A star is born: Lottie Woad's breakthrough victory signals arrival of amateur sensation
Enter Lottie Woad, England's rising star, who captured the KPMG Women's Irish Open on the Ladies European Tour with an extraordinary display of skill and composure.
Lottie's journey to this breakthrough has been swift and impressive. Her amateur career has been studded with remarkable achievements, marking her out as one of the brightest prospects in women's golf.
After clinching the Surrey Ladies County Championship in 2019, Woad's rise accelerated dramatically. Now, as a standout player for Florida State University, her list of accolades reads like a checklist of golfing excellence.
Stacking Up the Accolades
2023 ACC Freshman of the Year
2023 WGCA Freshman of the Year
2024 FSU Female Athlete of the Year
2024 ACC Golfer of the Year
2024 Mark H. McCormack Medal
By June 2024, she had reached the pinnacle of amateur golf, becoming the world's number one-ranked player in the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR). Earlier that year, she also triumphed at the prestigious Augusta National Women's Amateur.
Lottie has already proven her mettle on golf's biggest stages, competing in every major she's eligible for and securing a best finish of tied 10th at the 2024 AIG Women's Open.
She's also been a vital part of team events like the 2023 Espirito Santo Trophy in Abu Dhabi and the 2025 Patsy Hankins Trophy, representing England and Europe with distinction.
Her performance in Abu Dhabi was notable: fourth place in the three-player team event and tied fourth individually, finishing nine under par.
Dominance on Irish Soil
But it was in Ireland where Woad truly announced herself. Over 72 holes, she racked up 24 birdies against just three bogeys, finishing 21 under par to dominate a field packed with Solheim Cup stars, LPGA veterans, and LET winners.
What stood out even more than the score was her calm, confident demeanour under pressure, a quality that sets the great apart from the good.
Already a sought-after talent with a dedicated management team behind her, Lottie exemplifies the new wave of amateurs who are ready to compete and win at the highest professional level, sometimes even before officially turning pro.
Asked about turning professional after her victory, Woad was measured:
'No, I'm not tempted to turn pro yet. I'm still trying to get my final two points for the LPGA. I'm trying to get those, and then we will see what happens after that.'
Those 'two points' refer to the LPGA's Elite Amateur Pathway (LEAP), where 20 points are required for full membership, a goal Lottie is steadily chasing.
Respect From the Elite
Praise from established pros only underlines her potential. Solheim Cup star Madelene Sagstrom, who played alongside Woad in the final round, said:
'It was Lottie's week; it was wonderful to watch her play. I played a bunch of golf with her. I'm really happy with her and she's going to take European and American golf by storm very soon.'
The weeks ahead will test her further. Next up is the fourth major of the year in France, with a packed schedule of important tournaments looming.
But whatever happens, Lottie Woad will never forget her first professional victory in Ireland, a milestone that feels like just the beginning of an exciting career.
The large crowds, the pressure of victory celebrations, dealing with the media, sponsors, and the sea of young fans eager for autographs alongside top names like Charley Hull and Georgia Hall, Woad handled it all with grace beyond her years. It's a promising sign for the future of ladies' golf.
We'll be watching closely as Lottie's journey continues.
Good luck, Lottie - the golf world is ready for you.
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