Lottie Woad clinched the Smyth Salver for being the top amateur at the AIG Women’s Open, finishing one-under par.
Starting as one of five amateurs in the tournament, she earned her spot by winning the 2024 Augusta National Women’s Amateur and receiving the Mark H McCormack Medal. Among her fellow amateurs, only Chun Wei-Wu missed the cut, while others like Ela Anacona (T78), Louise Rydqvist (T60), and Julia Lopez Ramirez (T29) also competed well. However, Woad shone brightly despite tough conditions at St Andrews.
She ended up T10 after rounds of 72, 70, 72, and a final round of 73. At that point, she was just five shots behind leaders Jiyai Shin, Nelly Korda, and Lydia Ko. She finished four strokes ahead of her closest rival for the Smyth Salver, Lopez Ramirez.
Woad’s Stellar Year:
This year has been fantastic for Woad. Besides winning at Augusta in April, she placed T23 at the Chevron Championship and played in both the US Women’s Open and Amundi Evian Championship. She currently holds the top spot in the World Amateur Golf Rankings.
Reflecting on her achievements this year boosted her confidence significantly. “Yeah, yes, definitely,” she said. “It’s been really great for me confidence-wise. Getting to play in all these events and performing well has definitely given me a lot of confidence going into my next year of college.”
About her final round at AIG Women’s Open: “It was good. I knew what I had to do in those last few holes. It was tough but I managed to get it done.”
Fans might think she’s on a fast track to a stellar career.
Woad now joins an elite group of former Smyth Salver winners who have gone on to successful professional careers like Michelle Wie West and Lydia Ko. She’s also following Charlotte Heath as another English player to win this award.
What do you think about Woad’s journey so far?
