Yealimi Noh will take a three-stroke lead into the final round of the 2026 AIG Women’s Open after shooting a two-under-par 69 at Royal Lytham & St Annes.

The American recovered from three early bogeys with four birdies across her final 10 holes, reaching 7-under for the championship. Esther Henseleit, Lucy Li, Jeeno Thitikul, Haeran Ryu and Shiho Kuwaki share second place on 4-under.

Noh began Saturday tied for third but lost shots at the fourth and fifth before making birdie at the sixth. Another bogey followed on seven, leaving her 2-over for the round and facing the prospect of losing ground on moving day.

Noh made three consecutive birdies from the ninth, then picked up another shot at the 16th to move three shots clear entering Sunday.

“I don’t want to say surprised, I know I can do this and I have it in me,” said Noh. “I have had a rough year so far, golf is crazy, it just takes one week, one round to switch it and play a whole different game. I’m happy to be in this position.”

Noh said an emphasis on tempo helped her through the back nine, where the wind and Royal Lytham’s demanding approach shots placed greater pressure on longer clubs.

“I feel pretty ready [to win],” she said. “There’s so much golf left and so much left to do. I want to go out there and enjoy it.”

Five Players Share Second Place

Henseleit produced the lowest round among Noh’s nearest challengers, carding a 4-under 67. The two-time LET winner birdied the second and third, then gained further shots at six, nine and 11. Her only bogey came at the 15th.

“It was very good again and very solid,” said Henseleit. “I didn’t really get in too much trouble, which is the key to this golf course. I managed to hole some putts today, I’m very happy with my result.”

Li joined her on 4-under after a 69 containing four birdies and two bogeys. She birdied the 17th and saved par at the last after missing with her second shot.

Ryu, the overnight leader and winner of the past two major championships, slipped back with a 3-over 74. She remains within three shots of Noh despite struggling to make pars in the stronger wind.

Woad and Hull Remain Within Range

England’s Lottie Woad holds seventh place on 3-under following a 70. She made birdie at the 16th after negotiating a difficult back nine, leaving her four strokes behind Noh.

Charley Hull is tied for eighth on 2-under alongside Ayaka Furue, Minami Katsu and Chanettee Wannasaen.

The final round begins at 8.35am local time on Sunday. The leading group is scheduled to tee off at 2.35pm.

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