Shin Ji-eun has moved close to her first LPGA Tour victory in 10 years.
Shin shot a 1-under-par 71, with two birdies and one bogey, in the third round of the ISPS Handa Women's Scottish Open (total prize money $2 million) held on the 25th at Dundonald Links (par 72) in North Ayrshire, Scotland. With a total of 12-under-par 204, Shin held a firm grip on the sole lead, five strokes ahead of second-placed Pajaree Anannarukarn of Thailand (7-under-par 209).
Shin, who has not relinquished the lead since the first day, would claim her second win in 10 years if she reaches the top on the final day. Her first career victory came at the Texas Shootout in May 2016.
Shin picked up a birdie on the front nine at the 6th hole (par 3), and though she dropped a stroke at the 10th hole (par 4), she immediately made up for it with a birdie at the 11th hole (par 3). She then kept par on all remaining holes.
"It was a very tough round. I was so nervous for the first five holes, so I'm relieved to have finished under par," Shin said. "It was a boring yet tense day." She added, "On the 10th hole, out of habit I reverted to my old setup during the putting process, which closed the putter face. I noticed the mistake right away and got back into my rhythm." She continued, "I've never been in a five-stroke lead before, so I'm not sure how I should feel. I'll practice a bit more and try to find a good feel for the final round."
Erika Hara of Japan and Esther Henseleit of Germany were tied for third at 5-under-par, while Kim A-lim was fifth at 3-under-par. Amy Yang was tied for eighth at even par, and Yoon Yi-na was tied for 11th at 1-over-par.
