COUGHLIN AND SHIN TIE FOR LEAD ON DAY ONE

Former Champion Lauren Coughlin enjoyed a late surge to join Jenny Shin at the top of the leaderboard after a challenging day one of the ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open.

Korea’s Shin and U.S golfer Coughlin both finished 66(-6) following a blustery day on Dundonald Links and Shin’s impressive opening round featured seven birdies, four of them on her opening nine.

Reflecting on her strong start, Shin said: “This golf course, tee shots are crucial. So, I really focused on getting my tee shots on the fairway. The fact I was able to reach the par 5s and take advantage of making the birdies there helped. When I did have the chance for birdie, I did make it. So, it was a good day.”

“You just don’t know where the ball is going to bounce to. No. 8, I had a really good tee shot, couldn’t have hit it any better and still ended up in the left rough. It’s a little bit of luck with the links.

So I think the secret is to just be in acceptance of whatever happened.”

Coughlin, who is eyeing up a spot at this year’s Solheim Cup in September, praised her game plan for the day, despite the tricky conditions the Links provided: “Yeah, I just playing really solid. It was pretty difficult out there. I’ve not ever really played it when it’s been this firm, especially off the tee, so quite a few different things off the tee than normal.

Regarding her afternoon Tee time, the U.S. star affirmed: “It more confirmed what I felt; that it was going to be playing difficult out there. I felt like I had a really good game plan and executed really well and made a few putts.

All eyes had been on the key group of 2025 Champion and World number 5 Lottie Woad, World number 1 Nelly Korda and World number seven Charley Hull. However, it was a day to forget for Hull who finished +6 while Korda ended on par and the start to Woad’s title defence saw her end the day’s play +2.

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