The journey of female golfers has often been met with skepticism, as history shows that early promise does not always correlate with long-term success. Michelle Wie captured one major during her career, while Charley Hull’s trajectory has been hampered by injuries despite her early acclaim. Yet, Lottie Woad, a 21-year-old emerging star, seems to be thriving in the spotlight.
Woad made headlines last year by winning the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and has since made impressive strides as an amateur, including a notable win at the Irish Open and a strong showing at the Evian Championship. Last Sunday, she secured her first professional win at the Scottish Open, solidifying her status as a golfer to watch as the Women’s Open approaches this Thursday at Royal Porthcawl.
Lydia Ko, the defending champion, praised Woad’s impressive performance, noting the remarkable aspects of her swing that mirror her own game. Charley Hull expressed admiration for Woad’s confidence and presence on the course, indicating that she felt inspired watching Woad play. In fact, Hull’s own buildup to the upcoming event has been marred by health issues, highlighting the pressures athletes face.
Woad heads into the Women’s Open with strong momentum and is grouped with notable players Ko and Lilia Vu. Despite the pressure of competing in a major event, Woad maintains a calm demeanor, attributing her recent success to her confidence and past experiences. As Ko pointed out, Woad’s time in competitive settings, particularly at Florida State University, has prepared her for the challenges of professional play.
While she has adopted an unorthodox swing style reminiscent of Scottie Scheffler, Woad stands out for her composure under pressure. Her performance at both the Scottish Open, where she won by six strokes, and previous tournaments has garnered widespread admiration from peers, including world No. 1 Nelly Korda.
Additionally, the Women’s Open has seen significant growth, with increased prize funds reflecting a broader recognition of women’s golf. The total purse has reached $9.75 million, a notable increase from past years, indicating a positive trend for the sport that could further elevate emerging stars like Woad.
As the Women’s Open unfolds at Royal Porthcawl, anticipation builds around Woad’s potential to challenge for the title, setting the stage for what could be a transformative moment in her promising golf career.