Lottie Woad Eyes AIG Women’s Open Glory After Sensational Pro Debut

Lottie Woad, just one week into her professional career, is already being tipped as the favourite to win the 2025 AIG Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl—the final major of the year.

The 21-year-old from Surrey arrives in Wales riding a wave of success. She captured the Scottish Open title on Sunday, just weeks after winning the Irish Open to end her amateur career and placing third at the Evian Championship, her final major as an amateur.

The bookmakers have responded accordingly. Woad’s odds are as low as 6-1, placing her alongside elite names like Tiger Woods in his prime and Scottie Scheffler—a staggering position for someone who has only just turned professional.

“Yes, absolutely,” said 2004 Women’s Open champion Karen Stupples when asked if Woad could win this week. “She came 10th last year as an amateur and nearly won at Evian.”

A Calm Mind and a Champion’s Maturity

Despite the growing hype, Woad remains unfazed, demonstrating the kind of mental composure normally reserved for seasoned veterans.

“I don’t think you can predict that,” she told BBC Sport. “I was just looking to have a good experience, try to play good golf — and then I got the win.”

Woad’s grounding in elite competition is already evident. She played alongside Nelly Korda and Charley Hull at the Scottish Open, but said those high-profile pairings “didn’t really feel too different” thanks to her extensive amateur experience.

“She’s Not Afraid of the Leaderboard”

Stupples praised Woad’s fearless mentality and clarity of purpose:

“Lottie Woad is the most matter-of-fact golfer I’ve come across,” said Stupples.

“Tell her she needs three birdies, she’ll say, ‘OK, I’ll just make three birdies then.’”

That psychological strength sets Woad apart—she isn’t afraid of pressure or the leaderboard. And her performances back it up.

Even Nelly Korda, the world number one, was impressed:

“She was absolutely amazing… she stuck to her process under pressure. Her putting is solid, she hits it long, and you can tell she’s put in a tonne of work.”

Next Test: Facing the Champions

Woad has been drawn in a headline group with the last two Women’s Open winners: Lilia Vu and Lydia Ko, who is fresh off her Olympic gold medal in Paris.

With odds in her favour, the spotlight squarely on her, and her form peaking, Woad could be about to write another historic chapter in British women’s sport.

“I know what I need to do to perform well,” Woad said. “You can’t expect to play well all the time—especially on a tough course. But I definitely love golf.”