Lottie Woad Takes Command at Evian as Korda's Grand Slam Dreams Fade

Woad's Magnificent 64 Puts Her in Control

What a day we witnessed at Evian-les-Bains. England's Lottie Woad absolutely torched the course on Friday, posting a stunning seven-under-par 64 to grab the outright lead heading into the weekend at the Evian Championship.

Woad sits pretty at 11 under overall, holding a one-stroke advantage over Japan's Aki Iwai, who had led after the opening round. It's the kind of ball-striking clinic that makes you sit up and take notice—eight birdies against just one bogey on a day when the temperatures soared to around 33°C.

"I've got obviously nice memories from last year here and I like the golf course, so I think that definitely helps," Woad said after her round. This venue clearly agrees with her—she secured her LPGA Tour card here just 12 months ago and finished tied for third in 2025.

A Rising Star Coming Into Her Own

Here's what blows my mind about Woad: she only turned 22 in January, turned professional in 2025, and already sits fourth in the world rankings. She's got three wins to her name and is now knocking on the door of her first major championship.

When asked about her improved form, Woad credited mental growth as much as anything technical. "I think I've just got slightly better in all areas. Nothing too different. I think just mentally been in these positions a bit more so I think I'm a little calmer under pressure."

That composure was on full display Friday. After her lone bogey at the par-four 10th, she responded with three consecutive birdies. She nearly capped it off with an eagle on the par-five 18th, but the putt slid just past and she tapped in for birdie instead.

Her secret weapon in those sweltering afternoon conditions? A sun umbrella. Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best ones.

Korda's Historic Pursuit Ends Early

While Woad was lighting up the leaderboard, world number one Nelly Korda was packing her bags. Despite an improved 69 on Friday, the American finished at one over par—missing the cut and ending her bid to complete the career Grand Slam this year.

It's Korda's first missed cut since June 2024, and it came on the same day that men's world number one Scottie Scheffler also saw his remarkable cuts-made streak come to an end. Strange symmetry there.

Korda wasn't alone in heading home early. A star-studded group including Allisen Corpuz, Lilia Vu, Carlota Ciganda, Celine Boutier, and Leona Maguire all failed to make the weekend.

The Chasing Pack

Behind Woad, the leaderboard is packed with quality. Here's how things stand:

• -11: Lottie Woad (Eng)
• -10: Aki Iwai (Jpn)
• -8: Mao Saigo (Jpn), Haeran Ryu (Kor)
• -6: Charley Hull (Eng), Jeeno Thitikul (Tha), Mao Yamashita (Jpn), Nastasia Nadaud (Fra)

Haeran Ryu, fresh off her Women's PGA Championship victory last month, lurks just three shots back. World number two Jeeno Thitikul is very much in the hunt at six under. And let's not forget Charley Hull, who sits a spot below Woad in the world rankings at fifth. Hull has been working on breathing techniques after her US Open near-miss, and she's right there in contention.

Anna Nordqvist and Maja Stark are at five under, while former world number one Lydia Ko sits at four under. There's plenty of firepower ready to make a move over the weekend.

The Takeaway

Lottie Woad is playing like someone who belongs at the top of women's golf—because she does. At 22, with three wins and a world ranking of fourth, she's not some upstart hoping to steal a major. She's a legitimate contender who has earned her position through consistent excellence. The weekend should be fascinating, with major champions and top-ranked players breathing down her neck. But right now, Woad is the one setting the pace, and she looks completely comfortable doing it.