In a sensational start to her professional career, 21-year-old English golfer Lottie Woad clinched victory at the 2025 Women’s Scottish Open, securing her first title on the LPGA Tour with a final round of 68. The win, achieved at the renowned Dundonald Links on Scotland’s rugged west coast, is not only a personal triumph for Woad but a powerful announcement of her arrival on the professional stage.
Woad finished the tournament at 21 under par, three shots clear of South Korea’s Hyo Joo Kim, a seasoned seven-time LPGA Tour winner. The victory caps an incredible debut for the former world No. 1 amateur, who only turned professional one week prior after a strong showing at the Evian Championship, where she finished one shot shy of a playoff and forfeited over £400,000 in prize money due to her amateur status at the time.
Now firmly in the professional ranks, Woad walks away from Dundonald Links with a £220,000 winner’s purse — and the admiration of the golfing world.
Entering Sunday’s final round with a two-shot advantage over South Korea’s Sei Young Kim, Woad held her composure throughout a competitive day. Her card included five birdies and just one bogey — only her third dropped shot across 72 holes — culminating in a confident birdie on the final hole that sealed the title.
Hyo Joo Kim briefly applied pressure on the back nine, pulling even with Woad at 20 under before faltering with bogeys on the 15th and 16th holes. Woad, unfazed, capitalized on the opportunity. Standing on the 18th tee with a two-shot lead, she delivered a precise wedge approach to tap-in range and closed out the round in style.
“I definitely wasn’t expecting to win,” Woad said modestly after her victory. “But I knew I was playing well and just hoped to be in contention. Links golf is always a test, but I enjoyed it out there. It means a lot to win with my family here — my dad’s been here all week, and my mum made the trip last night. I just didn’t want to mess it up!”
The win adds to Woad’s growing résumé, which already included a major amateur triumph at the Irish Open. Her transition to the professional game has been swift but effective, showcasing both her technical precision and mental resilience — qualities that now place her among the frontrunners heading into next week’s Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl in Wales.
While the Women’s Scottish Open does not carry the same prestige as the majors, it has long served as a proving ground for the world’s top talent ahead of The Open. Woad’s ability to outperform a competitive field, which included global stars like Nelly Korda, Carlota Ciganda, and Georgia Hall, marks her as a serious contender for future championships.
Also worth noting is Woad’s composed attitude toward her rapid rise. Despite intense attention following her near miss at the Evian Championship and her decision to turn professional, she remains focused on her game and growth. “Even if I hadn’t won this week, I would still be going into next week trying to win the Open,” she remarked. “I’m still learning how to handle the spotlight, but I know what I’m capable of.”
Woad’s triumph is likely to inspire a new generation of British golfers, as well as reignite excitement in English women’s golf. Her blend of humility, raw talent, and competitive spirit has already drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats — and with her first professional win secured in dramatic fashion, the golfing world will be watching closely to see what comes next.
Final Leaderboard Highlights
- Lottie Woad (ENG) – 21 under
- Hyo Joo Kim (KOR) – 18 under
- Sei Young Kim (KOR), Carlota Lopez (ESP) – 14 under
- Nelly Korda (USA) – 13 under
- Emily Kristine Madsen (DEN) – 11 under
- Paula Reto (RSA) – 10 under
Notable others:
- Alice Hewson (ENG) – 8 under
- Leona Maguire (IRE) – 6 under
- Charley Hull (ENG) – 5 under
- Georgia Hall (ENG) – 4 under
- Chloe Harry (WAL) – 1 under
- Rachel Fuller (ENG) – Even
- Chloe Williams (WAL), Gemma Dryburgh (SCO) – +7
With the Women’s Open on the horizon, Lottie Woad’s name will undoubtedly be among those to watch. One week into her professional career, she has already written a remarkable first chapter.
