AIG Women's Open Leaderboard, Live Updates From Walton Heath: Vu Birdies Tough 2nd And Pulls Away From The Field

AND WE ARE BACK...

Very enjoyable day yesterday, the weather looks a little cloudy today, but we should still get uninterrupted action at the wonderful Walton Heath course.

Great start to the tournament, long may it continue

The first day of the AIG Women’s Open was a cracking one: the weather was excellent, the golf was interesting, the course looked and played superbly, and the leaderboard is congested. After an Open Championship at Royal Liverpool which, frankly, after a good first day then tailed off markedly and failed to grip, let us hope that the AIG Women’s Open continues as it has begun.

Tweaks to the layout for today's round

Four of the tee boxes have been moved up - the 4th, 5th, 12th and 16th ones. The layout, which can play to 6,881 yards, has a yardage of 6,713 today.

Today’s pin positions

Here is Friday's pin sheet:

First of the marquee groups are on the course

Georgia Hall, Celine Boutier, Atthaya Thitul are playing together and were off at 7.47 this morning. Hall has dropped a shot on the 1st; Boutier and Thitkul made par.

Walton Heath’s powerful members

It is one of the less-remarked quirks of the different political systems of the two countries that US produces golfers as Presidents – 16 of the past 19 Presidents have been golfers – but most UK Prime Ministers, particularly recently, have shown little interest in the game. The exception was David Cameron, an occasional player who did play a game against President Obama at The Grove when Obama was in the UK on an official visits. Obama won.

But it has not always been thus, David Lloyd George and Churchill were both golfers, and both were members of Walton Heath. The membership included a lot of politicians – on the eve of the First World War, Walton Heath had four future or past Prime Ministers among its membership, 24 MPs and 21 members of the House of Lords. George W Bush may have stopped playing golf during the Iraq War, feeling it was improper when the country he led was at war, but Lloyd George felt no such compunction. He and Winston Churchill even sat on club committees during the conflict. “The war is being conducted from Walton Heath's 19th hole,” was a contemporary view on Lloyd George’s government.

The US President during World War I was Woodrow Wilson. It has been estimated that he played more than 1,000 rounds of golf during his eight years in office. He was so eager to play that he would even play in the snow, using ball painted black. However he was not a good golfer, and rarely broke 100.

Lloyd George and Churchill would play together, although Churchill’s favourite hole was the 19th and he had to be often chivvied out to play. A mediocre golfer, Churchill sought to compensate for this by pairing up when possible with James Braid, Walton Heath’s professional and one of Britain’s finest-ever golfers. Churchill’s declared handicap was 18; at it lowest point Lloyd George’s was 13.

Those three US Presidents who did not play golf by the way: Jimmy Carter, Harry Truman and Herbert Hoover. Walton Heath’s other Prime Ministerial members were Bonar Law and Alfred Balfour.

Steady start for Amy Yang

Three holes played. Three pars made. She remains T2.

Today's weather forecast

Ally Ewing about to join the fray

Of the six players who were at three-under or better on the first day, only a couple of them are out this morning, indeed out before 1.49pm.

Amy Yang is already on the course (and has dropped to -2 after a bogey on the 5th), and the first-day leader gets her second round underway at 8.47am. Here are when the others are off:

1.49pm: Jeongeun Lee6, who is playing with Kokona Sakurai and Moriya Jutanugarn
2pm Emily Kristine Pedersen who is playing with In Kyung Kim, Julia Lopez Ramirez
2.11pm Perrine Delacour who is with Nanna Koerstz Madsen and Ingrid Lindblad
3.36pm Jaravee Boonchant, who is with Magdalena Simmermacher and Emma Grechi

Early riser

Scot Kylie Henry has played a bogey-less front nine in 2 under, and has risen 46 places to T57. 

Yu Liu joins those in second place

Yu Liu is in the fourth group out today and she has recovered from a bogey on the 2nd with back-to-back birdies on 6 and 7 which have taken her to -3.  The tie for 2nd is a five-way one.

Grace Kim making a move

She has added a birdie on 7 to her one on the 4th so she has now joined those tied in second. That's now half a dozen people in second place. The Australian has moved up 17 places on the leaderboard this morning.

Ewing pars the 1st

Her approach comes up about 10 yards short, but she elects to putt from off the green and gets a tap-in par.

Heather

Am I the only one disappointed that neither Heather Lin nor Heather Macrae qualified? But at least we have Charlotte Heath playing. On the subject of names, anyone else notice that Bailey Tardy has been put out last today?

Boutier Birdie

It had been a steady start thus far for the Frenchwoman, with pars on every hole. But this birdie on the par-5 6th takes her to +1 and T56.

The Women’s Open layout

Walton Heath has two courses, the Old and the New. The Women’s Open is played over a composite layout with 16 holes from the Old and two from the New. The New’s 12th and 13th are substituted for the Old’s 1st and 3rd, and appear at 12 and 13 on the composite layout. The 1st hole on the Old is an odd one. For starters it is separate from the other 35 holes. The clubhouse, car park and one hole are on one side of a road; the other 35 holes are on the other. It is also a rather mundane long par 3.

Another tap-in par for Ewing

This was on the 2nd, which played the hardest of all the holes yesterday. So far, so good, and no sign of a repeat of her second round at the Evian Championship . There she also made an opening round of -4, but followed that up with an 80 and missed the cut.

Ewing goes two shots clear

A 5ft birdie putt is holed on the 3rd and she has pulled away from the four currently in second place.

The 16th hole

The tee box on 16 has been moved up for this round, so we can anticipate more drama here today. This hole added greatly to the drama of the first day. A downwind par 5, it gave many players a chance to make a late assault up the leaderboard. Thirteen players clawed back 2 shots from the course over those two holes. The 16th hole yielded these 13 first-day eagles without fear or favour – Ally Ewing, who finished the day first, got one, as did Amy Yang (T2) but so did Hayley Davis (T128) and Mi Hyang Lee (T122).

The 16th was the easiest hole yesterday, playing to an average of 0.7 under par. Only three other holes played under-par: the par-4 10th and par-5 11th, both did so by 0.1 shots and par-5 6th just sneaked in to this group as it played to an average of 4.99.

Ewing misses birdie chance on the 4th

The putt was not more than 6ft but it goes left. She remains two shots ahead of those in second. Of the five in second, four of them have yet to begin their second rounds. 

Trickling down to Walton Heath

Bertie Wooster who, along with his gentleman’s gentleman – not butler! – Jeeves is one of the greatest creations in humorous fiction, was a golfer. In the first story in which he appears, Extracting Young Gussie, published in 1915, his formidable Aunt Agatha asks:

"What are your immediate plans, Bertie?"
"Well, I rather thought of tottering out for a bite of lunch later on, and then possibly staggering round to the club, and after that, if I felt strong enough, I might trickle off to Walton Heath for a round of golf."
"I am not interested in your totterings and tricklings. I mean, have you any important engagements in the next week or so?”
I scented danger.
“Rather,” I said. “Heaps! Millions! Booked solid!”
“What are they?”
“I—er—well, I don’t quite know.”
“I thought as much. You have no engagements. Very well, then, I want you to start immediately for America.”

Wooster’s creator, the author PG Wodehouse, was a keen golfer, and wrote several dozen golfing short stories. In later life he wrote of himself that “If only I had taken up golf earlier and devoted my whole time to it, instead of fooling about writing stories, I might have got my handicap down to under 18. … I won my first and only trophy, an umbrella in a hotel tournament at Aiken, South Carolina, where I went through a field of some of the fattest retired businessmen in America like a devouring flame. I was never much of a golfer. Except for that glorious day at Aiken, I was always one of the dregs, the sort of man whose tee shots designed to go due north invariably went nor-nor-east or in a westerly direction. But how I loved the game!”

Two out on the course in second place

They are Yu Liu and Grace Kim, who have both made birdies on the par-5 11th.  Liu has now made par on 12.

The cut

The cut is the top 65 places and ties. Currently that equates to a score of +1, but in the nature of these things the cut off score often slips down a shot or two, But it may well only be by a shot this time? So perhaps +2 is the likeliest number for the cut mark? There is oodles of golf still to be played today, but at present Hall, Boutier and the defending champion Ashleigh Buhai are among those on the wrong side of the cut line.

Another Ewing birdie

It is on the par-5 6th, She is giving herself plenty of chances with some superb approach play. She is now on -6, three shots clear.

How to watch a AIG Women's Open live stream

If you wish to see the action from wherever you are in the world, check out our guide to how to watch a AIG Women's Open live stream. 

Seven in second

Miyuu Yamashita's birdies at 5 and 6 have taken her to -3.

That approach play by Ewing

Just been given the stat that on the last five holes her approaches have ended an aggregate of 37 feet from the hole. Crikey. She knocks in another birdie and she is 7 under for the tournament. I wrote earlier how The Open had begun well, but tailed off as a spectacle as Brian Harman pulled well ahead of the field and stayed there. With respect to Ewing fans, hope this does not happen here. This afternoon the wind is forecast to get up a bit more, so it may be these are the best scoring conditions of the day. 

If you like Walton Heath, check out these layouts

One of our writers has put together a guide to the best heathland golf courses in the UK. Which journalist was tasked with putting this together? Well it had to be Elliott Heath didn’t it. (If we ever publish a guide on how not to whiff that gimme, our editor Neil Tappin just has to be its author.)

Handover

That’s if for me. I pass the blog on to Carly who is making her blog debut.

Crowds flock into Walton Heath for Friday's play

Good morning from a beautiful, fresh Friday here in Surrey. There's a light breeze and the conditions are fair. What an absolute delight it was to see crowds of people flooding through the entrance gates at Walton Heath GC this morning and what a treat they are in for. As soon as you enter you are alongside the driving range and watching the world's best women warming up. Then carry on through a little archway and into the Festival Village. The set-up is one of the best I've seen at any tournament in the world, with everything to please the spectator from fashion to food, along with games galore to entertain the kids. The 'big kid' in me couldn't resist having a go at a couple of the competitions, including the "Mastercard Mega Putt" and the 19th Hole sponsored by Adidas, where I managed to match the putting scores of some of this week's competitors including Rose Zhang. I'm looking forward to bringing you updates live from the action as the play unfolds this morning. Enjoy!

EWING OFF TO A FLYING START

American Ally Ewing is off to a flying start here at Walton Heath GC. She's six shots ahead of the chasing pack and playing some sensational golf. 

The 30-year-old from Mississippi looks incredibly comfortable and relaxed on the course this morning, recording four birdies on her front nine. She clearly has the pace of the greens. 

HALL NEEDS TO HANG ON IN THERE

2018 Women's British Open champion Georgia Hall will need a strong finish if she is going to make the projected cut here at Walton Heath GC.

Early estimates suggests that the cut-line will fall at one-over-par, which means the English superstar needs to pick up at least two birdies in her closing four holes.

The 27-year-old, who plays out of my home club, Parkstone GC in Dorset, has just hit her approach shot into the 414 yard par 4 14th and then three-putted missed the green. Her frustration is clear.

I spoke to her last week at Parkstone. She had chosen to have a week off from tournament play and was not competing in the FREED Group Scottish Women's Open on the links at Dundonald. Instead she chose to to practice at home as she had just completed four events on the bounce and needed a break. I thought this was quite a smart move considering the conditions at Parkstone are actually very similar to Walton Heath GC with the same heathland landscape.

Let's hope the home crowds here get behind her and she rallies in the final four holes.

THAILAND'S THITIKUL PROVING TO BE COMEBACK QUEEN 

If ever there was proof that bouncing back from a terrible start is possible, Thailand's  Atthaya Thikikul is it.

The rising star of the women's professional scene started her week at Walton Heath GC with a horror-story eight, after bouncing off a tree at the opening hole in the AIG Women's Open and into trouble. She was five over for the first five holes. 

Fast-forward 24-hours and the 20-year-old is right in the mix among the chasing pack at one-under. Six-under for her next 27-holes. 

EWING'S CHARGE CONTINUES

AIG Women's Open leader Ally Ewing is yet to drop a shot today and has soared ahead of the field by seven clear shots.

The American is six-under for her round through 12 holes, bogey-free. Including a sensational run of four birdies on the bounce to charge through the opening nine in just 30 strokes.

No player is yet to break free from the chasing pack of 12 players all on three-under-par, which includes English hope Jodi Ewart Shadoff. 

Watch this space...

YIN TAKES CLUBHOUSE LEAD

Angel Yin has fired a super round of 69 to take the clubhouse lead here at the AIG Women's Open on three-under-par.

The 24-year-old Californian looks at home on the heathland links at Walton Heath. If you want to know a bit more about the potential Solheim Cup player read our article: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Angel Yin

ENGLAND'S JODI EWART SHADOFF SHOOTS A 69

Here's a name to watch over the weekend - Jodi Ewart-Shadoff.

The 35-year-old, originally from Leeds, met and married a TV sports anchor Adam Shadoff in 2013 and is now largely based stateside.

Ewart-Shadoff is a two-time English Women's Strokeplay champion, winning in 2008 and again in 2009, as well as playing for Great Britain and Ireland in the 2008 Curtis Cup.

Since turning professional she has carved out a very successful career, splitting her time between her home in Florida while playing on the LPGA Tour and returning home to compete in the big events on the LET. Her maiden Tour victory came last year in the 2022 LPGA Mediheal Championship.

The English crowds will be delighted to see her name towards the top of the leaderboard going into the weekend at Walton Heath GC, after shooting a three-under-par 69 today.

HALL RALLIES WITH LATE BIRDIE AT 18 BUT WILL SHE MAKE THE CUT?

England's Georgia Hall showed the Surrey crowds her true calibre as a former champion by rallying with a late birdie at 18 to give her a fighting chance of making the cut in the AIG Women's Open.

The 2018 winner of this title needed two birdies in her last four holes to get into the clubhouse at two-over-par on the projected cut-line.

Hall showed nerves of steel to roll-in a critical birdie putt at 16 and then again at the par-4 18th to shoot level-par 72. 

Well done Georgia, I know a lot of your friends from our Dorset county squad will be here over the weekend cheering you on. It was lovely to see you smiling again on 18 after a tricky round today.

"BIG 3" TEE OFF FOR THE AFTERNOON

Day two of the AIG Women's Open has got off to a fantastic start with birdies galore. If you are coming along to Walton Heath GC for the afternoon then there are some fantastic players still on the course.

Among them is the superstar trio of world no. 1 Nelly Korda, England's Charley Hull and New Zealander Lydia Ko who have just teed off.

All three will have their work cut out to catch Ally Ewing who has certainly set the pace today and is currently six shots ahead of the field on 10-under par.

They will be looking for a big day ahead to try to move up that leaderboard.

CAN KO CONQUER HER DRIVER STRUGGLES?

We've all been there...standing on the first tee, dreading hitting the driver. I'm certainly in the category of players who have a love-hate relationship with the big stick. When it goes well it's the easiest club in the world to use but when you doubt it the power can quickly turn into a ticking time-bomb. A 'trouble tracer'!

I was reflecting on this while watching world no.3 Lydia Ko hook her opening tee shot into trouble on day two here at Walton Heath GC. She had to play the dreaded "provisional" ball. Being the world-class player that she is she recovered from the trees to find the green and make her par. 

I'm a great believer in going back to basics when things are going wrong and reassessing your fundamentals. Are you having driver struggles? Take a look at our Guide To Driving and take a few of these pointers to the range. 

SMOOTH SAILING FOR VU  

Newly crowned major champion Lilia Vu is bringing her good form to Walton Heath GC this week.

The 25-year-old American professional, who won the Chevron Championship earlier this year, puts her second round four-under-par 68 here at the AIG Women's Open down to solid putting today.

"I definitely benefited from the smooth morning greens," said Vu. She undoubtedly wins the prize for the longest putt holed today after draining a whopper from one side of the 12th to the other.

"I think I was about 15 yards away," laughed Vu. "I was just trying to focus on the pace and lagging it up close, so that was definitely an unexpected bonus."

EWING SETS THE TARGET

Ally Ewing has completed her second round at the AIG Women's Open with a phenomenal score of 66.

The American overnight leader carried on in the same form that she finished in last night, starting strong with five birdies in her front nine, taking her out in just 30 strokes.

She followed with two more birdies on the back nine and at one point it looked like no-one else would get near her. The only hiccup of the day came at 18, when she missed her par putt, to record her only bogey on an otherwise unblemished scorecard.

Ewing has set a loft target at the halfway point, lying at 10-under par, five ahead of her rivals.

HANDOVER TIME...

I hope you've enjoyed the live coverage this morning. I'm now passing the baton to PGA Advanced Professional Katie Dawkins for the afternoon and heading out to watch some of the action myself. See you tomorrow.

As  the  weather  kicks  up  we’ll  see  a  few  go  off  the  fairway  and  into  that  heather.  Get  the  umbrellas  ready  it’s  going  to  be  a  stormy  afternoon!

Awesome round from Lilia Vu, a tidy 68. One to watch but can she catch Ewing who has shot that fabulous 66 and leads at -10.

A four ball who will do their best to shelve a ton of birdies are Hull, Korda and Ko. Especially Ko who sits at +5. She’s had a topsy turvy run of it recently, but for someone with a cool head we won’t write her off just yet. 

Nelly Korda is heather bound on the 4th hole. She won’t be happy with this but the heather here at Walton Heath is not there to be friendly. The first 4 holes here are a seriously tough start. But thankfully for Nelly the ball was lying well and the shot headed over the flag leaving a lengthy birdie putt but coming up just shy down the same line as Ko’s putt. She buttons is down 5 just to make a point, followed swiftly by Charley Hull.

Hello and good afternoon, what a morning of golf it’s been. Ewing striding ahead of the pack carding a clubhouse lead.

With the forecast this afternoon set to get breezy I feel like she’ll sit pretty for a while whilst gentle chaos ensues out there. 

Georgia Hall must be beaming after holing that putt on 18 for her birdie to finish at +2. I can’t see the cut dipping below this so here’s hoping she’s saved all those putts for the weekend. She’s playing beautiful golf just not converting those awesome shots. Your time will come Georgia. 

Katsu  sinks  a  cracking  birdie  putt  to  take  her  score  to -5

Fantastic birdie putt on the last for Japanese Minami Katsu to join American Andrea Lee at -5. Slowly but surely the birdies are making an appearance.

World Number 1 Nelly Korda found yet another fairway on 6 then buttons it next to the flag with a chip and run that pulls up at the last moment. This rain has gently slowed things up a smidge this afternoon. She converts the birdie to get back to level par.

Minjee Lee finds the bunker on 7 and splashes it out with style and finesse to a matter of 8ft. She relishes bunker shots and that’s evident in her approach. Striding into the sand a vision of focus and calm. If bunkers aren’t your bag maybe you need to look at your approach to them. Check out this “Bunker Mentality“ article and be more Lee, making bunkers your happy place.

Nasa Hataoka sends a much needed par putt past the hole and the pressure is on a little. Charley Hull fails to hole out for her birdie putt on 7 and marches on seemingly unphased.

The  heat  is  on  in  the  drizzle  at  Walton  Heath  as  players  battle  to  try  to  make  the  cut

Alice Hewson had gone on a run with birdies at 14 and 16 but just ducked out with a solid par at 18 finishing at +3. She is amongst a group of players hovering on the cut line currently projected at +2… but with the conditions getting a bit blustery she may still be in luck. Anna Nordqvist is on +2 and has put herself with a chance to gain one back on 8.

With much focus on the upcoming Solheim Cup the captains picks must be playing on the minds of both US and European players. 

Charley Hull sinks a storming birdie on the 7th hole taking her to -2. The greens are running on 11 but with this wetness from the sky they’ll be feeling a little more sluggish to the players. 

Along with Charley other players see putts dip into the hole for birdies, Minjee Lee is cheered on as her ball disappears underground on the 8th Also taking her to -2.

Driving  woes  for Ko

Lydia Ko continues to struggle with her driver and Walton Heath is not a track where you want any kind of doubt off the tee. Check out our Hole by Hole Guide and you’ll see how important decent positions off the tee are on this stunning AIG Women’s Open course . Needless to say Ko finds the putting surface from under the branches proving her class to recover. 

Hataoka sinks a monster putt for birdie on the 9th taking her to -3. Sheer class from the Japanese star. 

Charley  chasing  birdies

Charley chases her ball along the putting surface on 8 but her birdie was not to be. 

Leona Maguire happily sat on level par after rolling in her putt on 9 and hoping to turn up the flames on the back nine. Nobody really making a run at Ewing as of yet. The feel in the air is a bit sluggish and I think it’s about time the sun made another appearance. 

Gaby Lopez nuts her tee shot up the 11th hole. She’s sat at +1 for the day but -1 for the tournament. Lopez is one of my favourite players, a Mexican with a fiery game and a cool head. One to watch as she chases those birdies on the back nine. 

LOPEZ  CRANKS  UP THE  HEAT  AFTER  A  FEW  DROP  SHOTS

The sun is indeed back out and Lopez is turning up the heat having had a few drop shots on 7 & 8. Sending her second shot onto the dance floor on the 11th Gaby Lopez gives herself an eagle opportunity. Be it a monster! Approximately 85foot! She rolls is to a sinkable length for birdie.

Jin Young Ko played a beautiful approach onto the 10th. She’s bobbing along at level par with a steady card covered in pars and just the one birdie. Can she add another?

Ko is still suffering woe after dropping another shot on 9. 

The  sun  is  shining  on  a  dazzling  open

Thankfully the weather has perked up and the heather is literally glowing a glossy purple. If you are yet to get over to the AIG Women’s Open then get on down there. Here’s our guide of how to get there and why you should go. CLICK HERE and find out why this years AIG WOMEN’S OPEN is gearing up to be the best yet.

The golf is warming up as well as the temperature, Minjee Lee turns in a classy birdie on the 11th taking her to -3. I sense she may just go on a bit of a run, watch this space.

Jeongeun Lee6 just birdied the 6th hole taking her to -4. I feel like the players this afternoon should be happy that the weather hasn’t turned super ugly as predicted. The cut is now sat at +1 which will have Georgia Hall sat on the edge of her seat. After her phenomenal birdie on the last for what she’d have hoped would have seen her playing at the weekend, she’ll be gutted to miss out if the numbers stay as they are. 

Charley  sinks a  monster  after  proving  her  class  to  score  from  trouble.

Nelly finds the rough on 11, smashing it out just left of the green side bunker. Not quite firing on all cylinders. 

Charley also having a smashing time on 11 finding the green side bunker out of the heather. Even great lies in this heather can cause the best players in the world an issue or two. Charley will have a serious challenge in even getting her club onto the ball in the sand. Heather is literally looking over her shoulder but she’s snuck it out and has a putt for the next shot. This course can really bit you in the derrière whether it’s the heather or the bunkers. in Charley’s case she had to contend with both! She did a great job and stays steely focused. She only goes and holes it for a birdie!!!! Go Charley! Well heads to the part of the course that is from the New Course of Walton Heath (12 & 13).

Minjee Lee has split the fairway on the 13th and both her and Hataoka’s approach shots stuck short of the flag on their approaches. That little bit of rain has softened everything up a touch. 

Minjee  Lee  throwing  darts  at  the  flagsticks  and  Hull  using  her  HyperFocus  powers  to  maintain  a  bogey  free  scorecard.

Lopez rolls a putt from off the green and it’s absolutely stone dead. A great touch.

Charley launches her drive down the 12th and it‘s nestled on the upslope in the semi. Followed by Ko and Korda (who twirls the club) and they both find the fairway.

Minjee Lee is at the top of the leader board when it comes to shooting low at Majors, she’d carded 22 rounds in the 60’s in her career. She sends her ball into 13 landing it right by the flagstick after a fairly lengthy discussion with her caddy. I love how much these guys communicate and how much reassurance some of the players get from their caddies.

Charley hits her second into 12 and it sits on the ridge, not releasing to the pin. Her putter is hot so not going to put it past her to roll that one in. I’m a huge Charley Hull fan, she (like me) was recently diagnosed with ADHD and has suffered with a dip in mood and enthusiasm this Summer. Great to see her back in the zone - trust me it’s tough to stay in the zone. Hull is the queen of Hyper Focus so expect more putts to drop over the next few holes. Check out how ADHD affects golf in this article. 

Korda stuck her approach by the pin and narrowly misses her birdie. The number 1 ranked player sat on level par currently.  Charley rolls her ball in for par staying at -3 and maintains a bogey free round. The momentum is building for these two players. 

Lee6 is smarting after a double bogey 6 on the 7th. She’ll be looking to up her game and sits at -2.

Amateur Charlotte Heath  sinks  a  stunning  putt  to  finish  at  +1  and  will  make  the  cut.  Could  she  be  the only  amateur  to  make  it to  the  weekend?

Charlotte Heath holes a great putt on 18 to finish at +1 and guarantee making the cut. Could she be the only amateur to make it to the weekend, guaranteeing her the Smyth Salver? Each year this is awarded to the top amateur at the Women’s Open. It’s only awarded if one non-professional makes the cut. Previous winners include Michelle Wie West,  Anna Nordqvist, Rose Zhang (last year) and Leona Maguire. 

Gaby Lopez just drained a snaking putt for a 3 on 14. What a player, she sits at -3.

Nelly Korda narrowly misses the green side bunker on 13 and has a decent chance to get herself in the red. She converts and gets a cracking 3 on what is one of the most challenging holes out there.

Leaving  putts  out  there.  Many  players  are  finding  their  balls  just  skirting  past  the  hole.  Whilst  Ashok  finds  birdie  after  birdie.

We’ve seen plenty of balls slide past the hole today, just as Hataoka’s putt slides by. Korda has certainly left a basket full of putts out there. Following that last putt she busts it down 14 with that Nelly club twirl and literally splits the two cuts on the fairway. The 14th has caught Charley Hull out as she chases her tee shot into the fairway bunker. Her expression says it all. A great shot out and she’s on the dance floor. 

A player who shows huge class and is a great personality Is Leona Maguire, she’s just stuck her approach close on 14. What a shot. She converts it for a birdie getting her back to +1.

Aditi Ashok has had 4 birdies on her back 9 the last one just now on 17, she is a classy player from India and one to watch. She currently sits at -3 with a hole to play. 

The heather here has sharp teeth and has bitten a few players today. How do you escape from trouble? Check out the pros reactions to the rough stuff here at Walton Heath. 

It’s  been  an  exciting  3  hours…  I’m  handing  you back  to  the  wonderful  Carly  just  as  the  players  still  out  there  really  get  going!

It‘s going to be a great finish from the last groups out there. What an amazing display from the best players in the world. Bring on the weekend! Check out how I got on over the final 3 holes. Trust me this course is tougher than it looks. Over and out!

LATE CHARGE POSSIBLE AS WIND ASSISTS CLOSING STRETCH

I've just spent the last three hours out on the course and the wind has blown the showers away leaving the sun shining on the perfectly manicured fairways here at Walton Heath golf course.

It was noticeable how 'down wind' several of the key closing holes were, which means that we could see a few players make a late charge up the leaderboard. Charley Hull was clearly caught out when her lay-up fairway wood flew into the fairway bunker at 14 - a hole where earlier in the day most players were hitting a driver.

I also witnessed Spaniard Carlotta Ciganda almost hit the self-destruct button here after driving into the same punishing fairway bunker, attempting to hit out sideways and ending up in the face. Some time later (it felt like an eternity, cue another comment on slow play) she and her caddy came to the conclusion that the lie was unplayable and she took a penalty drop, eventually walking off the hole with a double bogey six.

There's some wonderful shots being played as we head into the early evening and I'll be here all the way giving you an update on the action as it unfolds. Enjoy.  

HULL MOVES INSIDE TOP 5

Charley Hull is making a late charge up the leaderboard here at Walton Heath, Surrey courtesy of a hot putter.

The English woman rolled in a monster putt at 11 and has just added another at 15, to the delight of the large crowds supporting her, to move to four-under-par, six off the pace set by clubhouse leader Ally Ewing earlier today.

As we speak she's playing the par 5 16th, the very same hole she made eagle at yesterday.

FASHION WITH FLAIR DOMINATES THE FAIRWAYS

What does everyone think about the fashion on show so far at the AIG Women's Open this week?

I'm particularly in love with Charley Hull's pretty purple skort and complimenting reverse button-up t-shirt. The colour really suits her.

You only have to take a brief glimpse at Charley's Instagram to see that she has a genuine interest in fashion, make-up and clothing.

There are a surprising number of women pairing the flowing skort with a pair of long socks. I'm not sure I'm a fan of this look, it reminds me too much of a school uniform! 

BACK-TO-BACK BIRDIES FOR SCOTLAND'S DRYBURGH

Scotland's Gemma Dryburgh has just made back-to-back birdies to get to level par in the tournament.

30-year-old Dryburgh, who finished in the top 10 at the Evian Championship a couple of week's ago, has been playing some of the best golf of her career in the last 12 months. She made 21 out of 25 cuts in 2022 culminating with her first LPGA Tour title at the TOTO Japan Classic.

I had the pleasure of playing alongside her in the Pro-Am at the FREED Group Scottish Women's Open last week and she was hitting the ball beautifully. She told me that she has been working hard on the mental side of the game with the help of sports psychologist Jayne Storey.

I wrote a series of fascinating articles with Jayne Storey a few years ago, highlighting the connection between mind and body and how that translates to performance on the golf course. You can read some of her advice on what she calls Chi-Power GOLF here.

Solheim Cup vice captain Dame Laura Davies just hinted that a good weekend here at Walton Heath could secure Dryburgh a place in the Solheim Cup team.

MINJEE PUT ON AN IRON PLAY MASTERCLASS TODAY

World No. 9 Minjee Lee put on an iron play masterclass to the delight of the crowds at Walton Heath golf course this afternoon.

The elegant Aussie was nothing short of awesome with an iron in her hands today, striking shots pure and peppering the pin. She carded four birdies and just a single bogey to shoot a solid three-under 69 and put herself in the mix going into the weekend. 

WORLD NUMBER ONE KORDA WELL-PLACED FOR THE WEEKEND

Women's world no. 1 Nelly Korda has carded a one-under par 70 to put herself in contention for the weekend.

The early clubhouse lead set by American Ally Ewing has remained posted at 10-under-par all day and with day light fading it looks like she is going to stay five shots clear of the field going into Saturday.

Moving day, as it is traditionally known, is set to be an exciting one with names like Korda and England's Charley Hull needing to shoot a low score to make up ground.

HULL HAPPY WITH HER 68

England's Charley Hull was all smiles this afternoon as she surged up the leaderboard courtesy of a second round score of four-under par 68.

Living just 35 minutes up the road from Walton Heath golf course means that Hull can commute back and forth from home this week and she certainly has the support of the locals out here.

She delighted the AIG Women's Open crowds with an almost flawless display of golf this afternoon, keeping her scorecard bogey-free and certainly looks very well positioned at five-under-par going into the weekend.

Hull is currently tied for second place alongside American Andrea Lee and Japan's Minami Katsu.

THE BIG NAMES WHO'VE MISSED THE CUT

There will be a lot of frustrated players packing their bags for home tonight having missed the cut in the AIG Women's Open by just one or two shots.

Among them is the defending champion South African Ashleigh Buhai who shot a one-over par 73 today, to add to her opening two-over 74 yesterday, and looks set to miss the cut by just one shot.

She is joined by England's Mel Reid who had a disastrous back-nine four-over 41 this afternoon to shoot 75. One shot less would have kept her here for the weekend.

Feeling the same pain is US Solheim Cup captain Stacy Lewis, who has perhaps had just one or two distractions too many this week, as she's tried to balance playing her own game alongside watching the form of other players who she may well soon select as captain's picks.

That's where European captain Suzann Pettersen has the upper hand. With just two weeks remaining until she announces her captain's picks live on Sky Sports at 4pm on Tuesday 22nd August, many hopefuls will be looking to impress her over the weekend.

PURPLE HEATHER BEAUTIFUL BUT BRUTAL

With just five groups remaining on the golf course right now it's given me time to reflect on some of the play I've watched today.

The one thing that's very clear to me is that the golfers who have shot the lowest scores are those who have hit the most fairways and managed to stay away from the punishing purple heather.

I had a wander between holes earlier and found myself wading knee deep in places into banks of heather, best described as beautiful but brutal. 

World No. 1 Nelly Korda alluded to its difficulty earlier in the week when she admitted that she'd "nearly broken her wrist" playing a practice shot from the dense heathland.

I'm certain that as the tournament unfolds over the weekend, the eventual champion will be one of the leaders in the "Most Fairways Hit" statistic, as going into the green from the short grass gives a significant advantage here at Walton Heath GC, Surrey. You can pick up a few pointers for finding more fairways here.

KEEP AN EYE ON THE RISING STARS IN THE FIELD

Thailand's Jaravee Boonchant is the only woman still left on Walton Heath golf course that's under par.

Although you may have never heard her name before, the 24-year-old is certainly one to watch this weekend.

After a successful US college golf career at Duke University, which saw her crowned as a four-time All-American and three-time All-ACC, she turned professional and made her debut on the Epson Tour last year. 

A stellar rookie season was rounded off with victory in the 2022 Epson Tour Championship, winning in style with a record score of 23-under-par. It was her springboard to Stage II of the LPGA Tour Qualifying School where she comfortably gained her card and membership for 2023.

If Boonchant wins the AIG Women's Open this weekend she would be among a very elite group of women to have won a major title as a rookie. Hotly tipped to beat her to it is 20-year-old Rose Zhang who won on her first LPGA start at the Mizuho Americas Open earlier this year and at one-under-par going into the weekend I certainly wouldn't count her out either.

ALLY EWING MAINTAINS A DECISIVE LEAD AFTER DAY TWO

What a fantastic second day of play we've witnessed here at Walton Heath golf course in Surrey.

The early target was set by American Ally Ewing who had the pressure of being the overnight leader, but rather than letting the chasing pack catch her up, pushed on further ahead by shooting a second round six-under-par 66.

"I just really tried to stay in the now and stay in the present out there today," admitted Ewing after her round. "Fortunately those shots yielded a few really good opportunities that I was able to capitalise on."

Ewing's exemplary display of golf turned out to be the lowest score of the day. 

Three players are tied for second place five shots behind her at five-under-par including England's Charley Hull who shot a bogey-free round of 68. 

Hull says that winning The AIG Women's Open in front of her friends and family "would be amazing". Her score was in no small part due to a hot putter today that saw her hole a tremendous footage, including a monster putt across the green at the eleventh hole. 

"Sometimes I feel that when I'm not putting well I'm not fully focused on reading the putts," explained Hull. "It's only fifteen seconds over the ball so I really made it count."

If you are coming to Walton Heath golf course tomorrow to watch the AIG Women's Open then the forecast looks fair and you're in for a treat. After the tournament play finishes the pop sensation Ellie Goulding will take to the stage for a live performance that promises to be the icing on the cake of a great day out. It's not one to miss.

SATURDAY AT THE OPEN - NOT JUST GOLF 

Ellie Goulding will be playing at Walton Heath this evening, as the AIG Women's Open  hosts some top-class singing talent alongside the fantastic golf, keep up to date with all the latest action with our coverage which will start in full at 11am. 

AND WE'RE OFF...

Morning everyone! I love moving day in a golf tournament. Will Ally Ewing hold her nerve and extend her lead, who will make a charge from the chasing pack, what drama will unfold? I’m sure we’ve got an exciting day of amazing golf in store that will be topped off by Ellie Goulding performing live – not a bad Saturday, and of course, I’ll be keeping an eye on how the Lionesses are doing – come on England!

WHAT'S HAPPENING?

From the early starters, they’re not burning up the course. England’s Cara Gainer has made­­­ a solid start, just one dropped shot on 9 and back-to-back birdies on 7 and 8 takes her into the red on -1. Not such good news for Georgia Hall, she’s now +5, a birdie on the 6th, but four dropped shots through 7 holes.

HANDS ON THE SALVER

The only amateur to make the cut, England’s Charlotte Heath, has kicked off her round, she’s dropped a shot on the 2nd and is on +2, the same score as her playing partner, former AIG Women’s Open champion Anna Nordquist. What a fantastic experience for Charlotte, who’s currently studying at Florida State University. Whatever happens today, she’ll enjoy her early flight back to the US on Monday morning with the Smyth Salver in her hands as the lowest amateur.

CHARLEY HULL READY TO POUNCE

Come 2.45pm, the home crowd will be going wild for Charley Hull. This is her best 36 hole start in a major, tied second at the top with American Andrea Lee and Japan’s Minami Katsu. Let’s remind ourselves of Charley’s most unlikely birdie on the par-5 11th yesterday. She was all over the place, but in typical Charley style, she nailed it. 

SENSATIONAL TURNAROUND

When you duff it off the tee in a monthly medal and the chips are down, take heart from Thailand’s Atthaya Thitikul. She’s the comeback kid, after a quadruple bogey 8 on the first hole on day one, plus another bogey followed on the 5th, but after a 67 yesterday, she another player that’s definitely in the mix that could lift the trophy on Sunday.

INTERESTING COMPARISON

There's definitely a pattern here between leader Ally Ewing and Open Championship winner Brian Harman.

LET'S TALK PERIODS

Former star Olympian Jess Ennis-Hill will be on the stage this afternoon to help launch the new Ladies European Tour's Health Institute. Jess has a platform called Jennis that helps women understand their bodies better - how best to perform at certain times of the month. A subject that definitely needs to be talked about.

WILL IRISH EYES BE SMILING?

Leona Maguire's third round is underway. She was frustrated yesterday having played solid golf from tee to green but too many three putts that killed any momentum. A steady start to her round, after three holes she remains on level par.

UNDER THE RADAR

Most home noise is usually around Charley Hull or Georgia Hall, but let’s not forget another Brit, Jodi Ewart Shadoff. She carded a second round 69 with just one bogey and four birdies and is up there on -3. She’ll be looking for a strong finish this weekend to improve her chances of claiming a Solheim Cup spot.

QUIET ON THE COURSE AND PITCH

Waiting for some of the early starters to make a charge, could it be World No 1 Nelly Korda, she's just teed off, then not far behind is Rose Zhang and Linn Grant, I'll be watching them closely.

Oh, and it's 0-0 in the football!

DON'T BE GREEDY

Word is that there's a lot of risk and reward holes out there today, tees have been moved forward, but pins are really tricky, and let's not forget that heather. Be patient players! 

WHAT ABOUT BOUTIER?

It's unfair to say the wheels have fallen off, but I'm not surprised that Celine Boutier is not currently at the top of the leaderboard. She's +1 for the day, +2 for the championship through 7 holes. She must be mentally and physically exhausted after winning back-to-back titles including a major. Now I've said this, she'll probably steam through the field!

PERFECT START FOR KORDA

Birdie and a par sets Nelly Korda on her way to get to -2. If she gets her putter going today, she'll be closing in. She missed so many birdie opportunities yesterday.

KORDA MAKES A MOVE

I could watch Nelly Korda's swing all day, she looks so in control of her game and it's another birdie on 3, holing a 15 footer.

THIS IS HOW YOU DO IT

Thought you'd like to see Nelly's last birdie putt. She's on fire, into the top 10 already.

NOT AN EASY TASK

Walton Heath is tough, well over half the players are out on the course and only 10 are under par for their round today. See our hole by hole-by-hole guide.

BACK IN THE FOLD

I'm really pleased to see Korean Jiyai Shin up there, she's just started her third round and is currently tied in 18th place on -2.  The former World No 1 quit the LPGA Tour in 2014 to spend more time with her family, it's great to see her back in Major contention.

BIRDIE BOOST FOR COWAN

Germany's Olivia Cowan just made a huge birdie on the par-4 8th which takes her to -2.

THIS IS HOW YOU DO IT

Had to show you this incredible shot from England's Cara Gainer that helped her to a two under round and finish level par.

SOCK FASHION

Yuna Nishimura from Japan is on -1 after 3 holes and is one of several players rocking long socks. Not for me, but she looks great. This is an image from yesterday, but we'll try and get a pic up of her outfit today as she's certainly topping the leaderboard in the fashion stakes. 

MAGUIRE STEPS UP

Back-to-back birdies for Leona Maguire on 10 and 11 to take her back into the red on -1. 

And England have just beaten Columbia - woo-hoo!

OLIVIA COWAN TIED 9TH

Well that's impressive! Olivia Cowan makes another birdie on the par-4 10th, moving up 31 places from the start of her play. She's now -3, so 7 shots off the leader.

ANOTHER BIRDIE ON THE CARDS

Wow, another stunning approach from Nelly Korda at the par-4 8th, let's see if she can make her fourth birdie of the day and move to -4. Of course she can ...Well, she is World No 1!

TREE TROUBLE

I know where my ball would end up! Watch this incredible shot from Ruoning Yin.

HANDOVER TIME

Minjee Lee and Aditi Ashok have just teed off, another pair in the hunt on -3. I'm now handing over to Carly and looking forward to watching how this afternoon unfolds. Enjoy the golf everyone!

G

CAN ANYONE CATCH EWING?

Good afternoon everyone!

What a fantastic morning of golf I've enjoyed here at Walton Heath golf course. I'm here with my 9-year-old son Hogan this weekend and we've had such a fun time playing games in the Fan Zone. What a brilliant set-up they have for kids this week. We were also able to witness England's Lionesses score those two critical goals in the World Cup on the big screens - the almighty cheer that went up in the tented village echoed across the fairways.  

There are two big English names among the final groups this afternoon who will be hoping to play catch-up to AIG Women's Open leader American Ally Ewing. 

Jodi Ewart-Shadoff who tees off in five minutes time and Charley Hull in the penultimate group. It should be an exciting an afternoon.

GRANT HAS THE GAME TO GO LOW

Rising star Linn Grant has got off to a great start this afternoon, cruising through the difficult opening holes in one-under-par. 

The 24-year-old Swedish professional won the Dana Open on the LPGA Tour earlier this year and certainly has the game and the mindset to do the same here at Walton Heath this weekend.

I was fortunate to play 9-holes with her in the Pro-Am at FREED Group Scottish Women's Open last week and she told me that mindset was the main thing she works on. As she put it: "Learning how to be comfortable with being uncomfortable."

HORROR START HAUNTS THITIKUL

Thailand's Atthaya Thitikul must really hate the first hole here at Walton Heath GC. She started the tournament week with an awful eight and she's just made bogey on the par 4 again today. 

WOW - EAGLE CHIP-IN FROM KORDA!

What a brilliant chip shot world no. 1 Nelly Korda has just played from just off the back of the par 5 11th - straight into the hole!

The eagle three has catapulted her up the leaderboard to six-under-par, just four shots behind leader Ally Ewing now.

Things are getting exciting now!

CHARLOTTE IS MASTER OF THE HEATH

The leading amateur in the field English woman Charlotte Heath has just completed her round in a very respectable 74 strokes, putting her at three-over par for the tournament.

What an appropriate surname she has for this golf course! She's certainly showing a few of the pros how to master the heath here!

CHARLEY HULL GETS UNDERWAY

England's Charley Hull has just got her third round underway. She looks confident and focused and ready to take on the course. 

Charley loves to chase the leader down in a major. She's finished second a couple of times. Could this be her break-through?

She's in the best position she's ever been in through 36 holes in a major right here at Walton Heath. Come on Charley! 

HALL SAYS EUROPE'S SOLHEIM CUP TEAM WILL BE THE BEST EVER

It's not been the week former AIG Women's Open champion Georgia Hall was hoping for. A third round two-over 74 today, adding to her disappointment.

Nevertheless Hall has loved the support of the local fans, her home crowd, which she doesn't experience too often now she mainly plays her golf on the LPGA Tour.

Hall stopped to sign autographs and pose for pictures before dropping into the Sky Sports cart on the driving range after her round to reflect on her day. She answered a few questions about the upcoming Solheim Cup, which she says is looking to be the "best European team ever" on paper.

We'll know captain Suzann Pettersen's picks in less than two week's time when they get announced on Sky Sports at 4pm, Tuesday 22nd August

FABULOUS START FOR HULL

Charley Hull has made the dream start by rolling in a birdie putt at the first.

The putt dropped into the hole at pace. She's moved to six-under, now tied with world no. 1 Nelly Korda in second place.

Watch out Ally Ewing, she's coming for you!

KORDA DROPS A SHOT

A very uncharacteristic missed putt at 13 from the world number one Nelly Korda means she's dropped a shot and is back in a tie for third place at five-under-par

NERVOUS START FOR EWING

Oh my goodness - Amy Ewing has just missed her short par putt at the first! From just three feet.

The nerves are already showing. And just like that her lead was reduced to three.

YANG SHOOTS 67 - THE LOW SCORE OF THE DAY

Amy Yang will be hoping that her fantastic third round of five-under-par 67 puts her in prime position for tomorrow's final round.

The South Korean has twice finished runner-up in a major, in the 2012 and 2015 U.S. Women's Open.

She'll be hoping the old saying, "always the bridesmaid, never the bride" doesn't haunt her again this weekend.

HOW DID THAT PITCH NOT GO IN!

Talented Swede Linn Grant has just played a delightful short pitch and run across the green on the 7th, very nearly into the hole.

She's bogey free for her round today, sitting at two-under-par, inside the top 5. Watch this space.

A TRULY INTERNATIONAL FIELD IN THE AIG

Isn't it lovely to see so many nationalities represented here at Walton Heath. Golf really is a growing global game and the number of women playing is very much on the rise, as you can read here.

Aditi Ashok is a young trailblazer from Bangalore, India who is out on the links this afternoon.

At just 25-years of age you'd think this would be one of her first appearances in the AIG Women's Open. In fact it's her 7th! 

ANOTHER BIRDIE FOR GRANT

If I was a betting woman I'd be putting my money on Linn Grant to be leading at the end of today.  She's just rolled in another birdie and is chasing Ewing down at five-under-par, just four shots behind.

Of course, it helps that I have a bit of "insider info" on this one. When I played with Linn in the Pro-Am at the FREED Group Scottish Women's Open last week her game was absolutely flawless. I was in total admiration of her swing and her attitude. She really is a very autonomous player, who doesn't need too much guidance from her caddy. He just gives her the number and they hit it.

Interestingly her father is a former European Senior Tour player. Golf is clearly in her blood.

HULL SHINING EXAMPLE FOR SUFFERERS OF ADHD

Thanks to the fantastic commentary from the Sky Sports team I have just learned something new about Charley Hull. She suffers from severe ADHD.

Like so many diagnosed with the disorder two of the main symptoms are Hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Charley took a month off earlier in the season to help with her mental health.

"Sometimes you can just tell when you look at Charley's face - not this week," said Dame Laura Davies just now.

What a wonderfully positive story of resilience it would be if she won the AIG Women's Open this weekend.

KORDA BOUNCES BACK TO -5 WITH ANOTHER BIRDIE

Nelly Korda has just bounced back from her run of bogeys on the back nine with a birdie four at 16. It's one of the easiest par fives here at Walton Heath today as it's playing downwind. Find the fairway from the tee and most players are left with a little more than a long iron or hybrid into the green in two to set up a chance for eagle or a two-putt birdie.

WOW - GRANT JUST DROVE THE PAR 4 10TH!

They've pushed the tee up at the 10th hole today to encourage the players to go for the green.

Linn Grant just took it on with a fairway wood and produced a massive hit that pitched just short, found the putting surface and has just rolled off the back edge.

When I spoke to her caddy Mike Curry last week he told me that she has two swing speeds, one that finds the fairway and another level if she wants to "crank it up"!

GRANT CONVERTS IT

There's now a five-way tie for second place at five-under-par. Linn Grant made the most of that massive tee shot at 10, making birdie from just off the back edge of the green.

She joins Nelly Korda, Jiyai Shin, Lilia Vu and Charley Hull on five-under. They are all trying to chase down the leader Ally Ewing.

EWINGS PUTTING WOES CONTINUE

The tournament leader Ally Ewing has just missed another short par putt, showing that she is feeling the pressure. She drops back to eight-under-par. Two-over for her day.

CRITICAL PAR PUTT KEEPS CHARLEY IN TOUCHING DISTANCE OF THE LEAD

England's Charley Hull just showed nerves of steel to roll in a testing par putt on the par 3 fifth hole.

She was the number one putter in the U.S. Women's Open at Pebble Beach earlier this year and you can see how confident she is with the short stick.

Notice how she uses a line on her ball as a aim guide. Once she's chosen her line she simply commits to the hit, straight through with wonderful tempo. It's a get stroke to copy. 

VU HAS THE TOP OF THE LEADERBOARD IN VIEW

American Lilia Vu has a second major in her sights for this season as she makes a charge up the leaderboard here at Walton Heath.

The Chevron Champion would love to add the AIG Women's Open to her major trophy cabinet and from what she's shown so far this week she could well do it.

A brilliant birdie putt has just dropped at the seventh, propelling her into second place alone at six-under-par.

Did you know she's only dropped three shots all week? Now that's impressive!

NIGHTMARE START FOR ALLY EWING

The overnight leader Ally Ewing has made a nightmare start to her round today, dropping three shots in her opening five holes and dropping back to seven-under-par.

The American's five-shot lead is now only one. The challengers are closing her down.

THE COUNTDOWN TO CONCERT TIME!

There has been so much excitement to talk about this afternoon that I've hardly had a moment to consider that in just a few hours time I'll be singing and dancing along to my favourite songs from BRIT award winning singer Ellie Goulding.

When I roll into my bed late tonight I'll no doubt be saying that this was the best Saturday of any tournament I've ever covered in golf! Not just because we've seen some fantastic play today but because to top it all off fans are going to be treated to a live concert here at Walton Heath golf course tonight.

For those attending you'll find the stage at the far end of the driving range. What a brilliant idea to drive crowds in. I feel like I'm witnessing the start of the future of women's golf. 

BONUS BIRDIE FOR GRANT

Linn Grant is on a roll. She's just sunk another birdie putt from long range at the par 4 12th. She's now four-under-par for her round today and just one shot behind the leader Ally Ewing.

CROWDS REJOICE AS CHARLEY MOVES INTO SECOND PLACE

The local crowds are absolutely loving watching home favourite Charley Hull roll in putt after putt this afternoon.

What a beautiful shot she has just played into the eighth green, leaving her just a short putt for birdie. She's now six-under-par, one shot behind American Ally Ewing, in a tie for second place.

BACK-TO-BACK BIRDIES FOR ANGEL YIN

It feels like there's been an absolute barrage of birdies in the last hour. The latest run has come from American Angel Yin who has carded back-to-back birdies at nine and the short par-4 10th.

She's now on her own in fifth place at five-under-par.

TIME FOR ME TO HEAD BACK OUT ON THE COURSE...

Well those three hours have just flown by - what an afternoon of golf. I'm heading back out on the golf course now to watch the leaders play the back nine and handing over to Jo Taylor, professional here at Walton Heath golf course, to see you through the end of play today. 

My prediction is that Linn Grant and Charley Hull will each pick up another couple of birdies and finish at eight-under-par and tie for the lead, which means they'll be teeing off last here tomorrow. I hope I'm right!

EXCITING TO SEE THE LEADERBOARD BUNCHING UP

Afternoon everyone. It's been fun watching things unfold on the golf course so far this afternoon. It's blustery and although some tees have been moved up, there are some tricky pins out there. It'll be interesting to see how the next couple of hours pan out.

MISSED OPPORTUNITY FOR HULL ON 10

The tee on 10 has been moved up making the green drivable, a fantastic opportunity to make birdie or even eagle. A tee shot short right in the long grass made birdie difficult for Charley Hull who has had to settle for a par.

Hull and Katsu stood aside to allow the final group to drive. Ally Ewing hit a great shot that has just run through the back of the green. Standing beside this green earlier today, long of the green was a popular spot with many running through. It's not a bad place to be though with the chip back fairly straight forward. 

EWING ROLLS IN FIRST BIRDIE OF THE DAY TO REGAIN LEAD

Ally Ewing rolls in a 5 foot birdie putt on 10 to regain the outright lead. The downwind par 5 11th hole is up next and is easily reachable in 2 today, another great opportunity to make up the shots lost early on in her round.

VU PULLS LEVEL WITH EWING WITH GREAT BIRDIE ON 11

Lilia Vu has just rolled in a 9 foot putt for birdie on the 11th to once again move level with Ally Ewing on -8. Vu's second shot bounced over the bunker short right of the green, before rolling through the back of the par 5. Her first putt from just off the back of the green came up short, but a great second putt secured her the birdie. 

FANTASTIC SHOT IN TO 13 FROM ANGEL YIN

The 13th hole is playing long today, normally played as a par 5 for the members and back into the prevailing wind which is gusting up today. Angel Yin has made light work of it hitting a fantastic shot pin high leaving a great chance of birdie

HULL MOVES WITHIN 1 OF THE LEAD

Charley Hull has rolled in a lengthy birdie putt on the 11th to move one off the lead. The crowd following Charley today has been huge, with so many young girls in particular watching her. Fantastic to see for the future of women's golf!

ANGLE YIN FINDS THE FAIRWAY BUNKER ON 14

The fairway bunkers are not to be messed with at Walton Heath. Often deep and crowned with heather, they are to be avoided. Angel Yin, with iron in hand from the 14th tee, has found the fairway bunker on the right of the 14th fairway. The ball has run to the front of the face leaving her with no option but to splash out.

EWING MAKES 2ND BIRDIE OF THE DAY TO PULL AWAY FROM VU

Ally Ewing's 2 putt birdie puts her one ahead of Lilia Vu. Meanwhile Vu has hit a great shot into the 13th giving her a great opportunity to pull level once again.

LINN GRANT WELL PLACED FOR A SUNDAY CHARGE

Linn Grant's -4 68 has put her in a strong position coming into Sunday. After an opening 73, her scoring has got better each day. Could she go low on Sunday and make a charge?

PAR SAVE FROM HULL ON 13 KEEPS HER IN TOUCH WITH LEAD

Charley Hull's game is in great shape this week. A missed fairway on the lengthy 13th could have resulted in a dropped shot, but Hull's short game saved her. A good pitch on and a great putt have kept her at -7

VU FALLS BACK TO -7 WITH BOGEY ON 14

Lilia Vu's tee shot on 14 has cost her a shot. Her aggressive tee shot with driver found the same fairway bunker as Angel Yin found a few minutes ago. 14 is playing difficult today!

THE TEMPERATURE IS DROPPING AND THE WIND PICKING UP

Watching earlier, it wasn't the warmest day out there at times. But as we move into early evening it is becoming cold and windy. There are birdie chances out there over the closing holes, 16 in particular has been a great scoring hole this week. The wind and falling temperatures are making it tricky though.

14TH HOLES CLAIMS MORE VICTIMS

Charley Hull's 3 putt bogey is the latest dropped shot on 14. The dropped shot leaves Charley -6 in a tie for 4th. 

Ally Ewing meanwhile has found the fairway bunker that claimed Angel Yin and Lilia Vu's tee shots. She's been left with no choice but to splash out sideways. 

ANGLE YIN MAKES BACK TO BACK BIRDIES TO MOVE INTO THE LEAD

After her dropped shot on 14, Angel Yin has made back to back birdies on 15 and 16 to move to -8 and a share of the lead.

EWING DROPS SHOT ON 14 HANDING YIN THE SOLO LEAD

Ally Ewing's dropped shot on 14 has moved her back to +3 for her round and -7 for the tournament. Angel Yin now holds the solo lead with one hole to play

VU MAKES BIRDIE ON 16 TO MOVE INTO SHARE OF THE LEAD

Lilia Vu's 2 putt birdie has moved her up to -8 and a share of the lead with Angel Yin. The leaderboard is hotting up nicely ready for Sunday! Ally Ewing has a tricky par putt left to avoid dropping 3 consecutive shots while Charley Hull and Angel Yin have hit fantastic tee shots on 16 and 18 respectively. 

ANGEL YIN IN THE CLUBHOUSE AT -8 WHILE HULL JOINS THE LEAD

Angle Yin's closing par finished off a fantastic 67, leaving her -8 for the tournament. Meanwhile, Charley Hull's 2 putt birdie on 16 has moved her into a 4 way tie for the lead with Yin, H. J. Kim and Vu.

WE HAVE AN ENGLISH LEADER!

Charley Hull's brilliant tee shot on 17 has been rewarded with a birdie 2. Charley is now in the solo lead at -9

FANTASTIC BIRDIE ON 18 FOR VU MOVES HER INTO TIE FOR LEAD

Lilia Vu's birdie on 18 for a 67 has moved her to -9 and a tie for the lead with Charley Hull. Charley meanwhile is in the heather down the right of the 18th. She's hit some fantastic shots from the heather this week and needs one more here 

BRILLIANT UP AND DOWN ON 18 KEEPS HULL AT -9

A great up and down on 18 sealed a 68 for Charley Hull, keeping her at -9 and in a tie for the lead with Lilia Vu. The crowd certainly showed their appreciation with a huge cheer as she holed that par putt.

As an aside, Charley is sporting a Walton Heath hat clip on the peak of her cap this week. A lucky charm perhaps?

EWING PAR'S 18 FOR A ROUND OF 75

Saturday has been tough for overnight leader Ally Ewing. Having started with a 5 shot lead, Ewing struggled early on and never really recovered from her +3 front 9. She's certainly not out of this Championship though and comes in to Sunday 2 shots off the lead.

AN EXCITING SUNDAY AHEAD

What a fantastic few hours of golf! The conditions were tough, cold and blustery, but the scores were fantastic with just 2 scores in the 70's in the top 10. 

The crowds were massive out there today and it was easy to see where Charley Hull was on the course, the throng of fans following her made her easy to find! 

Sunday is setting up to be a thrilling day of golf. 14 players are within 6 shots of the lead, and most importantly we have a home leader.

MORNING ALL!

What a dramatic day Saturday was, setting up a brilliant Sunday to look forward to. Walton Heath has been a superb challenge so far, and will a Brit be able to take home the trophy? Follow all the latest news and updates as we start our full live coverage from 11am.

IT'S THE FINAL ROUND OF WHAT'S BEEN ONE OF THE MOST DYNAMIC WOMEN'S OPENS EVER, LET'S GET THIS SHOW ON THE ROAD!

Wow Wow Wow what a Winning venue Walton Heath is proving to be... An incredible day of golf yesterday out on the course (which is truly testing the best in the world) and what an evening of entertainment fuelled with energy!! More on that later!

Moving day certainly lived up to its name yesterday. With some incredible play from the likes of Vu, Hull, Kim and Yin all passing the round 2 leader Ally Ewing after her rather traumatic third round 75 yesterday.

I think we can all agree that this is the kind of Open we all love, a bit of drama and pizazz. With a seriously exciting race to the AIG trophy and it's anyone's let's face it. The depth of quality on that leaderboard is immense. 

 One such class act, Linn Grant, is only 3 shots off the pace of the leaders and her putter was on fire yesterday taking only 24 putts and firing a solid 68. Can she chase the pack down and put in a serious challenge? We'll find out as she tees off at 2pm today.

So who is off early that could potentially contend? The Final Round Tee Times are live and with the leaders Hull and Vu off at 2:20pm it's going to be an afternoon of action at Walton Heath.

REFLECTING ON ONE HULL OF A SATURDAY FOR CHARLEY

Could this be the day of her first major win?? It goes without saying that that the depth of guts that Charley Hull possess would rival any Olympic diving pool... But can she get the job done today? If momentum is anything to go by then I'm feeling really positive about this one. 

Charley ended her round yesterday with a run of 3 birdies and a solid up and down for par on 18. This is going some as those last 3 holes can be the make or break of a scorecard as I found out a few months ago. 

Stay on that birdie train Hull (she had 6 in her round of 68 yesterday). Charley's ability to score well even when faced with a troublesome situation is so impressive. I feel like a player with such class is ready for that first major and what a place to do it. Let's not jinx her though and wait patiently for her to swing into action at 2:20pm. She's up for it and so are we

VU CAN DO IT TOO

Lilia Vu is a force to be reckoned with. The American carded a classy 67 yesterday and will surely have her sights set on this major. The 25 year old is no stranger to winning majors as this year's Chevron Championships trophy is happily nestled on her mantlepiece. 

She had a dazzling amateur career holding No1 in the world rankings and making her first cut aged 16 in 2014 at the ANA Inspiration. She's very well versed under pressure. 

Something that really impresses me about Vu is her calm and collected nature. She may well just come out of those starting blocks at 2:20pm and set the scene for her second major victory. After driving the par 4 10th green yesterday she's certainly in the right zone!!! Vu go!

Going low at the back of the field

So you know you probably won't win this thing but it is a great feeling being at the back of the pack and making as many birdies as you can to gently take some positive energy away from this tough course.

Some players who only just made the cut are doing just that and going low this morning. Georgia Hall teed off at 8:55am and is charging along at -2 for her round today. She'll be looking to add to her 3 birdies and charge along to make a healthy finish.

The battle for the Smyth Salver (best amateur player) is on with only one shot between Julia Lopez Ramirez (+11) and Charlotte Heath (+10). This golf course has teeth and is a tough challenge. These players have struggled dropping shots on the front nine today and Ramirez carding a 9 on the 14th. 

England's Alice Hewson is flying at -4 for the day with a front 9 of 31! She creeps into the red but that back 9 will need to be epic to make an impact on our leaders! Why shouldn't it be possible to birdie every hole?? Come on Alice let's give it a go!!

Japan's Mao Saigo has had 6 birdies in her round today where she's -4 for the day (+3 for the tournament) and has a few holes left. Xiyu Janet Lin is also -4 with a few holes to go

Winner from the last 2 tournaments including the Evian, Celine Boutier is sat at -2 for the day (+1) and with the back nine ripe for the taking I'd hedge a bet she finishes under par for this major. I would also hedge a bet that with all the talk of her winning this week and making it 3 in a row, she'd have felt compelled to put in a great fight. To do this would have taken so much mental and emotional energy and I feared her tank would have been teetering on empty coming into this week. There's still time but this major sadly won't be hers.

Wet Window Incoming but don't let that dampen your spirits, get ready for a dazzling afternoon of golf

Yes there's a wet window coming up on our forecast but don't let that dampen your spirits. We are set for a dazzling afternoon of golf with the champion of the AIG Women's Open set to be basked in sunshine as she gets a hold of that trophy

But who's it going to be?? There's such an amazing depth of quality bunched up at the top of that leader board it could be anyones. Korda could steam her way up that leaderboard like a Great White. However I just think that with Charley Hull's attitude and ability to focus she won't be easily thrown off her goal. She's staying in her home with her comforts and a BIG support network around her. I would love to see her get this job done.

Mexican Gaby Lopez has just teed off. She won't be happy after a 75 yesterday and will be fired up and ready to set the course alight no doubt.

Alice Hewson is on the job, another birdie at 12 and she's making a charge. -5 alreadt today. 

LOW AMATEUR BATTLE 

The battle for the Smyth Salver is onnnn. The Smyth Salver is the trophy awarded to the lowest finishing amateur. Previous winners are Rose Zhang, Anna Nordqvist and Georgia Hall to mention but a few. 

2 amateurs made the cut this year. Julia Lopez Ramirez finished on +12 so it's over to England's Charlotte Heath, she's not having the best day but with 5 holes to go and at +7 my money is on this talented player. Go Charlotte!!

Role Models Ahoy

This years AIG Women's Open is really proving it's the absolute BEST YET - the atmosphere is super fun and so refreshing! Women's golf absolutely rocks. I am beginning to feel that the Women's game is a different animal to the men's. It just feels more about creating an experience and giving the fans the time of their lives as well as inspiring the next generation. 

One of the very best things that I’ve seen so far at the AIG is how incredible the players are with the fans. These women give so much to the crowds. And you can see the joy on all the spectators faces, especially the juniors. What incredible role models these women are. 

Some of the juniors from Hamptworth Golf Club where I coach, were lucky enough to interact with Charley yesterday. Charley said herself following her round yesterday and speaking with Sky Sports. She's chuffed that having watched her role model Laura Davies growing up, she can now call herself a role model to youngsters in the game. Awesome stuff Charley and thank you Sofia and Ollie loved meeting you.

Role models are everywhere this week...

Pocket Rocket Shin Bombs it down the 1st hole

Chasing an improvement on yesterday's 72 Jenny Shin absolutely nuts it off the 1st tee. For someone who can be described as a pint sized 5'4" she doesn't half create some club head speed. Just proving size isn't everything. The South Korean swings it like a dream and you can really learn some great driving tips from watching her tee off. Currently sitting at -1 she'll be looking to hike her way up the leader board for an improvement of her best finish at a major (currently 6th at this very event at Kingsbarns in 2017).

For other driving tips check out this video filmed at the beautiful Walton Heath. 

Boutier Birdie on 16 but Bogey for Hall on the last

Evian winner Celine Boutier took herself to -1 on 16 with another birdie after one on 15! 

Georgia Hall knocks her putt in for a bogey on 18 finishing at +1, not her week but the English player will see herself in the winners circle again very soon. She's played some stunning golf this week and shot a 69 today with 5 birdies on the card. Solid play from Hall today after a 74 yesterday.

Looking over the leaders shoulders

Charley and Lilia may be leading but just behind are a tidal wave of talent. There simply won't be any breathing space this afternoon. 

Angel Yin had the most incredible run of birdies yesterday with 6 in her last 11 holes scoring 67. I can't help but think momentum will keep that going as she tees off at 2:10 this afternoon. Her putting is awesome and she's been working hard on getting used to slower greens stating that the green speeds overall on the LPGA has been more sluggish that previous years

Hyo Joo Kim also closed out yesterday with birdies on4 of her last 6 holes. Bring it on!

The leaders will be warming up and getting their games honed and ready on the range.  These women are experts at this. As Nelly hits the range before her 1:40pm teetime I can just feel the birdies beginning to bubble away for the afternoon's play. 

But how do you take your range game to the course? Check This Out

SCORES ARE HEATING UP AND HEATH SECURES THE SALVER

Lopez just threw in back to back birdies on 5 and 6. Hotting up the scoring and hopefully she'll see that score scorch past -2. 

Alison Lee hit's it into the flagstick on her 1st hole. 

Ryan O'Toole enjoyed a phenomenal eagle on 16 to finish at level par for the tournament. 

Charlotte Heath hits her 4th shot into the last and securely plants it into the green. She can breathe a sigh of relief as she has pretty much guaranteed winning that Smyth Salver. Her heart must be going at 10 to the dozen but pops it in for a bogey and what a week it's been. Smiles all round. Congrats Charlotte. Who's she going to be stood beside when they hand that trophy over. Could it be an English Double?!

READY NELLY GO

As Nelly Korda tees off the 1st hole she'll have her focus sharply zoned in on repeating the form we saw a glimpse of yesterday. I felt her her swing was in the zone yesterday and this was proved with that outstanding eagle on the 11th and 5 birdies to boot. 

Now if she can keep the bogeys off her card we could well see her make a serious challenge to our leaders. That wind is picking up and she could well ruffle some feathers in this final round.

She wasn't happy with her putting after yesterday's round and went to the green to work on it. 

Delacour with her sights set on the Premiere spot as she tees off down the 1st

French superstar Delacour has just teed off opting for less than a driver off the 1st tee. Sensible given that this tee shot has heather on the right and dives down towards woodland and bracken on the left. 

With the wind gently gusting up players need to take care here and avoid a blow up hole on the opener. We witnessed Thitikul make an 8 on 1 in the first round! But my word did she rally back answering any grumbles with a second round 67 to glide into the weekend.

How awesome is Lilia Vu's Tour bag and I spot a deliciously decorated water bottle. 

Things I am loving about women's golf now which just weren't there when I was an amateur. The bright colours. The Sporty Styling. The Shorter Skorts (I was told off multiple times during England Girls Champs because my shorts were just too short) The Characters. The Smiles. The Fun. 

Golf is so inspiring and it is so exciting to be a part of this game in this age. The dawning of a new age and one I am so excited about.

Left and Long from Yang

Ouch. Yang sends it left and long on the 1st. While Korda nearly holes her second! The chasing pack are off as Andrea Lee and Shin head to the tee.

Will Charley's Chillax Pay off?

Giving her tickets to see Anthony Joshua's boxing match away last night, Charley opted for a chill out and a bit of calm before the storm today. She has half an hour before she tees off. 

I have noticed a big swing in control regarding the way that Charley is carrying herself around the golf course. She's focussed and there is less fussing over shots and nervous energy. Her recent ADHD diagnosis will have been like someone switching a lightbulb on. Knowing why you are the way you are and handing you coping mechanisms and the ability to recognise your triggers. It is like someone handing you Super Powers. I think if Charley wins today it will be a massive achievement not just for her golf but for her personally. To have regained control and really see herself able to be in the driving seat and most importantly be herself.

Good Luck this afternoon Charley as I pass over the reins for the next 3 hours. 

It's been a pleasure blogging away and following the play. I can't wait for what the afternoon brings. The champagne is on ice for a Hull win. COME ON CHARLEY!!!!

Exciting news from the top of the leaderboard

I’m top. In case you are confused, I am referring to the Golf Monthly Fantasy Football League table. Okay, we are only two days into the season, but I think this is important news that should be shared with the world. Especially as my role in this league most seasons has been akin to the one that Sihwan Kim has in the LIV Golf League. His finishing positions this season in the 48-man fields have been 48, 48, 48, 47, 45, 43, 45, 48, 46 and 46.

In other, less exciting, leaderboard news: none of the players out on the course so far have removed, or even joined, Hull and Vu at the top of the AIG Women’s Open one.

The challenge ahead

These are the pin positions the leaders are about to take on

The leaders have begun their final round

Charley Hull went first and found the middle of the fairway. Lilia Vu is also on the fairway, over towards the right edge.

Will the next five hours bring us an English victor in England, and the fifth first-time Major winner of the season? Or will Lilia Vu win her second Major of the season? Or will someone else come through the field to take the crown?

Clubhouse leaders

Celine Boutier and Alice Hewson are this. They both finished -1 for the tournament after rounds of 68 today. They lie T17.

Field falling back

Angel Yin drops a shot on 1st. She falls back to -7. Hyo Joo Kim made par, so is alone in 3rd spot now. Ewing is going to drop a shot on the 2nd, so she will be tumbling down from -7. Linn Grant has dropped a shot, too, after a par-bogey start.

Opening pars for the leaders

Hull's approach found the green. Vu's just missed, but she could still take a putter to her third stroke. A pair of fours.

How to watch a live stream

Just a reminder that if you wish to watch a AIG Women’s Open Live Stream we have a guide of how to do so.

The 2nd hole is now part of history for this tournament

It has been the hardest hole all week. Hyo Joo Kim dropped a shot on it to go and is -7. Charley Hull had 217 yards in after her drive and came up a few yards short of the green. But she hit a superb chip to tap-in range. Vu hit a wonderful approach and drained her birdie putt. Advantage Vu in the final group. 

An errant driver

David Lloyd George was a member of Walton Heath, one of four Prime Ministers to have been members. He had a house beside the course built for him by George Allardice Riddell, a director of the golf club and proprietor of The News of the World newspaper. Riddell was later raised to the peerage by Lloyd George and became Baron Riddell of Walton Heath. When, during the building of the house in 1913, it was blown up by the suffragette movement as part of their campaign for votes for women, Lloyd George wrote to Riddell apologising for being ‘such a troublesome and expensive tenant’.

Before he became Prime Minister, Lloyd George was Chancellor of the Exchequer. One evening, whilst being driven home, the car broke down. The chauffeur got out, fixed the problem, and drove on. He had not realised that his passenger had got out to stretch his legs. Lloyd George walked to to get help at the nearest large house, not aware that it was a mental asylum. He explained to the man who answered the door that he was the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The man replied: ‘Do come in. The rest of the cabinet have been expecting you.’’

Vu by two

Both Vu and Hull missed the green with their approaches on the 3rd. Hull had a tricky chip which shot across the green and she makes bogey. Vu made an up and down from a bunker. Hull now joint second with Kim.

Vu by three

Hull drops a shot on the 4th after she found heather off the tee. Hull is +2 today.  Kim had also dropped a shot on this hole, so Kim and Hull are still joint second, but now are three shots adrift of Vu.

How Lilia Vu birdied the hardest hole on the course

Indian summer to remember

Shubhankar Sharma finished T8 in The Open at Hoylake. It was the best Open finish by a player from India, beating the T27 of Jyoti Randhawa at Royal Troon in 2004. Now, in a first for Indian women’s golf, two women players from the country made the cut at a Major together, in the form of Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar. This is only the second time that two players from India have made the cut in the same Major. Jeev Milkha Singh and Anirban Lahiri in The Open of 2012 was the other occasion.

Diksha Dagar carded a 71 today and ended the tournament on level par. She is currently T23 having risen 13 places today. Aditi Ashok went round in 75 and, at +3, is T41 at present.

No birdie putts have yet dropped for Hull

But boy was she close on the the 5th. Her putt on the 6th also stays up. No red numbers on her card yet this afternoon but she is not putting badly.

Odd spectacle(s)

A few golfers this week have worn a visor and had sunglasses perched above the visor which they never seem to put on. Lilia Vu is so attired at the moment. Don't these players trust their caddies to look after sunglasses? Do the players even need sunglasses if they're never going to wear then? Or is it just a sponsorship issue?

Yin and Kim through front nine

Angel Yin finishes the outward nine with a birdie, and goes to -7. Hyo Joo Kim then makes her birdie putt and goes to -8, now alone in second and two shots back from leader Lilia Vu.

Naming rights and wrongs

Charlotte Heath was an appropriate winner of the Smyth Salver at Walton Heath on nomenclature alone. This sent me scurrying through the lists of top amateur players to see if there was one called Andrews to have a punt on for next year (though one of less than the $400,000 Phil Mickelson did not bet on the Ryder Cup). Didn’t find one. Nearest I came up with was Milena Andres, who is only a letter short – but, as as Tiger Woods always said, a W is very important in golf. She is also 546th in the world amateur rankings at present, so I think this one counts as a long shot all round.

Sub editors love short names as they are easier to get into headlines. (There is a reason why Severiano Ballesteros became widely referred to simply as Seve.) Many of the current players on the women’s tour are a subs’ delight – Ko, Lu, Yin, Kim, Lee, Lin, Shin, Hall, Hull, Yang, Park and Ride. I mention this as noticed in my trawl through the amateur rank’s that the number two ranked amateur golfer is Cayetana Fernandez Garcia-Poggio. Sub editors everywhere will be silently relieved if she never makes it big on the pro circuit. But if she does, she will soon be cut down to size.

How Yin Got It In 

Vu makes the turn 3 ahead

Courtesy of sinking her13ft birdie putt on the par-3 9th. The field are struggling to keep her in view.

A commoner among royals and a royal among commoners

The next AIG Women’s Open will be held at the home of the The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. Then it goes to Royal Porthcawl, in 2025, and Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club, in 2026. Makes plain old Walton Heath GC look, well just a bit common doesn’t it? But Walton Heath has perhaps the best royal connection than any of these clubs - its first captain became King. Edward, Prince of Wales was the club captain in 1935, the club having been un-captained for its first 22 years. The following January he became King Edward VIII.

Back-to-back birdies for Vu

She is not giving anyone a chance at present. Birdies on 9 and 10 add to her one on the 2nd. She hasn't dropped a shot this round. Only three players have not made a bogey or worse today. The others are Celine Boutier and In Gee Chun, who have both completed their rounds (a 68 and a 71 respectively). Vu is now four shots ahead. 

Hull makes eagle! 

Finally is her luck changing? She had a long bunker shot on the 11th and holed it to a huge roar from the crowd. Vu now has a birdie putt.

Back nine duel?

Lilia Vi missed that birdie putt, by the way, so now leads by only three from Hull. Hull’s drive down the 12th fairway is met with roars from the crowd who seem to have become energised by that eagle. It is only the second eagle today – Ryan O’Toole’s on the 16th is the other one. I am off to check how my fantasy footballers have been doing this afternoon, so Carly Frost will take you through to the end of the tournament.

HULL HAS THE HEART TO TURN THE HEAT ON BUT IS IT TOO LATE?

Good afternoon everyone! What a time to take over the commentary here, when England's Charley Hull has just had a massive turn around in this tournament. I watched her make that shaky start through the front nine and I could visibly see she was feeling the pressure. The amount of time she took over every tee shot was painful. Can she step up over these closing holes and catch Vu up?

ANOTHER BIRDIE FOR VU

As soon as I pressed the publish button Vu sank another birdie putt. This time from around four feet at the 12th. It's moved her four ahead of the field again at -13. The momentum swings back to her.

"GOT TO MAKE BIRDIES, GOT TO HIT IT CLOSE TO THE PIN"

Charley Hull just told her caddie exactly what's needed over these closing six holes: "we've got to make birdies, we've got to hit it close to the hole," she said. That shows you exactly what kind of character she is. There's no taking her foot off the accelerator. She struck a beautiful 4-iron shot into the centre of the 13th green, can she sink a long putt for that much-needed birdie?

FURY BY NAME, FURY BY NATURE

Has anyone else been wondering who Kingston Fury are? The bold logo is embossed on Lilia Vu's visor. A quick Google search tells me that they are a high-performance memory and storage tech company with a rather appropriate slogan: "unleash the power and performance" - just like Vu has done so around Walton Heath this afternoon.

IS HULL RUNNING OUT OF HOLES?

With just a handful of holes left to play, the conservative spectator would say that Charley Hull is running out of time. But having walked the finishing stretch of holes this morning, I can tell you for a fact that there are still eagles and birdies out there. As I write this Hull has just bombed her tee shot over 300 yards down the middle of the par 4 14th. She only has 79 yards left to the front of the green. Her approach shots cost her early on. Pinpoint accuracy is now needed.

HAVE SOME NERVES KICKED IN?

Lilia Vu hasn't put put a foot wrong today...until now. She's just hit her tee shot into the heather at the par 4 15th. Could this be the helping hand Charley Hull needs? All depends on the lie.

A MAJOR SPECIALIST

Japan's Nasa Hataoka has just holed her par putt at 18 to finish her week at two-under-par, currently in a tie for 12th. What a run of excellent results she's had in the majors this season - tied for fourth in the U.S. Women's Open at Pebble Beach and third at The Evian - impressive!

A BUNKER BLUNDER

Wow, I did not see that coming from Vu. After hacking her tee shot out of the heather into the fairway, she's hit a poor approach into the greenside bunker at 15. It's a simple splash shot though. Maybe the pressure is just getting to her a little bit.

A COSTLY MISS FOR HULL

Charley Hull just missed her par putt at 15. She hasn't holed out well all day. What a shame, her putter was so hot yesterday. They now move onto the easiest hole on the course, the par-5 16th. An eagle here is an absolute must for Hull, assuming Vu doesn't match it.

A 350 YARD MONSTER TEE SHOT

Well that will certainly help the cause Charley. A 350-yard tee shot at 16. Charley has been very vocal in telling the press this week that Walton Heath is an "easy course." Her experience of playing this course has always been with her male mates off the tips. It's one of the reasons she's learned to drive the ball so long (and straight) - to keep up with her male counterparts. Wouldn't it be interesting to see more mixed tournaments played off the same tees?

BRILLIANCE FROM HULL

Don't count Charley Hull out yet. She's just hit an absolutely brilliant approach shot into 15 feet on the par-5 16th. Eagle this and she's still in with a chance.

SOLO THIRD FOR SHIN

Jiyai Shin has just hole her par putt at the par-4 18th to sign for a two-under-par 70 and sit in solo third. It's the first time she's played in the AIG Women's Open in seven years and the fans were delighted to see her back.

DISAPPOINTMENT WITH THE PUTTER 

Hull just narrowly missed her eagle putt at 16. It was a tap-in for birdie but that's not enough as Lilia Vu confidently matched it, rolling her putt right in the middle of the cup. The putter just hasn't been hot enough for Hull today. Vu remains calm as a cucumber.

SAD FINISH TO THE TOURNAMENT FOR LINN GRANT

My tip to win the tournament, Linn Grant, has had a rather sorry finish to her tournament today, shooting a four-over-par 68. She hit an errant approach shot at the first that hit a spectator and that totally unnerved her. I hope the poor gentleman concerned is OK. Linn is such a lovely player, watch out for her name.

HULL'S HOPES FADE AT 17

Just when Charley Hull needed a miracle, an unforced error came instead at 17 as she turned her tee shot over and missed the green left into the rough. This is not an easy up-and-down. Her Dad once told me that she has the "best hands in golf" - well she's certainly going to need them right now. That or hope and pray.

A PROTESTOR JUST BURST ONTO THE GREEN

Unfortunately a protestor just burst onto the 17th green and set off a pink smoke flare. It's a shame because it somewhat took away from the applause that Charley Hull deserved for playing a sensational recovery shot from the rough off the side of the green. She looked at the option of a bump and run up but decided to take the trickier aerial route and play a Phil Mickelson-style high flop shot, with absolute finesse.

CHARLEY'S PAR PUTT SLIPS PAST

It sadly looks like Charley Hull's challenge has now come to an end. She misses her par putt at 17, which means that Lilia Vu is in the lovely position of having a five-shot lead going down the 72nd hole of this championship.

SPEED AND FLAIR DEFINE VU'S APPROACH

Our leader American Lilia Vu has just smashed her final tee shot straight down the middle of the par-4 18th hole with speed and flair. She's had nerves of steel all day. Complete focus. What sensational golf she has played today.

HULL HITS A WAYWARD FINAL DRIVE

The unforced errors are coming thick and fast now for Charley Hull who has just hit a terrible tee shot off 18. The ball bent like a banana into the heather on the right. She hit her tee shot into a similar spot yesterday and made a great recovery par. I hope for her sake she does so again today as it will give her the solo second place position on eight-under-par. If she drops a shot she'll share that spot with Jiyai Shin. 

I FEEL CHARLEY'S PAIN

Poor Charley Hull. Things have gone from bad to worse at 18. Her recovery shot has gone into an awkward position in the fairway bunker. She needs a bit of magic to make up-and-down from here. It's a really tough shot.

HULL HOLES MASSIVE PAR PUTT AT 18

Charley's major championship dreams have not come true today but she can leave Walton Heath with her head held proud. A wonderful long par putt at 18 puts the biggest smile of the day on her face. You've done your English supporters proud Charley. Your time will come. Keep knocking on that door.

A SUPERSTAR FINISH FROM VU

A dream finish! Would you believe it - Vu just drained her long putt across the green at 18 for another birdie to equal the best score of the day - five-under-par 67. Talk about a crowd pleaser. Winning the AIG Women's Open in style. In doing so she becomes the first American to win two majors in a season since 2000. Wow.

SHE'S SIGNING FOR A 67

As Vu just double checks and signs her winning scorecard it gives me time to reflect on what an amazing round of golf she played today. Aside from that one bogey at the 15th it was absolutely flawless. Some of my takeaways...

1. She played fast with flow. I'm not sure I've ever seen someone look so comfortable and confident in the final round of a major championship before. From pushing the tee into the ground to driving the ball was just seconds. It was in stark contrast to Charley Hull who took too much time. I could almost sense her anxiety.

2. Total focus. You could see it in Vu's eyes. They had that magical sparkle of a woman who knows how to win.

3. Perfect putting. Vu hardly missed a putt - all week. Her putting stroke is definitely one to emulate. 

21 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT LILIA VU

Interested in knowing a little bit more about our new AIG Women's Open champion Lilia Vu? Here are 21 things you probably didn't know about her.

TEARS OF JOY AS VU REJOICES

The newly-crowned AIG Women's Open champion Lilia Vu broke down in tears as she gave her speech of thanks just now, referring to the support of the fans as "the best crowd I've ever played in front of" and offering a very humble reflection of the state her golf had fallen into, despite winning her first major at the Chevron Championship earlier this year. Her goal for this week was just to "drive the ball well" and give herself birdie chances. 

As for the advice she offered to all the young golfers who dream to be where she is holding that glistening trophy? "Just write down your goals, get a good support group around you and keep on believing." 

CHARLEY'S CADDIE REFLECTS ON WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN

"She never gave us a chance," those were the stark words offered up by Charley Hull's caddie Adam on reflection of an afternoon where American Lilia Vu was in total control. 

HEATH HEADLINES AS LEADING AMATEUR

There was some small consolation for the massive home crowds here to cheer Charley Hull on today. They got to celebrate fellow English player Charlotte Heath's success as she collected the Smyth Salver for the leading amateur.

Heath secured her place in the AIG Women's Open this week as the leading British or Irish player in the World Amateur Golf Ranking and did herself proud shooting rounds of 73, 72, 74, 76 for a seven-over-total.

A Curtis Cup player in 2021 and 2022, I'll look forward to seeing her name in lights in the pro ranks in the future.

WINNING THIS IS UNREAL

AIG Women's Open Champion Lilia Vu still can't quite believe that she's now a two-time major champion.

"I thought that winning those two events earlier in the year was just a fluke," she admitted. 

The 25-year-old Californian, who is coached by her Dad Douglas, a professional at the David L. Baker Golf Club in Fountain Valley, said that she's had a tough few months and was really hard on herself. 

Thanking the team that surrounds her for their wise words this week to just "stay in the present and try to take every hole one shot at a time," she reflected on her dream afternoon of nearly flawless play. 

"I came into this week just wanting to contend. To do so I knew I had to drive the ball well to give myself chances."

She sure did.

CHARLEY'S SO MUCH FUN TO PLAY WITH

We were given a little glimpse into the popularity of Charley Hull amongst her peers courtesy of Lilia Vu's champion's speech.

"I love playing with Charley. She's so much fun to play with and a really great golfer."

It was a sentiment echoed by fellow former AIG Women's Open champion Dame Laura Davies who won the event before it became recognised as a major back in 1986, commentating on the tournament: "I'd pay money to watch Charley play. She puts on a show," she said.

It's clear that Hull has spent many an hour in Dame Davies company - her golfing idol - and it has rubbed off on her. Who can blame her?

"I do see a little bit of her game in mine" Davies admitted.

DEFLATED HULL REFLECTS ON WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN

AIG Women's Open runner-up Charley Hull reflected on the frustration of finishing in second place at a major for the second time this season.

"I feel a bit deflated right now," she admitted. "Nothing went my way."

Her other second place came in the U.S. Women's Open at Pebble Beach.

In an afternoon where Lilia Vu hardly put a foot wrong, Hull failed to convert any birdie chances, missing critical par saves at holes 3 and 4. The putter that had been so "hot" on Saturday quite literally failed her.

Until the last. "That was the only putt I holed all day" she lamented.

The disappointment has clearly put the fire in Hull's belly to go one better and get her hands on a major champion's trophy next season.

"Truthfully I just want to go and be with my coach at 10am tomorrow and hit balls until my hands hurt," she admitted. "I am determined for next year."

THE MINDSET OF A CHAMPION

American Lilia Vu may only be 25-years of age but she has an old head on young shoulders. 

As we all know, so much of this game we play is between the ears. After winning the AIG Women's Open title she admitted that she spent a lot of lockdown in the Covid era reading, working on what she called her "self-development."

The one thing it taught her above all others? The importance of enjoying every single moment of her golf. "That's the mindset I took out there this week."

AMERICAN LILIA VU WINS THE AIG WOMEN'S OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

25-year-old American Lilia Vu put on an almost flawless display of golf in front of huge crowds at Walton Heath to win the AIG Women's Open by six strokes, her second major title of the year.

Vu's final round of five-under-par 67 was reminiscent to the remarkable display she put on earlier in the season to win the Chevron Championship in a play-off. 

The Californian's golf was nothing short of immaculate right from the word go. While she made an early birdie three at the tricky par-4 second, her nearest rival, England's Charley Hull made bogey. The two-shot swing gave her the momentum that she really never lost all day. She cruised through the front nine in two-under-par and total control.

A glimmer of hope for the home-crowd favourite Hull came when she holed her bunker shot for an eagle three at the par-five 11th. Roars of delight reverberated around the Surrey heathland. But it was short-lived. Two costly bogeys, courtesy of unforced errors off the tee, at 15 and 17 ultimately ended Hull's chase, leaving her "deflated" and just wanting to "go and work on my game with my coach at 10am tomorrow morning and hit balls until my hands hurt."  

The only other realistic challenger on the day was South Korea's Jiyai Shin who finished on her own in third place on seven-under-par. As a two-time past winner of this championship it was hard not to rule her name out when it appeared high up the leaderboard. The crowds enjoyed watching her play some fine golf over the four days after a seven-year absence from this tournament.

It was a disappointing day for world number one Nelly Korda who ended on two-under par after shooting a two-over 74. Fellow American Ally Ewing had hogged all the headlines over the first two days, leading by five shots at the halfway point, but fell away over the weekend, finishing on four under.

That's all for me. I hope you've enjoyed reading my insight over the last few days. It certainly was an exciting tournament to watch. I'll see you all at St. Andrews for the AIG Women's Open next year.

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