Lottie Woad, the rising star of England Women’s Golf, made history by clinching the Augusta National Women’s Amateur championship title.
Despite trailing by two shots with five holes to play, Woad delivered an extraordinary performance, highlighted by three crucial birdies in her final four holes.
Her nerve-wracking finish under pressure secured her victory by a single shot, making her the first Englishwoman to claim this prestigious title.
Woad, who led after the initial two rounds at Champions Retreat, showcased remarkable composure and skill at Augusta National.
Despite facing adversity, including a bogey on the 13th hole, she demonstrated resilience by delivering a sensational par save on the 14th.
With birdies on the 15th and a near miss on the 16th, Woad entered the final stretch knowing that two birdies were essential for victory.
The Surrey native displayed exceptional poise as she sunk two crucial birdie putts in front of the Augusta patrons and television audience.
Her final score of -8 proved to be enough to secure the championship, placing her among the select few players who finished under par in the competition.
This victory not only marks a historic milestone for Woad but also guarantees her entry into all Women’s Major tournaments in 2024.
Reflecting on her remarkable triumph, Woad expressed gratitude for the support of her family and credited her coach, Steve Robinson, for helping her stay focused.
Lottie said: “The turning point for me was the great par-save on 14. I hooked off the tee and still had 215 in.
There was no way of me stopping it on the green but then I holed the (par) putt to stay two back.
I knew coming in that there were some good hole locations for me to get at and I managed to hole some nice putts at the end. I thought 16 was in!
“There was a lot of pressure but I was generally just having fun. I had a great caddy with me – my England Golf coach (Steve Robinson, England Women’s Coach) who helped me stay in the moment and I just enjoyed it and embraced it.
“I had a lot of my family come and support me but particularly my nan who is 85 and came over from England to watch me – I think she had fun today!
“It means so much to be a part of August National history. I’ve watched this event when I was younger and I’ve always wanted to play in it and try and contend, but to win it is just really special.”
Sky Sports pundit and former DP World Tour player Mark Roe, lauded Woad’s exceptional performance, highlighting her resilience and composure under pressure.
He described her finish as one of the best in both amateur and professional golf, praising her calm demeanour and humility.
“She dug so deep and I don’t think we’ll see a better finish all season, amateur or professional.
“When she had a pitch into the par-5 13th, she knocked it long and then knocked it through the back of 14 and I thought she’d lost it, but the up-and-down there was superb.
I don’t know how the putt didn’t go in at 16 and what a putt it was on 18, it was the hardest of the lot.
“You’ve got no right at 20 years of age to be that calm in that situation. The patrons, the fans, the atmosphere and also the TV cameras – you’re being watched around the world and you know that.
She’s so humble. When she sits back and reflects on this, the confidence she gains and the experience she’s going to get in playing those (major) events is going to be immense for her.
“It was dramatic and stunning, and I am the latest member of the Lottie Woad fan club!”
Woad’s victory at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur not only solidifies her place in golf history but also sets the stage for a promising career ahead.
As she prepares to compete in major events, she carries with her the confidence and experience gained from this remarkable achievement, ensuring her status as a rising star in the world of golf.
