History-chasing Ryu sets pace at women's British Open

Ryu Hae-ran sank six birdies in an opening round of 66 as she made a strong start to her bid to win a third straight major at the women's British Open on Thursday.

The South Korean, 25, has enjoyed a whirlwind few weeks, winning the PGA Championship at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minnesota in June before adding the Evian Championship in France earlier this month.

Haeran Ryu is chasing down her third major of the year early 💪

Tune in on @GolfChannel now to catch the action. pic.twitter.com/flvMVC64Qp

She made a seamless switch to links golf at Royal Lytham & St Annes, on the coast of northwest England, making four birdies in her first seven holes.

After a bogey on the par-four 15th, she recovered to birdie two of the final three holes to wrestle the early clubhouse lead from American Yealimi Noh, who carded a 67.

US world No 1 Nelly Korda, who was grouped with Ryu and 2024 British Open champion Lydia Ko, finished at two-over par.

Korda, 28, is also seeking her third major of the year after claiming the Chevron Championship and the US Open.

Thailand's world No 2 Jeeno Thitikul, 23, was four under after her first nine holes as she hunts a first major.

Jeeno Thitikul is electric on the greens ⚡️

Tune in on @usatodaysports 📺 pic.twitter.com/ny3sgnLRYH — LPGA (@LPGA) July 30, 2026

The 2026 season is the first in golf history in which two players, male or female, have won multiple majors.

Only six golfers have won three of the game's biggest prizes in a single year, with South Korea's Park In-bee the most recent in 2013.