The 2025 ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open kicked off with thrilling action as the world’s top LPGA and LET stars gathered at the beautiful Dundonald Links in Scotland. While seasoned veterans battled for early supremacy, 21-year-old English rising star Lottie Woad made headlines by turning professional and immediately making a splash with a stunning first-round performance.
Lottie Woad’s Professional Debut: A Star is Born
Lottie Woad’s transition from top-ranked amateur to professional golfer has been eagerly anticipated, and she delivered on every expectation. Launching her pro career, Woad carded an impressive 5-under-par 67 in the opening round, putting her in a tie for second place, just one stroke behind leader Charlotte Laffar.
Highlights of Woad’s Round
- Birdied six of the first fourteen holes to reach 6-under.
- Dropped a bogey on the 17th but maintained composure to finish strong.
- Outperformed world No. 1 Nelly Korda by one stroke in the first round.
- Played alongside Korda, displaying composure and confidence beyond her years.
Reflecting on her round, Woad said, “I’ll definitely take it. There were some good moments and some bad, but overall it was a pretty fair start.”
The Field at Dundonald Links: Fierce Competition from LPGA and LET Stars
The Scottish Open is a key tournament leading to the season’s final major, the Women’s British Open at Royal Porthcawl next week. This year’s event is co-sanctioned by both the LPGA Tour and the Ladies European Tour (LET), attracting a stellar field:
- Charlotte Laffar, returning after a four-year hiatus, led with a 6-under 66, firing eight birdies despite an early bogey.
- Leona Maguire electrified the crowd with an eagle from the first fairway and landed in a five-way tie with Woad just behind Laffar.
- Nelly Korda, world No. 1 and searching for her first win of the year, posted a solid 4-under 68 to stay in contention.
- Defending champion Lauren Coughlin and Ford Championship winner Hyo Joo Kim also entered the fray, aiming to assert their dominance.
Why the Scottish Open Matters
- It offers critical momentum and form-building ahead of the final Grand Slam of the season.
- The links-style course at Dundonald Links tests all-round skills in tough weather — a true challenge for competitors.
- The event highlights depth in women’s golf, mixing established stars with a new generation hungry for breakthrough moments.
What Makes Lottie Woad’s Debut Special?
Lottie Woad’s rise has been meteoric and well-documented:
- In 2023, she won the prestigious Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
- She ranked No. 1 in the world amateur golf rankings while playing college golf at Florida State.
- Just weeks ago, as an amateur, she claimed the Women’s Irish Open and narrowly missed a playoff at the Evian Championship, securing her LPGA card.
- Woad is the first graduate of the LPGA’s LEAP (Elite Amateur Pathway) program, smoothing the path from amateur stardom to professional competition.
- Her performance at the Scottish Open validates her readiness to compete at the highest level and signals a bright future ahead.
What’s Next for the Scottish Open and Lottie Woad?
With three rounds remaining, the leaderboard is tightly packed, promising intense battles for the title. For Woad, the pressure will be to maintain her composure and convert her impressive start into a strong finish, possibly her first professional victory.
Meanwhile, the broader field will eye the upcoming Women’s British Open, using this Scottish Open to sharpen their games and strategies.
FAQs: LPGA Scottish Open and Lottie Woad’s Debut
1. How did Lottie Woad perform in her professional debut?
Lottie Woad shot a 5-under 67, placing her in a tie for second place, one shot off the lead after the opening round.
2. Who is leading the Scottish Open after round one?
Charlotte Laffar leads with a 6-under 66, followed by a group including Woad and Leona Maguire.
3. What is the significance of the Scottish Open on the LPGA calendar?
It serves as a key warm-up for the final major, the Women’s British Open, offering players a chance to tune up on a challenging links course.
4. What is the LPGA’s LEAP program that Lottie Woad graduated from?
LEAP (LPGA Elite Amateur Pathway) is a new program facilitating top amateurs’ transition to the professional circuit.
5. What are Lottie Woad’s recent accomplishments before turning pro?
She won the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, the Women’s Irish Open, and was runner-up at the Evian Championship as an amateur.
Conclusion
The 2025 Women’s Scottish Open is shaping up as a thrilling showcase of talent and tenacity, with LPGA stars teeing off in full force at Dundonald Links. Lottie Woad’s eye-catching professional debut — firing a 5-under 67 to sit just one shot off the lead — marks her arrival as an exciting new face in women’s golf.
As legends and seasoned pros continue their pursuit of glory, the young English golfer’s debut promises a captivating story of rising potential. With the Women’s British Open just around the corner, all eyes will stay glued to the leaders as they battle the historic Scottish links in this eagerly anticipated event.
