Jenny Shin takes huge lead into final round of Women’s Scottish Open

Jenny Shin will take a commanding five-shot lead into the final round of the 2026 ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open after another composed display at Dundonald Links.

The Korean star remains top of the leaderboard at 12-under-par after carding a one-under 71 on Saturday, having led the tournament since the opening round.

Shin began the day five shots clear and, despite periods of rain, sunshine and strong winds, did enough to maintain that advantage with just 18 holes remaining.

She made her first birdie of the day at the sixth before dropping a shot at the 10th. Shin responded immediately, however, with a birdie at the 11th to restore her five-shot cushion.

The 33-year-old admitted afterwards that nerves had played a part in her round.

“That was a very tough round, I was quite nervous for the first five holes, so I’m really glad that I was able to finish the day in red numbers,” Shin said.

She also revealed that her bogey at the 10th came after reverting to an old putting setup that she has changed this week to deal with the windy conditions.

“I shut the face. I knew what I was doing, so I was able to get back pretty easily,” she explained.

Shin believes finding fairways and relying on her short game have been crucial to her success at Dundonald.

“I think the key is definitely hitting the fairways and then giving myself opportunities to get on the green,” she said.

Despite her substantial advantage, Shin admitted she has never faced the challenge of taking a five-shot lead into a final round before.

“I’ve never been in this position [a five-shot lead], so I don’t know how to feel,” she said.

Pajaree Anannarukarn is Shin’s nearest challenger after shooting one of the best rounds of the day, a three-under 69.

The Thai moved into solo second at seven-under-par with birdies at the third, 12th and 17th, but still has five shots to make up on Sunday.

“I was driving the ball well and hitting it good out there. The putter was very hot today, so that was the key,” Anannarukarn said.

Japan’s Erika Hara and Germany’s Esther Henseleit share third on five-under, while Korea’s A Lim Kim is fifth at three-under.

Miyu Yamashita and 2024 champion Lauren Coughlin are tied for sixth on two-under, with Rose Zhang, Ryann O’Toole and Amy Yang completing the top 10 at one-under.

There is also plenty at stake in the race for the AIG Women’s Open. Thailand’s Chanettee Wannasaen, Ecuador’s Daniela Darquea and Nataliya Guseva currently occupy the three qualifying places with one round remaining.

The final round begins at 8.25am local time, with the leading group scheduled to tee off at 10.30am.

Shin now has 18 holes between herself and what would be a hugely significant victory in Scotland.