Yoon stretches lead to five strokes in Women’s PGA Championship

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, June 28, 2026

South Korea’s Haeran Ryu took the lead at 11-under par after the third round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, edging out Canada’s Brooke Henderson by one stroke. With world number one Nelly Korda trailing four shots behind, the final round promises a tight battle among top contenders for the major title.

At the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota, South Korea’s Haeran Ryu surged into the lead after the third round, overtaking early leader Ina Yoon. Ryu carded an eight-under 64 on Friday and followed it with a four-under 68 on Saturday, featuring birdies on two of her first five holes and an eagle on the par-5 seventh. She finished the third round at 11-under par, holding a one-stroke advantage over Canada’s Brooke Henderson heading into the final round.

Ryu, the 2023 LPGA Rookie of the Year and a three-time winner on the tour, praised her strong front nine and solid overall performance despite tougher conditions on the back nine. “Tomorrow I just want to have more confidence and more calm,” she said after the round.

Ina Yoon, who led by five strokes after the first two rounds with a total of 12-under 132, experienced a difficult third round, shooting three-over 75 with six bogeys. The setback dropped the 23-year-old South Korean from first to third place, two shots behind Ryu. Yoon acknowledged the challenges she faced, including nerves and missed short putts, describing the day as “really long” and a learning experience.

Nelly Korda, the world number one and two-time major winner this season, is attempting to clinch a third consecutive major title, a feat only two other LPGA players have accomplished. She overcame a four-under 68 on Friday with a one-under 71 on Saturday, moving into a tie for sixth place at seven-under overall, four strokes behind Ryu. Korda remained focused on incremental progress, stating she would concentrate on “one shot at a time” to manage the pressure.

Canadian Brooke Henderson posted consistent rounds, with three-under 69 on Saturday, improving her position to second place at 10-under par. Henderson, seeking her first major title since 2022, expressed satisfaction with her performance and recent improvements in her game.

Trailing the leaders by three strokes are the Netherlands’ Dewi Weber and South Korea’s Kim A-lim, both showing steady play on Saturday. Alison Lee and Australian Karis Davidson, who held second place going into the day but slipped back after a two-over 74, are also in contention within the top 10. A group tied for eighth at six-under includes Dongeun Lee of South Korea and Kim A-lim.

As the championship moves into its final round, Ryu will attempt to maintain her slim lead against a competitive field that includes former leaders and major champions.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.