I just enjoy my golf

A freed-up Haeran Ryu is keeping her focus on enjoyment at the AIG Women’s Open as she aims to continue her extraordinary form.

Ryu has won the last two majors, following up her maiden win at last month’s KPMG Women’s PGA Championship with a victory at the Amundi Evian Championship that included an historic 60 in round three.

The Korean’s bid for a third consecutive major title began superbly at Royal Lytham & St Annes as she carded a five-under 66 on Thursday to claim the early lead.

Four birdies in the first seven holes got Ryu off to a flier, with her putting particularly outstanding.

A first dropped shot of the day finally arrived on the 15th, but she bounced back brilliantly by birdieing the 16th and 18th.

“I'm so happy,” said Ryu. “Before I got the major win it was so much pressure and I just wanted to get a win in a major.

“But these days it's more calm. So that's why these days my golf is pretty good. I feel free.”

Ryu’s mother is in attendance again this week, just as she was at the Evian three weeks ago.

“I think these days she looks like she feels free too,” added a laughing Ryu. “No pressure for her. These days my mum is so happy.”

Despite her outstanding start at Lytham, Ryu insists she is not allowing herself to think about what it would be like to win a third major in a row.

“It feels so hard on this type of course, so that’s why I’m not focused on the win,” she explained. “I just enjoy my golf and not stress too much.

“Today my score is pretty good, but we have three more days and this is a major, so I just keep thinking about myself, not winning, and keep enjoying myself on the golf course.”