Tom Watson is So Yeon Ryu’s secret weapon this week at Turnberry.

No, not that Tom Watson.

Ryu’s caddie happens to have the same name as the champion who won on this course back in 1977. Ryu’s Watson has his own expertise when it comes to Turnberry’s famed Ailsa Course, which has helped Ryu climb within two-strokes of the lead and into a tie for second heading into the weekend at the RICOH Women’s British Open.

“He had been caddying here when the guys were playing a tournament,” said Ryu. “I mean it’s not just about knowing the golf course. He just understands what I’m going to hit and he understands what I want to hit and then he understands links golf course and he understands what the weather is like. So he is really helpful to this tournament.”

The South Korean carded a second round even par, 72 to remain near the top of the leaderboard on a day when weather conditions had players backing up.

“Today was quite windy but I guess I was quite lucky to tee off very early in the morning because it’s going to be a bit more bad,” Ryu said. “Just use the wind. That’s my goal. That’s my theory when I’m playing really strong wind.”

That theory has served her well in her trips to the RICOH Women’s British Open, finishing T-5 in her first appearance in 2012 and two, T-17 finishes in back-to-back years. She credits her opening round 67 with what helped get her into a positive mindset to deal with today’s tough conditions.

“Five-under was a good score heading into this weather, said Ryu. “My mindset was quite comfortable because I hit it really great yesterday. I think I really tried to enjoy this wet weather, because I knew it’s always going to be like this.”

Her mindset is something she has been focused on improving this season, working with not only her psychologist but also Ian Baker Finch who helped her rediscover the love of the game.

“My actual motivation is I’m happy. That’s why I’m playing golf. Even though I hit a really bad shot, how blessed to be playing golf at this beautiful place. I always remind me, I’m one of the luckier girls, let’s enjoy the life. I think that kind of mindset helped me to more enjoy the golf and that enjoying the golf makes me play well.”

Ryu’s enjoyment has translated into six top-10’s this season, but the three-time LPGA Tour champion hasn’t been able to break through for a win in nearly a year.

“It feels like my game has improved a lot, but I cannot understand why I still cannot win any tournament.”

Part of it may just come down to luck in getting the right bounce, the good draw or learning to play through the conditions.

“I got some really good luck, so I hope I can get this good luck until Sunday.”

So Yeon Ryu's Secret Weapon: Tom Watson

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