South Korean golfer Haeran Ryu leads the 2026 Women's British Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes with a score of 7-under par after two rounds. She birdied the final hole to take a one-shot lead at 7-under, recovering from a rocky start that included a double bogey on the 5th hole, and shot a 2-under 69 in round two [1, 2, 3, 4].
Ryu is pursuing history as she aims to become just the fifth woman to win three majors in a single calendar year, having already captured the 2026 PGA Championship and Evian Championship [1, 2, 3, 4]. She said, "The last hole is so important as it is always good for tomorrow... I just stayed patient after that and I made some birdies to finish under par. I am so happy now." She added she plans to "just keep thinking about my golf and the golf course," not other players [1, 2].
Japanese player Shiho Kuwaki trails by a single stroke after shooting a one-under 70 in round two, sitting at 6-under overall [1, 2, 3, 4]. Overnight leader Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand fell two shots behind after a challenging second round 73, tying for third place with American Yealimi Noh [1, 2, 3, 4]. Thitikul struggled with several bogeys and double bogeys, citing difficult pin positions and admitting, "I definitely... get frustrated sometimes," especially after a three-putt on the 14th hole and a bunker on 15 [2, 3, 4].
World No. 1 Nelly Korda bounced back from an opening 73 with a 68 highlighted by six birdies, bringing her to one-under overall and still in contention [1, 2, 3]. England’s Lottie Woad is five shots off the lead after shooting an even-par 71 in the second round [1, 2, 3].
Defending champion Miyu Yamashita missed the cut following a second-round 77 that included a quadruple bogey on the 18th hole [2, 3].
The second round was played on July 31, with Ryu’s birdie on the 18th proving decisive in taking the overnight lead [2, 3, 4]. The third round is scheduled for today, August 8, as the championship continues at Royal Lytham & St Annes.
