Lydia Ko has commended LPGA rookie Lottie Woad for her remarkable performance after winning in her professional debut. The two are set to compete at the AIG Women’s Open starting July 31 at Royal Porthcawl in Wales, where Ko is the defending champion.
Ko Highlights Woad’s Rapid Rise and Composure
During the pre-tournament press conference held on July 29, Lydia Ko expressed admiration for Woad’s recent form. Since turning professional, Woad has impressed by capturing the AIG Women’s Scottish Open in her very first start, building on strong showings as an amateur.
Ko reflected on Woad’s consistency, stating,
“Just outside of her win last week, but finishing top 5, I think, in Evian and then winning the Irish Open the week before, she’s been playing unbelievably,”
she said.
“I don’t know a lot about her game personally, but the little that I’ve seen, she seems super impressive and has that kind of cool, calm, collected demeanour, and that’s, I think, pretty important as a player.”
She added,
“She’s kind of come out with a bang, and I’m sure she’s going to keep continuing to play well.”
Woad’s Recent Successes Leading to Pro Victory
Woad’s breakthrough began with winning the Smyth Salver as the top amateur at last year’s AIG Women’s Open, held at the same venue. She then secured victory at the KPMG Women’s Irish Open and finished tied for third at the Evian Championship, both prestigious tournaments on the LPGA Tour.
Following those performances, she transitioned to professional status and immediately seized a title at the Scottish Open. These achievements have positioned Woad as a leading contender, with bookmakers favoring her chances over top players including Lydia Ko, Jeeno Thitikul, and Nelly Korda coming into this week’s event.
Lydia Ko’s Schedule and Title Defense at the AIG Women’s Open
Lydia Ko will start her first round on July 31 at 12:54 pm local time from the first tee, paired alongside Lilia Vu and Lottie Woad. Ko aims to defend her 2024 title and capture her fourth major championship, while also pursuing her second LPGA Tour win this season and the 24th victory of her career.
The opening round will begin at 6:30 am local time without split tees. Early groups include Sophia Popov, Shannon Tan, and Cara Gainer, while the final group of the day, featuring Haeji Kang, Maria Hernandez, and Brianna Do, will tee off at 3:30 pm local time.
Significance of Woad’s Emergence and What Lies Ahead
Lottie Woad’s extraordinary start to her professional career has drawn attention from peers like Lydia Ko and fans alike, signaling the arrival of a new talent in women’s golf. Her ability to stay composed under pressure and swiftly adjust to the tour’s demands indicates a promising future.
This week’s AIG Women’s Open will test both Woad and Ko as they compete not only for the prestigious title but also for momentum heading into the remainder of the LPGA season. With Ko’s experience and Woad’s unrelenting form, the tournament promises exciting competition on the links of Royal Porthcawl.