Shin Ji-eun, a one-time winner on the LPGA Tour, moved into a share of the lead after the opening round of the ISPS Handa Women's Scottish Open, which carries a total purse of 2 million dollars.
Shin fired a 6-under-par 66 in the first round held on the 23rd at Dundonald Links (par 72) in North Ayrshire, Scotland, combining seven birdies with one bogey. Tied for the lead with Lauren Coughlin of the United States, the 2024 champion of this event, Shin is chasing her second career LPGA Tour victory since the 2016 Texas Shootout.
Starting from the 10th hole, Shin built momentum by picking up four birdies on the front side alone. She added three more birdies on the back nine, but her lone bogey at the 4th hole (par 3) proved regrettable. After the round, Shin said, "I practiced in Sweden last week, and it was a links-style course." She added, "It was by the coast, so there was a lot of wind, and I think that helped me practice well."
Kim A-lim, the 2020 U.S. Women's Open major champion, shot a 5-under-par 67 to sit alone in third place, one stroke behind the leaders. Kim, who has three career LPGA Tour victories, is chasing her fourth career win at this event. "This is my sixth time competing in this event, and I remember the characteristics of each hole well," Kim said, expressing satisfaction. "Especially today, my putting was very good."
By contrast, world No. 4 Kim Hyo-joo, who had been on a hot streak with two wins each on the LPGA Tour and the Korea Ladies Professional Golf (KLPGA) Tour this season, made four birdies but committed two double bogeys and three bogeys for a 3-over-par 75, finishing the opening day tied for 46th. Defending champion Lottie Woad of England posted a 2-over-par 74 to sit tied for 33rd.
