Ryu Hae-ran is poised to become only the fifth woman in history to win three consecutive Majors, after snatching the halfway lead at the British Open.
However, at the beginning of her second round at the venerable Royal Lytham and St Annes, things looked very different: three over par after the first five holes – it was a shaky start. But the Korean, who has already claimed victories at the PGA Championship and the Evian Championship in the last two months of 2026, really turned it on afterwards. With five birdies, she fought her way back and carded a powerful 69 (-2). She is now seven under par for the tournament.
“I’m just trying to have fun out there,” Ryu said after her superb round. “This course, with its bunkers and tricky greens, is really stressful.” Sounds like pure links golf – a true test of nerves.
Right behind her lurks Japan's Shiho Kuwaki, just one shot back in second place. The previous leader, Jeeno Thitikul, unfortunately dropped shots. Thitikul, the current world number two, played a two-over-par round and now shares third place at five under par.
World number one Nelly Korda is also still very much in contention! After a mixed Thursday, she fired a 68 and is now one under par for the tournament. Her dream of a third Major victory in 2026 lives on! “You never know what’s going to happen – that’s links golf,” commented the American. “I’m just going to try and go into the weekend with the same mindset as today.” A declaration of intent we love to see!
Speaking of Major victories: the 2026 season is currently making golf history! It’s the first time ever that two players – whether male or female – have won multiple Majors in a single year. A year where things are really clicking in professional golf!
