Lottie Woad, just 21 years old and recently turned professional, arrives at the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl as one of the most formidable contenders in the field. With a sequence of victories and high finishes in July 2025, her breakthrough performances have fast-tracked her from standout amateur to the forefront of British golf.
Woad’s season began with a historic victory in April 2024 at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, where she became the first European female champion of the event. A remarkable back-nine charge—birdying three of her last four holes—earned her the title and exemption into several major championships, including the Women’s Open at St Andrews in 2024. She also claimed the Mark H. McCormack Medal shortly thereafter and rose to No. 1 in the world amateur rankings.
Her momentum continued into 2025. While still an amateur, Woad secured a commanding six-stroke victory at the KPMG Women’s Irish Open, her first Ladies European Tour title, though she was ineligible for the £58,000 prize due to her amateur statu. One week later at the Amundi Evian Championship, she narrowly missed making history as the first amateur to win a major, finishing tied-third after a stunning final-round 64.
Following her stellar collective results, Woad accepted LPGA Tour membership via the Elite Amateur Pathway and officially turned pro in mid‑July. In her very first professional event—the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open—she delivered a composed, flawless performance to capture her maiden LPGA title by three strokes, finishing at 21‑under par at Dundonald Links . Her final round 68 sealed a dramatic pro debut, confirming her as only the second player in recent history to win in their first LPGA appearance and just the 12th Englishwoman to win on the LPGA Tour.
As Woad arrives at Royal Porthcawl for the AIG Women’s Open—her first major outing as a professional—she is widely acknowledged as tournament favourite. Lydia Ko, the defending champion, and world No. 1 Nelly Korda both praised her maturity, consistency, and the calm command she exhibited under pressure. Korda noted that Woad is arguably “high up there right now” when it comes to confidence. Ko observed that she “seems super impressive and has that kind of cool, calm, collected demeanour” which is crucial in links golf.
Woad also drew attention with her pragmatic focus amid the pressure. She commented: “I definitely feel like I’ve got a lot better at [managing it] … I just try and block out the noise as much as possible” . Having finished tied tenth at last year’s Women’s Open at St Andrews, she knows the challenge ahead at Porthcawl is intense—especially given the notoriously unpredictable weather and demanding course layout. She stressed that on many holes, “par is a good score” and par‑5s must be seized carefully.
Why Woad Can Make a Major Statement
- Unstoppable recent form: Three top-tier performances in succession—the Irish Open win, T‑3 at Evian, and pro‑debut victory in Scotland—demonstrate her readiness for elite stages.
- Mental composure: Consistently noted for staying calm under pressure, sticking to her routines, and handling adversity without flinching.
- Experience in big tournaments: Despite her age, she has played and excelled in multiple majors and team events—including the Curtis Cup and Elite Amateur ranks —providing invaluable exposure.
- Backing of fellow champions: Praise from Lydia Ko and Nelly Korda reinforces her standing and increases her confidence heading into the Open.
Woad’s progression—from winning amateur titles and topping the world amateur rankings to earning professional victories in her first events—suggests she is poised not only to contend but potentially capture her first major championship in just her second week as a professional. If she can harness her superb form and maintain composure over four days, she may well rewrite British golf history.
With those watching closely, and solid performances already under her belt, Britain’s rising star looks primed to take the Women’s Open by storm.
