The English contingent—Charley Hull, Lottie Woad and Jodi Ewart Shadoff—found themselves six strokes shy of the leaderboard as they approached the concluding day of the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship. Meanwhile, American Lauren Coughlin etched her name into LPGA history with a performance that will be remembered for years to come. Coughlin achieved an unprecedented feat on the LPGA Tour by opening a round with nine straight birdies. Her flawless front nine at Pinnacle Country Club produced a 26, establishing the lowest nine‑hole total ever recorded on the circuit.
This remarkable surge set the tone for what appeared to be a potentially historic round. Starting her second round on the back nine, Coughlin’s streak was halted by a par on the first hole of that segment. She then missed an opportunity on the subsequent par‑five, but quickly regained momentum by birdieing the following par‑three. Those birdies sparked talk of a possible "59 round," a score that has not been seen on the LPGA Tour since 2001.
Ultimately, Coughlin concluded her round with a 61, ten strokes under par, but the final six holes were a series of pars, leaving her at eight under overall and eight shots behind the tournament leader, Japan’s Yuna Nishimura. Reflecting on her performance, Coughlin said, "I was making a lot of those mid‑range putts.
I hit everything pretty much inside 12 feet on my whole front nine. My longest putt might've been the 17th, which was probably about 15 feet or so.
Other than that, everything just seemed to be going exactly how I wanted it to, right at the hole and I was putting really good putts on them. I couldn't quite get it close enough to a '59 round' unfortunately those last few holes." Nishimura, meanwhile, posted a second consecutive 63, moving to 16 under par and establishing a five‑stroke cushion heading into the final day. She held a lead over Auston Kim, Mary Liu and Michelle Zhang, while Hull, Woad and Ewart Shadoff were locked in a tightly packed group at five under, sharing fifth place. The tournament also featured notable performances from other competitors.
Jodi Ewart Shadoff began her round with a birdie on each of her first three holes, ultimately posting a 66 for the day. Lottie Woad combined six birdies with a single bogey to match that 66, demonstrating a balanced mix of aggression and resilience.
Charley Hull delivered a flawless 67, avoiding any bogeys and remaining firmly within striking distance of the leaders. Among the international players, former AIG Women’s Open champion Miyu Yamashita was part of a nine‑under group that included Julia Lopez Ramirez, a member of Europe’s victorious Solheim Cup team earlier in the month. Meanwhile, seasoned professionals Mimi Rhodes and Leona Maguire were among those who failed to make the cut.
The final round promises to be a dramatic showdown. Fans can tune in to watch the culmination of the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship live on Sunday at 7 p.m.
via Sky Sports+. For those looking for streaming options, Sky Sports offers various deals, including contract‑free viewing alternatives.
Coughlin’s nine‑birdie streak not only set a new benchmark for the LPGA but also highlighted the evolving level of competition on the tour. Achieving nine consecutive birdies requires a blend of precise ball striking, strategic course management, and exceptional putting—elements that Coughlin displayed in abundance.
Her ability to consistently hit approach shots within twelve feet of the pin created a cascade of make‑able putts, turning potential pars into birdies. While her streak ended with a par on the first hole of the back nine, the momentum she generated underscores the thin margin between a great round and a historic one. The difference between a 61 and a 59 often comes down to a single missed putt or a conservative decision on a par‑five. Coughlin’s experience serves as a reminder that even the most skilled players can be humbled by the subtle challenges of a course.
Looking ahead, the leaderboard remains fluid. Nishimura’s steady play keeps her at the top, but the gap is far from insurmountable. The final day will test the stamina and composure of all contenders, especially those like Hull, Woad and Ewart Shadoff, who have demonstrated the capacity to post low scores under pressure.
As the tournament draws to a close, the storylines are clear: a historic birdie streak, a potential breakthrough into sub‑60 territory, and a tightly contested race for the championship title. Whether Coughlin can convert her momentum into a victory or whether Nishimura will maintain her lead, golf enthusiasts can expect an exhilarating finale at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship.