at St. Andrews, capitalizing on a collapse by top-ranked Nelly Korda. Shin, a two-time champion, posted a 5-under 67 featuring seven birdies, including a remarkable shot on the par-4 17th that left her just two feet from the pin, bringing her to 7-under par overall. Korda, who started with a three-shot lead, faltered on the back nine with several missed putts and a double-bogey on 16, finishing with a 75 and two strokes behind Shin. Defending champion Lilia Vu made a strong finish to secure second place, while Lydia Ko and Jenny Shin tied for fourth. Despite her past victories and challenges faced since returning to the Asian circuit, Shin remains focused and confident heading into the final round as she aims for her third British Open title. “I know myself very well now… I can handle different conditions,” she noted, reflecting on her journey.

Two-time champion Jiyai Shin seized the spotlight during the third round of the Women’s British Open at St. Andrews, taking a one-shot lead after top-ranked Nelly Korda faced a back-nine collapse on Saturday.

At 36, Shin’s confidence soared as she tallied her seventh birdie with a stellar performance, shooting a 5-under 67—a remarkable feat at the prestigious venue. On the iconic par-4 17th, known as the Road Hole, the former world No. 1 executed a flawless fairway wood shot that landed at the front of the green and rolled to within two feet of the pin, bringing her to 7-under par. This puts the South Korean in a strong position as she aims for a third British Open title, having previously claimed victories in 2008 and 2012.

Korda, looking for her third major championship and first British Open title, finds herself two strokes behind after struggling with a 75. Starting with a three-shot lead, she faltered early by missing short putts for bogeys on her first two holes, quickly joining the leaders. Although she regained her footing with three birdies before the turn, her back nine performance was disappointing. Korda missed a 4-foot par putt at No. 12 and another from 5 feet at No. 13, before hitting a double bogey on No. 16 after a wayward drive. Despite finishing strong with a birdie on the final hole, she ended up in third place.

“It’s nice to finish with a birdie,” Korda reflected, “but it wasn’t the best of days.”

Defending champion Lilia Vu, who played alongside Korda in the final pairing, finished with a 71, landing her in second place after a birdie on the 18th hole. Olympic champion Lydia Ko (71) and Jenny Shin (70) are tied for fourth place.

Charley Hull fell out of contention with a 75, placing her at 2-under, five strokes off the lead.

Despite resigning from her LPGA membership before the 2014 season to focus on playing in Asia and being closer to her father, Shin emphasized her growth as a player. “I worry that I lost fans, but I’ve gained many new ones,” she shared. “I keep working hard. I know myself very well now—I’m better equipped to handle different conditions. That’s why I’m here.”

Shin’s day started strong with birdies on the first two holes, and she made a significant move with three consecutive birdies starting at No. 7, bringing her within one shot of Korda. After birdies on 12 and the impressive shot on 17 that put her in the lead, she reflected on the moment: “I couldn’t see where the ball finished because of my height. I could hear the applause but couldn’t see the outcome. My focus was to just get onto the green, and when I approached the hole, I was pleasantly surprised to find it so close.”