NOH HOLDS A THREE-STROKE LEAD AT ROYAL LYTHAM & ST ANNES

Golfer's Companion August 2, 2026 2 min read

American Yealimi Noh fired a round of 69 (-2) to lead by three strokes heading into the final day of action at the 2026 AIG Women’s Open.

Noh was in a share of third place overnight and had a rocky start with bogeys on the fourth and fifth holes before a birdie on six at Royal Lytham & St Annes.

She dropped another on the seventh but then found her groove rolling in three birdies on the trot on holes nine, 10 and 11 before adding another on 16 to lead with a score of seven-under-par.

“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.”

“I really focused on my tempo [on the back nine]. I was satisfied with 17 and 15 as well. I don’t think I’ve ever had to hit so many hybrids off the tee or approach shots. Usually, I’m on the longer side so it’s been interesting having longer irons in.”

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

Five players are in a tie for second place with Germany’s Esther Henseleit, American Lucy Li, Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul, Korea’s Haeran Ryu and Japan’s Shiho Kuwaki all on four-under-par.

(Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/R&A)