Lottie Woad will make her professional debut at the Women’s Scottish Open after earning enough points on the LPGA Elite Amateur Pathway (LEAP) program to secure her Tour card. The event takes place at Dundonald Links, where Woad will compete alongside world-class golfers including World No. 1 Nelly Korda and seven-time Solheim Cup competitor Charley Hull.
From Amateur Success to Professional Opportunity
Woad’s impressive amateur career featured a commanding six-shot victory at the KPMG Women’s Irish Open followed by a third-place finish at the Amundi Evian Championship, highlighted by a remarkable seven-under 64 in the final round. Although she missed out on approximately $650,000 in prize money due to her amateur status, her top-three finish earned her crucial points toward her LPGA Tour card, securing the final 19th and 20th points required.
With full playing rights on both the LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour (LET), Woad will officially start her professional journey at Dundonald Links, teeing off at 8:36 a.m. local time on Thursday in the marquee group on the West Coast, paired with Nelly Korda and Charley Hull.
The Competitive Field Highlights Top International Talent
Alongside this notable trio, the tournament boasts a strong field including three-time major winner Minjee Lee, who will start at 8:14 a.m. with Rio Takeda and Megan Khang. US Women’s Open champion Maja Stark will play with home favorites Hannah Darling and Gemma Dryburgh at 8:25 a.m.
Another key competitor is Grace Kim, who recently won the Amundi Evian Championship in a playoff against Jeeno Thitikul. Kim will join Georgia Hall and South African Casandra Alexander, teeing off at 1:26 p.m. Hall recently announced her engagement to professional golfer Paul Dunne.
Women’s Scottish Open: A Lead-Up to the AIG Women’s Open
This tournament serves as an important warm-up for the season’s final women’s major, the AIG Women’s Open. The 2025 championship will be held at Royal Porthcawl in Wales, where defending champion Lydia Ko aims to retain her title after her 2024 victory at St Andrews’ Old Course.
Looking Ahead: Impact and Expectations for Woad’s Professional Debut
Woad’s transition from amateur standout to professional competitor carries significant promise, marking an exciting new chapter for the English golfer. Her debut alongside elite players such as Nelly Korda and Charley Hull not only showcases her rapid rise but also signals a promising future on the LPGA and LET tours.
“After earning enough points on the LPGA Elite Amateur Pathway program (LEAP) to earn a Tour card, Lottie Woad will make her professional debut alongside two of golf’s biggest names.” — Source
“Playing at the Women’s Scottish Open, which is taking place at Dundonald Links, the Englishwoman will be part of the marquee group on the West Coast, teeing off alongside World No.1, Nelly Korda, and seven-time Solheim Cup star Charley Hull.” — Source
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Nelly Korda have surgery?
A. She shared that she recently had surgery for a blood clot in her subclavian vein. The surgery was successful, and the doctors were satisfied with how it turned out. She is now recovering at home and getting ready for rehabilitation. She is eager to fully recover so she can start practicing again.
Q. Is Nelly Korda rich?
A. Sportico.com published a list of the top earners in women’s sports, placing Korda in the eighth spot. Her total earnings are estimated at $14.4 million. Of this amount, she made $4.4 million from winning competitions, and the rest came from endorsements.
Q. Is Nelly Korda the highest paid athlete?
A. In 2024, Nelly Korda gained attention as the 8th highest-paid female athlete in the world. She earned $4.4 million from playing sports and an additional $10 million through endorsements. According to Sportico, her total earnings reached $14.4 million.