Confidence Reclaimed with First Win in 10 Years
Shin Ji-eun ended a more than 10-year winless run on the LPGA Tour before heading to the 2026 AIG Women’s Open, the final major of the season. After winning on a links course in Scotland, she will look to carry that momentum into a bid for her first major title.
According to official LPGA records, Shin finished the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open at Dundonald Links on July 26 with a 9-under total of 279. She beat Ariya Jutanugarn by two strokes and collected $300,000 in prize money.
The victory was the second of Shin’s LPGA Tour career, coming roughly 10 years and two months after her first at the Volunteers of America Texas Shootout in May 2016. She struggled to a 3-over 75 in the final round but held on to the lead she had built over the first three days.
2026 AIG Women’s Open Schedule and Venue
The 2026 AIG Women’s Open will be held from July 30 to Aug. 2 at Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club in Lancashire, England. It is the fifth and final major of the women’s golf season, as well as the 50th staging of the championship.
The defending champion is Japan’s Miyu Yamashita, who won the 2025 championship at Royal Porthcawl with an 11-under total. By entering the major immediately after her Scottish Open victory, Shin will compete on links courses for a second consecutive week.
Pot Bunkers and Wind Set the Terms on the Links
Royal Lytham & St Annes is known for opening with a par-3, deep bunkers, increasingly narrow landing areas and constantly shifting coastal winds. According to the official AIG Women’s Open course guide, the venue has previously hosted the championship five times.
Annika Sorenstam won in 2003, Sherri Steinhauer in 1998 and 2006, Catriona Matthew in 2009, and Georgia Hall in 2018. Precise tee shots, controlled ball flight and careful course management to avoid the bunkers will be crucial in the title race.
Shin Ji-eun’s Bid for a First Major Title
Shin’s best finish in a major is a sixth-place result at the 2017 AIG Women’s Open. The 2026 championship will be her 16th appearance in the event, and the confidence from her Scottish Open victory, along with her comfort on links courses, could prove a valuable asset.
According to Golf Digest, Shin said after winning the Scottish Open that she planned to meet her coaches, who were waiting in Manchester, to review her swing. The focus was on quickly refining the changes in her swing feel developed while playing in strong winds.
Losing strokes in the final round of the Scottish Open remains an area for improvement. On a major championship stage, her chances of winning will likely depend on maintaining a steady game over four days and saving par when trouble arises.
Korean Champions Kim In-kyung and Shin Ji-ae Also in the Field
The official AIG Women’s Open field includes Korean players such as Shin Ji-eun, Kim In-kyung and Shin Ji-ae. Kim won the championship in 2017, while Shin Ji-ae is a two-time champion, having claimed the title in 2008 and 2012.
Shin Ji-ae won the 2012 championship by nine strokes and has continued to excel at the AIG Women’s Open, finishing joint runner-up in 2024. Her contest with fellow Korean players who have extensive winning experience will be another storyline to watch for Shin Ji-eun.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which tournament did Shin Ji-eun win in 2026?
Shin Ji-eun won the 2026 ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open with a 9-under total of 279.
How many times has Shin Ji-eun won on the LPGA Tour?
She has two LPGA Tour victories: the 2016 Texas Shootout and the 2026 Women’s Scottish Open.
When and where will the 2026 AIG Women’s Open be held?
The championship will take place from July 30 to Aug. 2, 2026, at Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club in Lancashire, England.
What is Shin Ji-eun’s best finish in a major?
Her best major result to date is sixth place at the 2017 AIG Women’s Open.
Which Korean players have won the AIG Women’s Open?
Shin Ji-ae won twice, in 2008 and 2012, while Kim In-kyung captured the title in 2017.
