Shin’s Decisive Victory in Scotland
Jenny Shin of South Korea claimed her first LPGA Tour victory in over a decade, winning the Women’s Scottish Open. The win at Dundonald Links marks her second career LPGA title, following her success at the Texas Shootout in May 2016. Shin finished the tournament at 9 under par, securing a two-shot lead.
Shin, who is 33 years old, carded a 3-over 75 on the final day. She had maintained the lead since the first round of the competition. Despite a challenging final round that included three consecutive bogeys on holes 6 through 8, Shin held on to her advantage. She began the final round with a five-shot lead over Pajaree Anannarukarn of Thailand.
The golfer expressed her feelings about the victory, stating that her first win did not feel earned at the time, but this one felt different, like she had worked hard for it. After sinking her final putt on the 18th hole, Shin was visibly emotional and was celebrated by friends with water and champagne.
Tournament Play and Equipment
Shin’s performance throughout the tournament was consistent, co-leading after the opening round with a 6-under 66. She navigated through challenging Scottish weather and demanding links conditions to achieve a wire-to-wire victory. Her ability to manage the course conditions was supported by her equipment setup, as she is a Srixon staffer.
Her winning equipment included a new Srixon Driver, ZXi7 Irons, Cleveland Golf RTZ Wedges, and Srixon Z-STAR XV Golf Balls. This victory contributes to a recent run of success for Srixon staff players, coming one week after Ryan Fox‘s win at The Open Championship.
During the third round, Shin carded a 1-under 71, which included two birdies and a bogey. She admitted to feeling nerves earlier in the week, particularly on Saturday, but focused on staying present in each shot. Her coach had asked her about her goals four years prior, and she had expressed a desire to win again before retiring, a goal she has now achieved.
Competitors and Tour Schedule
A Lim Kim finished in second place at the Women’s Scottish Open, carding a 4-under 68 in the final round. Four consecutive birdies helped Kim move ahead of Pajaree Anannarukarn, who finished third after a final round of 74. Anannarukarn had been in second place after the third round, having climbed from fourth with a bogey-free 69.
Other notable competitors included Erika Hara of Japan, who finished at 5 under, and Esther Henseleit of Germany, also at 5 under. A Lim Kim was in fifth place at 3 under after her 2-over 74 in the third round.
The Women’s Scottish Open is part of a series of three tournaments in Europe. This European swing takes place between the final two major championships of the season: the Evian Championship and the Women’s British Open. The Women’s British Open is scheduled to begin on Thursday at Royal Lytham & St. Annes.
Shin’s win marks an emotional return to the winner’s circle and a significant achievement in her career.
Source: sportsnet.ca
