Haeran Ryu’s confident putting helped launch an impressive week at the 2026 BMW Ladies Championship, with a long birdie putt on the 16th hole providing an early highlight of her campaign in South Korea.
HAENAM, South Korea — Haeran Ryu delivered a standout putting moment during Thursday’s opening round at Pine Beach Golf Links, sinking a long-distance birdie putt on the par-four 16th hole.
The putt, featured in a Golf Channel highlight video released October 22, was one of five birdies in Ryu’s bogey-free opening 67.
The South Korean finished the day tied for third at five-under-par, one stroke behind early leaders Karis Davidson of Australia and Yuri Yoshida of Japan.
For Ryu, who has already captured two major championships this season, the opening performance provided an encouraging start in front of her home supporters.
Ryu Turns Strong Opening Round Into Tournament Lead
Ryu carried her momentum into Friday, delivering an eight-under-par 64 that included two eagles and consecutive closing birdies.
The round took her to 13-under-par and gave her a two-stroke lead at the halfway stage.
Saturday brought another challenge as fellow South Korean Hye-Jin Choi produced a spectacular front-nine 28 to briefly move ahead.
Ryu responded with a strong finish of her own.
After dropping her first shot of the tournament at the 15th, she birdied each of the final three holes to complete a four-under 68.
That closing stretch lifted her to 17-under-par through 54 holes, four shots ahead of Choi, Minji Park and Yoshida.
Watch Haeran Ryu’s Long Birdie Putt
Golf Channel’s video captures Ryu’s birdie on the 16th hole during Thursday’s first round.
Watch the Haeran Ryu birdie highlight on Golf Channel
The highlight offers an early glimpse of the putting touch that helped Ryu establish herself as the player to beat at Pine Beach.
The final round is scheduled for Sunday, October 25, when Ryu will attempt to secure her third LPGA Tour victory of 2026.
With a four-stroke advantage and only one bogey through three rounds, the 25-year-old enters the final day in a strong position, although the championship remains undecided.