Jenny Shin [Getty Images/AFP=Yonhap News File Photo] 

Jenny Shin, a 16-year veteran of the LPGA Tour, placed herself among the leaders on the first day of the ISPS HANDA Women's Scottish Open (total purse of $2 million).

On the 23rd (local time), Shin shot a 6-under-par 66 in the first round of the tournament held at Dundonald Links (par 72) in North Ayrshire, Scotland, recording seven birdies against one bogey.

Tied for the lead with Lauren Coughlin (USA), Shin has made a strong start in her quest for her second career LPGA Tour victory. Shin, who debuted on the LPGA Tour in 2011, previously won the Volunteers of America Texas Shootout in 2016.

Starting on the 10th hole, Shin birdied four holes on the front nine and added three more on the back nine, though she faced a slight setback with a bogey on the 4th hole (par 3).

In an interview with the LPGA Tour, Shin said, "I practiced in Sweden last week on a links-style course. It was by the coast and quite windy, which I think served as great preparation."

Kim A-lim, the 2020 U.S. Women's Open champion, also had a solid day, finishing with seven birdies and two bogeys for a 5-under-par 67, placing her in sole possession of third place, one stroke behind the co-leaders.

Kim, who also won the 2024 Lotte Championship and the 2025 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, is aiming for her fourth career LPGA Tour title.

"This is my sixth time playing in this tournament, so I remember the characteristics of each hole well," Kim noted. "My putting was especially good today."

World No. 1 Nelly Korda (USA), who has claimed four victories this season, finished the first round tied for 14th at even-par 72, offsetting four birdies with four bogeys.

World No. 4 Kim Hyo-joo struggled, carding four birdies against two double bogeys and three bogeys to finish at 3-over-par 75, dropping into a tie for 46th place.

Kim Sei-young also had a difficult first round, finishing at 3-over-par 75.

Defending champion Lottie Woad (England) is tied for 33rd at 2-over-par 74.