Coughlin, Shin seize Scottish Open first-round lead

Lauren Coughlin and South Korea's Jenny Shin fired 6-under-par 66s on Thursday to share the Scottish Open first-round lead at Dundonald Links in Ayrshire, Scotland.

Coughlin, who ​won the Scottish Open in 2024, compiled eight birdies and two ‌bogeys on a links course that didn't play like normal due to Europe's recent heat wave.

"It was pretty difficult out there," Coughlin said. "I've not ever really played it when it's been ​this firm, especially off the tee, so quite a few different things ​off the tee than normal where I used to be able ⁠to hit the driver a lot of places."

Shin, who started on the back ​nine like Coughlin, posted seven birdies on the day - including birdies at her ​first three par-5s.

"It's playing a little shorter than the years past when it was quite wet out here," Shin said. "And the fact I was able to reach the par-5s and take advantage ​of making the birdies there, and having a few 58-degree (wedges) coming into the ​green helped. I was able to get my ball within 15 feet and when I ‌did have ⁠the chance for birdie, I did make it. So it was a good day."

Korea's A Lim Kim sits one shot behind at 67 while Sweden's Lisa Pettersson (69) posted the day's only other sub-70 score in the 144-golfer field.

World No. 1 ​Nelly Korda posted a ​72 to share ⁠14th place after one round. Playing in the same group as Korda, defending champion Lottie Woad of England got off ​to a poor start with a double bogey on No. ​3 and ⁠a bogey on No. 4 before settling down for a 74.

"There were a few interesting pin placements on the front nine with the wind," Woad said, "and tough to ⁠get it ​close really and didn't make enough putts to ​really be under par. But for me, 2-over is not disastrous. Still going to be in it. ​A day of not trying to play yourself out of it, really."