Ryu Hae-ran Ties for Lead in First LPGA Major of 2025

The Woodlands: Ryu Hae-ran has secured a share of the lead as she enters the final round of the first LPGA major tournament of 2025. The South Korean golfer is tied at the top of the leaderboard with Japan's Mao Saigo, both sitting at nine-under par at the Chevron Championship held at The Club at Carlton Woods in The Woodlands, Texas. Ryu's impressive performance included a four-under 68 on Saturday, marking the best score in the field for the third round.According to Yonhap News Agency, Ryu, who was named the 2023 LPGA Rookie of the Year and has two career titles, is pursuing her inaugural major victory. Meanwhile, Saigo, a six-time winner in Japan, is also in pursuit of her first LPGA title, having carded a 69 in the third round. Ryu and Saigo were the only competitors to break 70 on Saturday.The duo leads by one stroke over Lindy Duncan of the United States. The final group, which includes Ryu, Saigo, and Duncan, is set to tee off at 11:36 a.m. on Sunday, or 1:36 a.m. Monday in South Korea.Among othe r South Korean contenders, Choi Hye-jin shares a five-way tie for sixth place at six-under, while Kim Hyo-joo and Lee So-mi are both at five-under. Ryu had also been tied for the lead after the opening round with a bogey-free 65 but faced challenges in the second round, shooting a 74 with three bogeys and a double bogey.In the third round, Ryu bogeyed the par-3 third hole but responded with five birdies over the following six holes, including four consecutive birdies starting at the par-4 sixth. Ryu concluded her round with nine straight pars, hitting 11 of 14 fairways and reaching 14 greens in regulation.Reflecting on her performance, Ryu stated, "Today was another good day this week. Yesterday, I learned golf is tough. Today, I was just trying for good spots for easy putts, and I wanted to try to make some birdies. This course is too challenging for golfers, but I made four (straight) birdies there. Just amazing."Ryu's experience at last year's Chevron Championship, where she finished fifth after losi ng her 54-hole lead with a two-over 74 in the final round, has provided her with valuable lessons. "I tried to play in the final group again because I remember last year's final round was not good. Last year, I felt more awkward and nervous," she said. "I learned to be calmer and slower. This year, I want to enjoy the course more."South Korean golfers have faced challenges at major tournaments in recent years, with no wins in 2021 and 2023, and one major victory each in 2022 and 2024. Despite the pressure, Ryu remains focused on her goals. "I think that's good pressure for me," she expressed. "I don't have a major trophy in my home, so that's a goal for my life and in golf. I want to just try to keep going."