Haeran Ryu finished with three consecutive birdies to take control of the BMW Ladies Championship on Saturday, October 24, while Hye-Jin Choi produced a spectacular scoring run before late mistakes changed the leaderboard.
HAENAM, South Korea — The third round of the 2026 BMW Ladies Championship delivered a dramatic battle for the lead at Pine Beach Golf Links, with Haeran Ryu emerging four strokes clear after a decisive finish.
Ryu posted a four-under-par 68 to reach 17-under 199 after 54 holes. Hye-Jin Choi, Minji Park and Japan’s Yuri Yoshida share second place at 13-under heading into Sunday’s final round.
The LPGA has released its official third-round highlights, featuring the tournament action that shaped the championship’s leaderboard.
Ryu Delivers When It Matters Most
Ryu entered Saturday with a two-shot advantage, but her lead came under pressure as Choi produced one of the week’s most impressive scoring stretches.
The South Korean leader played steadily through much of the round, making only her first birdie at the sixth hole before adding another at the 10th.
A bogey at the par-three 15th threatened to leave the championship tightly contested heading into Sunday.
Instead, Ryu responded with birdies at the 16th, 17th and 18th holes.
Her closing surge turned a narrow contest into a commanding four-shot advantage.
Ryu has now completed three rounds with just one bogey, demonstrating the consistency that has kept her at the top of the leaderboard.
The two-time major champion is seeking her third LPGA Tour victory of 2026.
Choi’s Remarkable Front Nine Ends in Frustration
Earlier in the day, Hye-Jin Choi briefly appeared capable of taking command of the championship.
Choi covered the opening nine holes in an extraordinary eight-under-par 28, combining six birdies with an eagle at the par-five sixth.
Another birdie at the 10th moved her to nine-under for the round and gave her a two-shot advantage over Ryu.
But the momentum shifted during the closing stretch.
Choi bogeyed the 12th and 15th holes before making a double bogey at the par-five 17th.
She eventually signed for a six-under 66, an impressive score that nevertheless left her four shots behind the leader.
Choi remains in contention for her first LPGA Tour victory.
Minji Park Produces One of Saturday’s Best Rounds
Minji Park also made a significant move during the third round.
The South Korean golfer shot a seven-under 65, finishing with three consecutive birdies to climb into a share of second place.
Yuri Yoshida joined Park and Choi at 13-under, leaving three players chasing Ryu in the final round.
The leaderboard now sets up a compelling conclusion, particularly with several players showing they can produce low scores at Pine Beach.
BMW Ladies Championship Leaderboard After Round Three
| Position | Player | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Haeran Ryu | -17 |
| T2 | Hye-Jin Choi | -13 |
| T2 | Minji Park | -13 |
| T2 | Yuri Yoshida | -13 |
Standings after the completed third round, October 24, 2026.
Watch the Official BMW Ladies Championship Round Three Highlights
The LPGA’s official 10-minute highlight video is available on its website, providing a way to catch up on the third-round action.
Watch: 2026 BMW Ladies Championship — Third Round Highlights
The final round takes place on Sunday, October 25, with Ryu attempting to convert her four-shot advantage into another victory on home soil.
Choi, Park and Yoshida remain her closest challengers, but they will need to close the gap quickly to put pressure on the leader.
For now, Ryu’s exceptional finish has placed her firmly in control of the championship.