The 2024 AIG Women’s Open at St. Andrews is gearing up for an exciting final round, with Nelly Korda losing her lead and Jiyai Shin making a strong comeback. Nelly Korda, who had a four-shot lead halfway through the tournament, is now two shots behind, thanks to struggles with her putter during the third round. On the other hand, Jiyai Shin impressed everyone with a round of 67, reaching seven under par overall and positioning herself as a significant contender for the title.
The tournament has seen unpredictable weather conditions, with brutal weather at the start but a more cheerful vibe on the course recently. The increase in crowd sizes throughout the week is attributed to Monday being a bank holiday, giving hope for a substantial crowd on the final day. Various storylines are unfolding at St. Andrews, including Alexa Pano’s surprise sponsorship by the New England Patriots and the disappointing performance of fan-favorite Charley Hull on Saturday.
The leaderboard is stacked with talented players like Lilia Vu, who is one shot back at six under, and Lydia Ko lurking at four under. Sean Zak, our on-site correspondent, is following Lydia Ko closely, appreciating her infectious personality and grace on the course. Lydia Ko’s performance is generating retirement rumors, making her journey through the leaderboard even more compelling. With such an exciting mix of players, the final round promises to be intense and full of surprises.
Sean Zak, having spent significant time at St. Andrews, shares his go-to spots for a pre-final-round meal and beverage, including Tailend for fish ‘n’ chips and the Central Bar for a beer. Despite the distractions of tasty food and drinks, Sean predicts Lilia Vu will defend her title with a magical putter in hand, akin to Cam Smith’s victory in 2022. He believes that everything inside 10 feet will fall for her, along with a few long-range putts sealing the win.
Overall, the 2024 AIG Women’s Open at St. Andrews is shaping up to be a captivating final round, with multiple players in contention for the coveted title. The tournament has seen unexpected turns of events, impressive performances, and exciting storylines that have kept fans on the edge of their seats. With the leaderboard filled with talent and the atmosphere buzzing with excitement, Sunday’s final round promises to be a thrilling conclusion to a memorable championship at the iconic St. Andrews course.
