Haeran Ryu will take a one-shot lead into the weekend at the 2026 AIG Women’s Open after reaching seven under par at Royal Lytham & St Annes.

The Korean followed Thursday’s opening 66 with a 2-under 69 on Friday, moving one clear of Japan’s Shiho Kuwaki. Jeeno Thitikul and Yealimi Noh share third place at 5-under.

Ryu, winner of the past two major championships, made a difficult start with a bogey at the third and a double bogey at the fifth. She recovered with birdies at seven and nine before picking up another shot at the 10th.

Further birdies at 15 and 18 completed a back-nine 33 and secured her first 36-hole lead in a major.

Ryu’s Approach Play Sets the Pace

Ryu leads the field with 11 birdies through two rounds and 31 of 36 greens in regulation. She has recorded only three bogeys or worse across 36 holes despite Royal Lytham’s bunkering and difficult conditions.

“I’m just trying to have fun on the course because this course is stressful because there are a lot of bunkers and the greens are tough and then it’s windy too,” Ryu said. “I’m just trying to have fun on the golf course with my caddie.”

Her recent major results have helped her manage the position. Ryu was tied in second place after two rounds of the 2026 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and tied for third at the same stage of the Amundi Evian Championship.

“I don’t want to focus on other players; I just keep thinking about my golf and the golf course,” she said. “Tomorrow I just want to be happy with my play and think about my swing.”

Kuwaki Leads the Chasing Group

Kuwaki carded four birdies and three bogeys in a second-round 70 to reach 6-under. After dropping a shot at the first, the five-time JLPGA Tour winner birdied holes four through six for the second successive day.

The 23-year-old’s best previous major finish was a tie for 14th at this year’s US Women’s Open. She said the wind made pace control on Royal Lytham’s greens harder during the back nine, where several birdie chances went unconverted.

Thitikul began the day as the leader but slipped two shots back with a 73. The Thai player made one birdie and three bogeys, including a three-putt at the 14th before finding a bunker on the next hole.

“I will try to be really patient,” Thitikul said. “You have to really be aware of everything on the shots.”

Noh joined her in third place after a 70. The American responded to a double bogey at the fourth with consecutive birdies, then traded a birdie at 11 for a bogey at 15.

Korea’s Soo Bin Joo holds fifth place at 3-under following a 69.

Hull and Woad Remain Within Reach

Charley Hull and Lottie Woad are among eight players at 2-under, five shots behind Ryu. Spanish amateur Paula Martin Sampedro also sits in that group after rounds of 69 and 71, making her the leading amateur.

Hull returned an even-par round highlighted by a bunker hole-out at the 17th. The Englishwoman said her back had been sore during the round, although she expects to play through the issue over the weekend.

The cut fell at 4-over, with 68 players advancing. Defending champion Miyu Yamashita and Georgia Hall, who won the previous AIG Women’s Open staged at Royal Lytham, were among those eliminated.

Third-round play begins at 8.50 am local time on Saturday, with the final group scheduled to tee off at 2.40 pm.

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