Lottie Woad has just snagged the 2024 Mark H McCormack Medal, officially making her the top woman in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR).
And in doing so, she becomes the first Englishwoman to take home this prestigious honour.
If that wasn’t impressive enough, this win also lands her automatic spots in the 2025 US Women’s Open and the AIG Women’s Open—a dream come true for any golfer.
Reflecting on her achievement, Woad shared, “I’m really happy to have won the McCormack Medal.
It rounds off a successful year for me, and I’m honoured to be named alongside the previous recipients of the medal.”
You can almost feel the pride in her words as she talks about reaching such a monumental goal.
But let’s not forget that this isn’t just about one shiny medal. Woad’s been on an absolute tear this year.
She didn’t just win the Augusta National Women’s Amateur—she did it with a nerve of steel, sinking back-to-back birdies on the final two holes to edge out Bailey Shoemaker by a single shot. Talk about a finish worthy of a movie script.
At just 20 years old, Woad has already made quite a name for herself with three second-place finishes in major tournaments this year, including the NCAA D1 Women’s Championship, Florida State Match Up, and Collegiate Invitational at GCC.
And let’s not forget her victory last autumn at the ANNIKA Intercollegiate Presented by 3M, where she proved she’s a force to be reckoned with.
Next on her agenda? Representing Great Britain and Ireland in the Curtis Cup at Sunningdale, where she’ll be gunning to help her team take down the Americans for the first time since 2016. Given her recent track record, you wouldn’t want to bet against her.
Professor Steve Otto, Chief Technology Officer at The R&A, couldn’t be more impressed, saying, “Lottie has enjoyed a very successful year in which she has consistently performed at a high level and her results, including winning the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, make her a thoroughly deserving recipient of the women’s McCormack Medal.”
And the kudos don’t stop there. John Bodenhamer, USGA chief championships officer, also chimed in, saying, “Lottie’s achievement is a powerful testament to her relentless effort and determination.
On behalf of everyone at the USGA, we extend our heartfelt congratulations for this remarkable honour.”
The McCormack Medal, awarded by The R&A and the USGA, isn’t just a piece of hardware—it’s a tribute to the late Mark H McCormack, the legendary founder of IMG and a huge supporter of amateur golf.
The WAGR has been around since 2007, and the names of past winners read like a who’s who of today’s top professional golfers.
If you want to keep up with all things Woad and more, be sure to visit The R&A and USGA.