England's Lottie Woad turns pro at age 21 and joins LPGA Tour
Lottie Woad shot a final-round 64 to share third at the Evian Championship in France on July 13.
MIAMI – England's Lottie Woad, coming off a victory at the Women's Irish Open and her best Major finish, said on July 15 that she has decided to turn professional and join the LPGA Tour.
The 21-year-old from Farnham became the world amateur No. 1 in June and became the first amateur since 2022 to win a Ladies European Tour event when she captured the Irish crown by six strokes on July 6.
On July 13, Woad shot a final-round 64 to share third at the Evian Championship in France, her best finish ever at a women's Major, setting the stage for her announcement on social media.
Woad's Major result was enough to qualify her for an LPGA membership through the LPGA Elite Amateur Pathway (LEAP) programme, becoming the first player to earn a spot that way.
'I am very excited to announce that I've decided to turn professional,' Woad posted on social media.
'I'm delighted to have secured a @LPGA card through the LEAP. I'm also happy to accept membership of the @LETgolf for 2026. Thank you to everyone who has helped me get to this position.'
It did not take her long to decide to accept pro status. After the final round at Evian Resort Golf Club on July 13, she said she planned to ponder her future.
'Just going to use next week at home with family and coaches to kind of discuss the options and then I'll decide after that,' she said.
'I've always wanted to play on the LPGA,' she continued. 'Whenever that is, it's going to be really fun and I just look forward to playing all the events.'
Woad is scheduled to make her professional debut at the Women's Scottish Open from July 24 to 27 at Dundonald Links, a berth she earned with her victory in Ireland.
She is also set to play in the Women's British Open, the final Major of the year. It will be played from July 31 to Aug 3 at Royal Porthcawl in Wales. Woad shared 10th in the 2024 edition at St Andrews.
Woad, whose triumphs include the 2024 Augusta National Women's Amateur, had been playing for Florida State University.
The Englishwoman will forego her senior season at Florida State. She holds the Seminoles' record for career stroke average at 70.42.
Woad will have LPGA Tour status for the remainder of 2025 and all of 2026, but a tour statement said the remainder of her LPGA schedule for this season remains uncertain. AFP, REUTERS
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