Lottie Woad Leads Field as Women’s Open Comes to Wales

Woad the Focus as Women’s Open Makes Historic Debut in Wales

The AIG Women’s Open tees off at Royal Porthcawl on Thursday, making history as the first major golf championship ever held in Wales. And while global stars such as Lydia Ko, Nelly Korda, and Minjee Lee feature in the 144-player field, all eyes are on Lottie Woad, British golf’s brightest new talent.

The 21-year-old from Surrey is the bookmakers’ favourite to win her first major title, despite this being only the second professional event of her career.

Woad arrives in red-hot form, having won the Irish Open as an amateur, finished just one shot shy of the Evian Championship playoff, and claimed victory on her professional debut at the Scottish Open just last week.

“She’s playing with such confidence she can’t miss a shot,” said Charley Hull, Britain’s highest-ranked golfer, praising Woad as “a breath of fresh air for the game.”

A win this week would make Woad the first British woman to win a major since Georgia Hall in 2018, and only the second in 16 years.

Home Hopefuls and Leading Contenders

Woad finished 10th in last year’s Women’s Open, when playing as an amateur

Charley Hull, now recovered from illness and a back injury that forced her to withdraw from the Evian Championship, remains another top home hope. Wales will be represented by Darcey Harry and Lydia Hall, the latter qualifying earlier this week to compete at her home club.

The defending champion, Lydia Ko, has downplayed expectations, saying, “Regardless of whether you’re the defending champion or you qualified through the qualifier, I think it’s going to be a really tough week.”

World No.1 Nelly Korda, world No.2 Jeeno Thitikul, and Minjee Lee—winner of last month’s Women’s PGA Championship—are also among the favourites.

A Landmark Moment for Welsh Golf

Hull, in 20th, is four places above Woad in the women’s golf world rankings

This week’s event is being hailed as the biggest women’s sporting event ever held in Wales. While Celtic Manor hosted the 2010 Ryder Cup, Royal Porthcawl now takes centre stage as it hosts its first women’s major, having previously hosted the Senior Open and the Walker Cup.

With a sea view on every hole and winds expected to be a key factor, the iconic links layout promises a true test.

“The views are breathtaking, but when the wind picks up here, it’s going to be a really hard test,” said Korda.

There’s even a fresh layout for players and spectators alike, with the original 18th hole being played first due to logistical considerations.

BBC Coverage Secured Through 2027

Nelly Korda finished in a tie for second in the Women’s Open at St Andrews last year, two shots adrift of Lydia Ko

This year’s Open also marks the start of a new multi-year broadcast deal between the BBC and The R&A, guaranteeing free-to-air access for UK fans until 2027.

BBC Sport will provide live radio commentary, digital highlights, and TV coverage, giving fans comprehensive access to every round.