Haeran Ryu Takes One Shot Lead Into Final Round of Women's PGA Championship

Haeran Ryu delivered another composed performance to seize a narrow lead after the third round of the Women's PGA Championship , setting the stage for a thrilling finish as several top contenders remain firmly in the race for the major title.

The South Korean golfer carded a 4 under 68 , matching the lowest round of the day, to move one shot clear of Brooke Henderson at Hazeltine National Golf Club . Ryu had already impressed with a brilliant 64 in the second round and once again displayed remarkable consistency despite challenging windy conditions.

Ryu made an explosive start, playing her opening seven holes in four under par. Her highlight came at the seventh hole, where she rolled in a stunning 28 foot eagle putt , before adding another birdie on the ninth after her putt circled the edge of the cup before dropping. Although conditions became tougher on the back nine, she limited the damage to just one bogey and finished the day atop the leaderboard.

Reflecting on her performance, Ryu acknowledged that the wind made every shot and putt more difficult but said staying calm and confident would be crucial as she chases her first major championship on Sunday.

The biggest setback of the day belonged to fellow South Korean Ina Yoon , who began the round with a commanding five shot lead after opening with rounds of 63 and 69. However, nerves got the better of the 23 year old as she struggled early, making four bogeys on the front nine before eventually signing for a 3 over 75 .

Despite the disappointing round, Yoon remains just two shots behind the leader and is still well placed to challenge for the title in the final round.

Former champion Brooke Henderson quietly strengthened her chances with another steady display. The Canadian, who won the Women's PGA Championship in 2016, consistently found fairways and greens to move into outright second place, keeping alive hopes of lifting the trophy for a second time.

One of the biggest surprises of the tournament has been Dewi Weber , the world No. 210, who birdied three of her final four holes to card a 4 under 68 and climb within three shots of the lead. She shares that position with A Lim Kim , ensuring the leaderboard remains tightly packed.

World No. 1 Nelly Korda , aiming for a remarkable third consecutive major championship victory , also kept herself firmly in contention despite another frustrating day on the greens. Korda returned a 1 under 71 , leaving her four shots behind the leader entering the final round.

The American admitted that the slick greens and strong winds have made putting especially challenging throughout the week, with several missed short putts proving costly.

History, however, offers encouragement for Korda. Over the last 35 editions of the Women's PGA Championship, every winner has begun the final round either leading or within four shots of the lead, keeping the world number one's hopes very much alive.

With Ryu , Henderson , Yoon , Weber , A Lim Kim , and Korda all carrying realistic hopes of victory, the final round promises an exciting battle as one of women's golf's biggest prizes awaits its next champion.