Excitement is building around Lottie Woad as she heads into the Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl, riding a wave of success and admiration. Fresh off a dominant six-shot victory at the Scottish Open her first professional event the 21-year-old is being widely hailed as the next big thing in women’s golf.
Woad, who first drew attention with a victory at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and strong showings at both the Irish Open and Evian Championship as an amateur, is rapidly becoming a household name. Her impressive composure and consistency under pressure have drawn comparisons to the sport’s elite.
Woad’s swing and process have caught the eye of top players. Her mature on-course demeanor, especially when under pressure, is being praised as a key asset. Her ability to stay calm and stick to her routine, even in high-stakes situations, suggests a level of poise far beyond her years.
She will tee off in a marquee group alongside defending champion Lydia Ko and Lilia Vu, a testament to her rising profile. Despite the attention, Woad remains grounded. She acknowledges the confidence gained from recent performances but insists her focus remains unchanged to contend and keep progressing.
Much like Scottie Scheffler in the men’s game, Woad doesn’t rely on flashy headlines. Her swing, while slightly unconventional, is effective, and her game has been honed through experience in the American collegiate system at Florida State University.
Golf insiders note her ability to handle pressure, a quality bolstered by time spent in competitive environments. Her steady rise through the amateur ranks and smooth transition to the pro circuit demonstrate a readiness to perform on the big stage.
As the Women’s Open begins, Woad is among the favorites, and her recent dominance suggests she may challenge again. With a prize fund of $9.75 million and a winner’s share of $1.4 million, the stakes are higher than ever. Woad’s emergence adds a compelling new chapter to the tournament and to the future of women’s golf.