Lottie Woad has made a statement that the golfing world will not forget anytime soon. The 21-year-old English sensation captured the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open title on Sunday, winning her very first event as a professional on the LPGA Tour.
Woad arrived at Dundonald Links riding high after a win at the KPMG Women’s Irish Open earlier in the month. In her first tournament since turning professional, she showed remarkable poise and consistency to close out a three-shot victory over a strong field. She finished the week at 21 under par after a final round of 68.
Woad began the final day with a two-shot lead and quickly extended her advantage with birdies on the second and third holes. Hyo Joo Kim, playing in the group ahead, kept the pressure on by rattling off a run of birdies on the front nine and eventually pulled level after the turn. However, Woad responded with back-to-back birdies at the 13th and 14th holes, regaining control at a critical point.
Kim’s chances were dented by bogeys at the 15th and 16th holes, while Woad held firm despite a rare mistake at 16 where she found thick rough and had to settle for a bogey. A steady par on the 17th set up a composed finish on the 18th where she laid up and pitched her third shot to within two feet to secure the win in style.
With this result, Woad becomes just the third player in LPGA history to win their debut event as a full member. She also joins an elite list of twelve Englishwomen who have claimed victory on the LPGA Tour.
Julia Lopez Ramirez of Spain fired a brilliant 65 to finish in a tie for third with Sei Young Kim. Nelly Korda ended the tournament in solo fifth, while Nanna Koerstz Madsen, who was paired with Woad in the final group, stumbled with a triple bogey on the last hole.
England’s Alice Hewson carded back-to-back rounds of 69 over the weekend to finish tied for tenth. Ireland’s Leona Maguire placed 16th and Charley Hull tied for 21st after a final round of 71.
Speaking after her win, Woad admitted the result took her by surprise.
“I definitely wasn’t expecting to win my first event, but I knew I was playing well,” she said. “I just wanted to be in contention and play solid golf. It feels pretty amazing to come out on top.”
Woad now heads into the AIG Women’s Open as one of the players to watch. With her confidence high and her game in top form, she will look to continue what is already becoming a remarkable rookie season.
