Kim Sei-young surged into contention at the ISPS Handa Scottish Women's Open, recording an eagle for the third straight day to finish the third round tied for second place ahead of the tournament's final day.

The last round is scheduled for Sunday at Dundonald Links (par 72) in Ayrshire, Scotland. In Saturday’s third round, Kim shot a 6-under 66 to reach 15-under 201 overall, sharing second place with Nana Madsen.

Leading the field is England’s Lottie Woad, who sits atop the leaderboard at 17-under 199, holding a two-shot margin over Kim.

In round three, Kim played steady golf with one eagle, five birdies, and a single bogey. After making eagles at the 17th hole in round one and the 18th hole in round two, Kim added another eagle at the par-5 14th hole in round three, keeping her in close pursuit of the lead.

"I made an eagle with a long putt on the 14th hole, and the birdie on the final hole should have a positive impact on tomorrow's round," Kim shared after play.

She added, “It's been a while since my last win, but I’ve continued to work with victory in mind.”

After the third round, Kim credited her caddie’s advice, saying, “I was told to play steadily, like Scottie Scheffler, and today I think my play was pretty close to that,” she said with a laugh.

Kim, who has 12 career wins on the LPGA Tour, last claimed a trophy at the Pelican Championship in November 2020. Hopes are high for a return to the winner’s circle this weekend.

Her main challenger, Lottie Woad, recently claimed victory at the LET's Irish Open and is playing her first LPGA event as a professional this week.

As an amateur, Woad recorded a top-10 finish at last year’s AIG Women’s Open and tied for third at this year’s Evian Championship. Should she win on Sunday, she would become the first player since Rose Zhang’s breakthrough at the 2023 Mizuho Americas Open to capture an LPGA title in her pro debut.

Kim Hyo-joo sits in solo fourth at 14-under 202, aiming for her second tour victory of the season after winning the Ford Championship in March.

So far this LPGA season, no player has won more than once—already a record for the most unique champions since the tour opener.

World No. 1 Nelly Korda is in fifth at 12-under 204. Choi Hye-jin is tied for seventh at 8-under 208, while Yoon Ina holds a share of 18th at 5-under 211.

A dramatic final round is anticipated as leading contenders jockey for the title.

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=Yonhap News, MHN DB