Ryu in Rhythm: Korean Star Eyes Wire-to-Wire Glory in Utah

Haeran Ryu clings to two-shot lead at Black Desert Championship as Ruoning Yin surges and history beckons in Ivins

Seoul, Korea - Haeran Ryu is 18 holes away from a dazzling desert coronation. The 23-year-old Korean fired rounds of 63, 67 and 68 to hold the 54-hole lead at the inaugural Black Desert Championship in Utah, and now sits at 18-under-par, two clear of China’s Ruoning Yin.

This marks the sixth time Ryu has held a third-round lead in her LPGA career—but the first time she’s led after every round. Her Saturday card was a cocktail of brilliance and grit: an eagle, five birdies, and three bogeys. She’s hit 48 of 54 greens and recorded 18 birdies, tied for fourth-most in the field.

Yin, meanwhile, surged from T24 to solo second with a blistering 62—the lowest round of her LPGA career. Ten birdies, including a four-birdie blitz from 12 to 15, propelled her to within striking distance. “I just stayed present,” Yin said. “Only thought about 10-under on the last hole.”

Germany’s Esther Henseleit sits third on 15-under after a wild ride that featured eight birdies, two bogeys and a closing double. If she wins, she’d become the fifth Rolex First-Time Winner of 2025.

Three others—including Thailand’s Ariya Jutanugarn—are knotted in fourth at 13-under. Jutanugarn needed just 25 putts but a closing bogey may prove costly in Sunday’s final charge.

A win for Ryu would bring her third LPGA title, her second in an inaugural event, and push her career earnings past $5 million. It would also mark the third Korean victory of the 2025 season.

There’s tension, talent, and history all simmering under the Utah sun—exactly the recipe a maiden major deserves.