NORTH BERWICK, Scotland — Lottie Woad continued her impressive run at the Women's Scottish Open, maintaining a two-stroke lead heading into the final round. The 21-year-old Englishwoman, making her professional debut, carded a steady 3-under 69 in the third round to stay atop the leaderboard at The Renaissance Club.
Woad, who turned professional just last month after a stellar amateur career, has shown remarkable composure under pressure. "I'm feeling good," she told reporters after her round. "It's been a great experience so far, and I'm just trying to enjoy every moment." Her performance has already drawn comparisons to fellow English star Charley Hull, who also made an early impact on the Ladies European Tour (LET).
A Strong Start to Professional Golf
Woad’s transition from amateur to professional golf has been seamless. She won her first professional event, the Aramco Team Series – London, just weeks after turning pro, and now finds herself in contention for another title. Her game has been characterized by:
- Consistent driving accuracy (hitting 85% of fairways this week)
- Solid putting (averaging just 28 putts per round)
- A calm demeanor under pressure
Her closest challenger, Sweden’s Linn Grant, sits two strokes back after a 4-under 68 in the third round. Grant, a six-time LET winner, acknowledged Woad’s strong play: "She’s playing really well, but there’s still a lot of golf left. I’ll just focus on my own game and see what happens."
The Challenge Ahead
The final round promises to be a thrilling battle, with several seasoned players within striking distance. France’s Céline Boutier, the defending champion, is just three shots back, while Scotland’s own Gemma Dryburgh sits four behind. The Renaissance Club’s coastal layout, known for its challenging winds, could play a decisive role.
Key Factors for the Final Round
Woad will need to manage both the pressure and the conditions to secure her second professional win. Key factors include:
- Wind management: Forecasts predict gusts up to 20 mph, which could test shot-making.
- Mental resilience: Holding a lead in a professional event is new territory for Woad.
- Putting under pressure: The greens at The Renaissance Club are notoriously tricky.
Woad’s coach, John Wood, expressed confidence in her ability to close out the tournament: "She’s got a great mindset. She doesn’t overthink things, and that’s been a huge strength this week."
A Bright Future Ahead
Regardless of Sunday’s outcome, Woad’s performance has already made a statement. Her rapid rise suggests she could be a future star on both the LET and LPGA tours. Former Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew praised her potential: "She’s got all the tools—great swing, strong mentality, and she’s fearless. That’s a great combination."
With the final round set to begin, all eyes will be on Woad as she looks to cap off a dream start to her professional career. A victory would not only secure her second title but also send a clear message that she’s a force to be reckoned with in women’s golf.
The Women’s Scottish Open concludes Sunday, with live coverage available on Sky Sports Golf. Fans will be eager to see if Woad can hold her nerve and claim another milestone in what promises to be a bright future.
