Nelly’s hard day, Jiyai Shin’s responsibility, who will win?

Our correspondent of St. Andrews Sean Zak is on AIG Women’s Open this week. Here he checks in with fellow countryman Jessica Marksbury on Nelly Korda’s tough day, Jiyai Shin’s incredible round and who he thinks will go home with the trophy on Sunday.

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Jessica Marksbury, GOLF Senior Editor: Good evening, Sean!

Sean Zak, GOLF Senior Writer: Hello J-Mar!

JM: What a day. We have a lot to cover.

SZ: This is what we do! Let’s get into it.

JM: Just when it looked like Nelly Korda was poised for a crowning weekend with a four-shot lead halfway through the Open, she’s now two behind and Sunday’s final round looks set to be a shootout. What went wrong with Nelly today?

SZ: It would be easy to say that the loose swing on 16 that faded too many 5 yards and ended up in the OB was the problem, but really it was the shooter. She putt three green 1, leading to bogey. She misplayed the second and the player didn’t save it. She missed at least two more short putts, within 5 feet, during the round. It’s a new stick so I’m sure she’s still getting used to it, but it wasn’t good today. It made sense that she went straight to the green after the round.

JM: I can certainly relate to a rough day on the greens. But on the opposite end of the spectrum was Jiyai Shin, who shot a round of 67 to reach seven under par – how impressive was that?

SZ: How impressive is she, period! Forget that round – which was amazing, by the way. Consider the fact that she is one of the few players in the field to have played every AIG Women’s Open on the Old Course. She is 36 years old and after the victory two Opened more than a decade ago, she decided to return to Japan to be closer to her family. She largely stopped competing on the LPGA Tour and relied on the LPGA of Japan until the end. But now she’s back in the Open and absolutely banging. I can’t wait to write her story tomorrow if she can somehow do it against players 15 years younger.

JM: Let’s hope Mother Nature brings everyone home with some sunshine tomorrow. After the brutal weather to start the tournament, how was the atmosphere today?

SZ: Oh, the vibrations were ok. I was a bit worried about the crowd earlier in the week but finally the Scots and Brits and all sorts of spectators turned up today. I’m told it’s because Monday is a bank holiday, which gives me even more hope for a massive crowd on Sunday.

JM: National holidays the day after the final round of a major? This is something I can definitely get behind! Sean, you wrote about Alexa Pano for the site today — any other stories pique your interest?

SZ: If Alexa Pano can stretch somewhat up Sunday, that will mean good things for the … New England Patriots? If you want to know more about that wonder, click here. But as for the other stories, I was very sad to see Charlie Hull Saturday cave. She is so electric. It brings people being unapologetically himself. I was really hoping we’d see that person in the heat of contention on Sunday. Maybe we will, but it will take something special.

JM: It’s a pretty exciting leaderboard, with Lilia Vu one shot back at six under, and Lydia Ko lurking at four under. Who will you follow tomorrow?

SZ: I am following Lydia Ko. She is the best speaker here. She has an infectious personality. She is pleasant and cheerful at this point in her career. And she continues to be asked about her impending retirement. I don’t think that’s a reality at the moment, but it’s a compelling idea as she flirts with the lead role.

JM: I have to ask: Since St. Andrews is basically a second home for you these days, where are you heading for a pre-final meal and drink tonight?

SZ: I’m headed straight to Tailend for some fish ‘n’ chips. It’s the most reliable meal in town. Then to the Central Bar for a beer. The most underrated pub in town.

JM: The jealousy meter is off the charts right now, SZ! Before I let you go enjoy that pint, I have to put you on the spot: who’s winning this thing?!

SZ: Lilia Vu defends her title with a magic shooter in hand. Just like Cam Smith did in 2022. Everything within 10 feet falls. And some bombs too.

Editor of Golf.com

As a four-year member of Columbia’s inaugural women’s varsity player class, Jessica can blow away anyone in the masthead. She can also drive them in the office, where she is primarily responsible for producing print and online features, and overseeing major special projects, such as GOLF’s inaugural Style Issue, which debuted in February 2018. Her series The original interview, “A Round With,” debuted in November 2015 and appeared in both magazine and video form on GOLF.com.