American Lauren Coughlin and Korea’s Jenny Shin shot 6-under 66 to share the first-round lead at the ISPS Handa Scottish Open, the LPGA/LET co-sanctioned event at Dundonald Links with a $2 million purse. Shin, in her 16th LPGA season, started on the 10th hole and rattled off seven birdies, highlighting the importance of tee accuracy and the use of a 58-degree wedge around windy, firm conditions. Coughlin, who won the Scottish Open in 2024, matched Shin’s 66 with eight birdies and two bogeys, saying the winds and course conditions demanded a strong game plan and execution. Kim A-rim sat alone in third at 67, while world No. 1 Nelly Korda struggled to even par and was tied for 14th after a 72, with Kim Hyo-joo also in a tougher scoring group. The round reflected a challenging early day on a links-style course made drier and firmer by heat, affecting several top players, including Minjee Lee’s higher score in related coverage.