Lottie Woad Slips Back as Harsh Conditions Disrupt Tournament of Champions in Orlando
England’s Lottie Woad endured a difficult third round at the LPGA Tournament of Champions as freezing temperatures and strong winds caused widespread disruption at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club in Orlando, forcing officials to suspend play on Saturday.
The 22-year-old English golfer, who had shared the overnight lead with three-time major champion Lydia Ko after an impressive second-round 69 on Friday, found herself struggling to cope with the worsening conditions. By the time play was halted, Woad was three over par through 16 holes, leaving her eight shots behind the tournament leader and significantly denting her hopes of staying in contention.
Brutal Weather Shifts Momentum
What began as a promising week for Woad quickly turned into a stern test of resilience. Gusting winds, plunging temperatures, and firm ground conditions transformed the course into one of the toughest early-season challenges on the LPGA Tour. Players were seen wearing winter hats, gloves, and extra layers as they battled through conditions more reminiscent of late autumn than Florida sunshine.
Woad, who had shown remarkable composure and maturity during the opening two rounds, was unable to find the same rhythm on Saturday. Missed fairways and tricky approach shots became increasingly costly as the wind intensified, preventing her from mounting any meaningful recovery before play was suspended.
Korda Seizes Control
While conditions proved problematic for many players, Nelly Korda thrived in the chaos. The American produced a sensational eight-under-par 64, the lowest round of the tournament so far, to surge clear at the top of the leaderboard on 13 under par.
Korda, who has been seeking her first LPGA victory since November 2024, displayed complete command of her game, combining controlled ball striking with clinical putting. Her round gave her a three-shot advantage over South Korea’s Amy Yang, who sits second on 10 under par.
Korda’s performance stood out even more given that several of her closest rivals were unable to finish their rounds due to deteriorating weather, leaving the leaderboard in a temporary state until play resumes.
Play Suspended for Multiple Contenders
The challenging conditions did not discriminate. Lydia Ko, the reigning Olympic champion and former co-leader, was also unable to complete her third round. The New Zealander sits on eight under par, five shots off Korda’s lead, and remains well placed but will need a strong finish when play resumes.
Joining Ko on eight under is South Korea’s You-Min Hwang, who also saw her momentum halted mid-round. Japan’s Nasa Hataoka, another prominent contender, remains on five under, while Canadian star Brooke Henderson climbed the leaderboard thanks to a superb round of 66, leaving her seven under par and six shots behind the leader.
Woad’s Breakthrough Season Still on Track
Despite her setback, Woad’s performance across the opening rounds continues to underline her rapid development at the elite level. Sharing the lead after two rounds alongside a global icon like Ko highlighted her growing confidence and ability to compete on the biggest stages.
Saturday’s difficulties serve as a reminder of golf’s unforgiving nature, particularly in extreme conditions. For a young player still early in her professional journey, navigating adversity like this will prove invaluable in the long term.
Even though she now trails significantly, Woad remains inside the top 10 and could still salvage a strong finish if conditions ease and she regains her touch when play resumes.
Henderson Makes a Quiet Move
While much of the attention focused on Korda’s brilliance and Woad’s slide, Brooke Henderson quietly put together one of the strongest rounds of the day. Her 66 allowed her to climb steadily up the standings, keeping her within striking distance should the leaders falter in the final stages.
Henderson’s experience and consistency could prove crucial if the weather continues to influence scoring, particularly on a course that is already demanding precision and patience.
Tournament Context
The Tournament of Champions marks the season-opening event on the LPGA Tour, featuring winners from the previous year and elite amateurs. As such, it often serves as an early indicator of form and confidence heading into the new season.
This year’s edition has already delivered drama, with weather emerging as a central storyline. The unpredictable conditions have reshaped the leaderboard and tested players’ adaptability, mental strength, and shot-making versatility.
What Comes Next?
With play still incomplete, tournament organisers will monitor weather forecasts closely before deciding how and when to resume the third round. Any further disruption could place additional pressure on players to perform quickly and decisively once play restarts.
For Korda, the task will be to maintain her composure and protect her lead under testing circumstances. For challengers like Yang, Ko, and Henderson, the aim will be to capitalise on any opening that presents itself.
As for Woad, the focus will shift to regaining momentum and finishing the tournament strongly, reinforcing the promise she showed earlier in the week.
A Test of Patience and Class
This Tournament of Champions is shaping up to be as much about survival as skill. Those who adapt best to the conditions will likely emerge strongest, and while Saturday belonged to Nelly Korda, there is still plenty of golf to be played.
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