DUNDONALD, Scotland — Lottie Woad made a stunning professional debut at the Women's Scottish Open, sharing second place after the first round at Dundonald Links, outscoring major champions Nelly Korda and Minjee Lee.
The 19-year-old English amateur, who earned her spot through a sponsor exemption, carded a bogey-free 5-under 67 to sit just one stroke behind leader Lydia Ko. Woad’s performance was a masterclass in composure, as she navigated the challenging coastal course with precision, sinking five birdies without dropping a shot.
Woad, the reigning European Ladies’ Amateur champion, admitted she felt nerves but channeled them into her game: "I was definitely a bit nervous teeing it up against so many big names, but once I got into the round, I just focused on playing my own game. It’s surreal to see my name up there."
A Strong Start Among the Pros
Playing alongside seasoned professionals, Woad showcased a maturity beyond her years. Her round included:
- A 20-foot birdie putt on the 4th hole
- A near-eagle on the par-5 14th, setting up a tap-in birdie
- A clutch par save on the 18th after finding a fairway bunker
Her performance drew praise from competitors, including former world No. 1 Lydia Ko, who said, "She played like a veteran out there. To go bogey-free in these conditions is seriously impressive."
Outshining the Stars
Woad’s scorecard bested some of the biggest names in women’s golf:
- Nelly Korda (Even-par 72, T28)
- Minjee Lee (+1 73, T42)
- Defending champion Céline Boutier (+2 74, T56)
The windy conditions at Dundonald Links tested the field, but Woad’s strategic play and steady putting kept her in contention. "I’ve played links golf before, so I knew how to adjust. Keeping the ball low was key," she explained.
The Road to Turning Pro
Woad, who recently completed her freshman year at Florida State University, has been a rising star in amateur golf. Her recent victories include:
- 2024 European Ladies’ Amateur Championship
- 2023 R&A Girls’ Amateur
- Multiple collegiate wins with FSU
Her coach, Jorge Parada, noted her rapid development: "Lottie’s work ethic is unmatched. She’s always analyzing her game and making adjustments. This performance doesn’t surprise me."
What’s Next for Woad?
While Woad remains an amateur, her strong start has sparked speculation about her future. She has yet to confirm if she’ll turn pro this season, stating, "I’m just taking it one round at a time. Right now, I’m focused on learning from this experience."
If she maintains her form, Woad could become the first amateur to win on the LPGA Tour since Lydia Ko in 2013. However, the competition remains fierce, with Ko, Jin Young Ko, and Charley Hull all within striking distance.
Conclusion
Lottie Woad’s professional debut was nothing short of spectacular. Outplaying established stars on a demanding course, she proved she belongs among the elite. Whether she turns pro soon or continues her amateur career, her future in golf looks incredibly bright.
As the second round begins, all eyes will be on Woad to see if she can sustain her momentum. One thing is certain: "This won’t be the last time we hear her name at the top of a leaderboard."
