Lottie Woad: The Rising Star Set to Dominate Women's Golf at Evian Championship

Lottie Woad, the 21-year-old golf prodigy from Farnham, is gearing up for the Evian Championship, the fourth major of the year in women's golf. Fresh off her stunning victory at the Irish Open, where she triumphed by six shots over seasoned professionals, Woad is brimming with confidence as she prepares to compete against the world's best in France.

A Stellar Amateur Career

Woad's recent victory at the Irish Open marked her as the first amateur to win on the Ladies European Tour since 2022. Her performance not only showcased her exceptional skills but also her mental fortitude, as she left Solheim Cup stars Madelene Sagstrom and Charley Hull trailing in her wake. Sagstrom, who played alongside Woad in the final round, praised her, saying, "She's going to take European and American golf by storm very soon."

Path to Professional Golf

Currently, Woad is focused on securing her LPGA Tour membership through the Elite Amateur Pathway. A top-25 finish at the Evian Championship would earn her the two qualifying points she needs. Her consistent performances in majors, including a 23rd place finish at the Chevron Championship and a share of 10th place at the AIG Women's Open, suggest that she is more than capable of achieving this goal.

Work Ethic and Determination

Nigel Edwards, England Golf's performance director, has been a keen observer of Woad's development since she joined regional squads at the age of 14. He attributes her success to her excellent work ethic and willingness to learn. "Lottie has always had a great attitude to learning and coaching," Edwards said. "She understands what to practice to make her better and is always prepared to try something different if something isn't working."

A Bright Future Ahead

Woad's victory at the Augusta National Women's Amateur last year further cemented her status as the most exciting emerging talent in women's golf. Her ability to perform under pressure, as evidenced by her three birdies in the final holes to secure the win, has drawn comparisons to some of the game's greats. Currently topping the women's amateur world rankings, Woad is in no rush to turn professional, focusing instead on completing her studies at Florida State and continuing her development.

The Evian Championship

The Evian Championship promises to be a thrilling event, with world number one Nelly Korda, Olympic gold medallist Lydia Ko, and recent Women's PGA champion Minjee Lee leading the field. British hopes are also high, with players like Charley Hull, Gemma Dryburgh, and Bronte Law vying for the title.

As Woad prepares to tee off at Evian, the golfing world watches with bated breath. With her talent, determination, and unwavering focus, the sky truly is the limit for this remarkable young golfer.