Shin builds commanding lead at Scottish Open
Jenny Shin surged to a five-shot lead at the ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open on Friday, carding a five-under 67 to reach 11 under par at Dundonald Links. The South Korean capitalized on her opening-round 66, mixing birdies with steady par-saving putts to separate herself from the field. “I made birdies when I could and tried really hard not to make any 3-putts,” Shin said, acknowledging she had never held a five-shot advantage before. She plans to stay patient over the weekend as links conditions continue to test the contenders.
Major champions struggle in windy conditions
Esther Henseleit sits alone in second at six under after an eagle on the par-five third highlighted her round. Lauren Coughlin, Shin’s overnight co-leader, stumbled to a two-over front nine before recovering to level par for the day and four under overall. Defending champion Lottie Woad rebounded from an opening 74 to reach level par, though the 22-year-old Englishwoman rued missed putting opportunities. Charley Hull also made the weekend on the number at five over after a one-under 71, while Georgia Hall missed the cut at 14 over.
World number one Nelly Korda tumbled down the leaderboard with a second-round 76 that left her four over par. The American had reached two under through six holes before a bogey-double bogey stretch on 16 and 17 derailed her momentum. Four consecutive bogeys to close her round completed a difficult day. Solheim Cup captain Anna Nordqvist suffered a similar fate, a seven-over 79 dropping her to five over after an opening two-under 70. The cut fell at six over par as Dundonald Links continued to exact a heavy toll.