Late birdie lifts Lauren Coughlin into lead at Women’s Scottish Open
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Lauren Coughlin of the United States during the Portland Classic in August 2024. She leads the Women's Scottish Open by a stroke after the third round.
PHOTO: AFP
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AYRSHIRE – Lauren Coughlin is a confident golfer, and she has her putting to thank for that.
On Aug 17, the 31-year-old American carded a six-under 66 to seize a one-stroke lead heading into the final round of the Women’s Scottish Open in Ayrshire, Scotland.
Coughlin, who earned her first career LPGA win at the CPKC Women’s Open in July, collected six birdies during her bogey-free round to reside at 12-under 204 for the tournament at Dundonald Links.
She rolled in her last birdie on the 18th hole to give her a one-shot lead on Megan Khang (69), who shared the 36-hole lead with two-time Major champion Minjee Lee of Australia.
Coughlin credited her putting game for her performance and for raising her confidence level.
“Yeah, I think a lot of it is putting,” she said.
“I started to get some confidence in the Asian Swing, and since then I’ve been able to keep it going. I’m starting to hit the ball extremely well, and I’m just starting to feel really good about my game and myself and trying to keep it going.”
Khang had three birdies during her bogey-free round, with her final one coming after a long putt on the 17th hole. Like Coughlin, she has just one LPGA win on her resume.
Olympic silver medallist Esther Henseleit (66) of Germany recorded an eagle on the par-five 14th hole to go along with five birdies and one bogey. She was three shots behind Coughlin.
“Yeah, I played really well,” the German said.
“Had a great front nine and then kept it going on the back nine, and yeah, just a really solid day. Didn’t make many mistakes. Kept it pretty easy and simple and rolled in a few putts.”
Henseleit and Charley Hull (69) of England are tied for third place at nine-under, one stroke ahead of Lee (72).
Lydia Ko of New Zealand shot a 71 to sit at seven-under for the tournament, good enough for sixth place. The Olympic champion admitted she has had plenty on her plate of late, but is not using that as an excuse.
“It is a long week, so it can get draining,” Ko said.
“So I’m sure by some point next week, I’m going to be tired but I think that’s part of my job to keep my energy levels high and make sure that I’m still feeling fresh for Thursday to Sunday next week as well.” REUTERS
