Yamashita Holds On at Women’s Open: Lead Cut to One Stroke

Miyu Yamashita leads the Women’s British Open, but the pressure increases

Porthcawl, Wales – Miyu Yamashita had a complicated day at the Women’s British Open, with problems from the tee and on the greens. A 74 (+2) on Saturday reduced her lead to a single stroke over A Lim Kim. Yamashita, who led by three strokes at the start of the third round, failed to hit any fairways in the last 11 holes, but still remained on top at Royal Porthcawl. He was about to lose the lead on the 17th hole, but managed a crucial par after getting out of a bunker and sinking a 40-foot putt. Then, he missed a birdie from less than 6 feet on the final par 5 hole. This left Yamashita, who turned 24 on Saturday, with a total of 9 under par (207).

Today I will analyze what went wrong and what went well, and I will make the necessary improvements to have a better round tomorrow.

Miyu Yamashita

Kim shone with a 67 (-5), and had the opportunity to tie for the lead with a 335-yard drive on the 18th hole. Although he missed the green, he made three putts for par.

This puts her in the final group alongside Yamashita, while Kim seeks her second major, after winning the U.S. Women’s Open in 2020.

Honestly, I don’t focus on the leader. I focus on my process, on each shot, and on my position.

A Lim Kim

Competition is not limited to Kim. Yamashita’s fight opened the field for other competitors, including Charley Hull, from England, who with a 66, got within three strokes of the lead.

I just enjoy the chase. It’s more fun that way.

Charley Hull

Andrea Lee, with a 67, is two strokes back, followed by Hull, Megan Khang (68), Rio Takeda (74) and Minami Katsu, whose 65 tied the best round of the tournament. The final round promises to be intense, with several players with chances to win.

I think there will be a little extra pressure on the leader after 54 holes. Tomorrow will be quite difficult. Anything can happen. I think anyone who is five strokes back has a chance in this championship, so I’m going to try to keep my head down and stick to my game plan.

Andrea Lee

The British women’s competition promised to be a Japanese duel, with Yamashita and Takeda at the top. Yamashita had initial difficulties with her putt, and then her tee game was affected. She recovered with an approach near the 11th hole and a birdie on the 12th, but problems on the course affected her. Takeda also didn’t have a good day, with early bogeys and others in the final holes. Lottie Woad, the rising English star, finished six strokes back. Nelly Korda, the world’s number 1, could end the majors season without titles, as she is nine strokes behind the lead. The LPGA has already had a historic start with no multiple winners in 19 tournaments, a streak that could continue.