England’s rising golf star Lottie Woad continued her impressive start to the new LPGA season by moving into a share of the lead after the second round of the Tournament of Champions in Florida. The 22-year-old fired a composed three-under-par 69, taking her to eight under overall, level with three-time major champion Lydia Ko of New Zealand.
Playing at the Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, Woad built on her opening round of 67 to underline why she is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in women’s golf. Despite more demanding pin positions and tougher conditions than the opening day, the English golfer showed patience and maturity well beyond her years to stay firmly in contention.
Woad and Ko Set the Pace
Woad and Ko now sit at the top of the leaderboard heading into the weekend, one shot clear of a chasing group that includes South Korea’s Amy Yang and Japan’s Nasa Hataoka, who had led after the opening round.
Ko, the Olympic champion and 2024 Women’s Open winner, followed her first-round 69 with a polished 67, remaining bogey-free through 36 holes. Her consistency and control have once again highlighted why she remains one of the most respected figures on the LPGA Tour.
Woad’s second round featured four birdies and a single bogey, a score that reflected both solid ball-striking and a disciplined approach on a course that offered fewer scoring chances than the day before.
“I Just Had to Keep Giving Myself Chances”
Speaking after her round, Woad admitted she was keeping a close eye on the leaderboard as she made her way around the course.
“I looked at the leaderboard quite a lot because I was getting a bit annoyed,” she said. “The pins were probably a little trickier, so there weren’t as many birdies as Thursday. I just had to keep giving myself chances and stay patient.”
That mindset paid off, as Woad avoided costly mistakes and capitalised when opportunities presented themselves, maintaining her position at the summit of a high-quality field.
Ko Warns Against Underestimating the Course
While Ko’s bogey-free run has been one of the standout stories of the tournament so far, the New Zealander was quick to dismiss any suggestion that Lake Nona is an easy venue.
“I would never call this golf course easy,” Ko said. “I think it changes a lot depending on how the conditions are. Some days it gives you chances, and other days you really have to grind.”
Her comments were echoed by many players in the field, with firmer greens and more challenging pin placements making round two noticeably tougher than the opening day.
Chasers Close Behind
Just one shot behind the leaders on seven under par are Amy Yang and Nasa Hataoka, both of whom remain firmly in contention heading into the third round.
Hataoka, who had set the early pace with a superb opening round, remains a serious threat, while Yang’s experience and steady play have kept her well positioned in a tightly packed leaderboard.
A further group of players sit two shots off the lead on six under, including Yoo-Min Hwang, Linn Lindblad, and A-Lim Kim, ensuring the tournament remains wide open as it moves into its decisive stages.
World’s Best Lurking in the Background
The world’s top two ranked players, Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand and Nelly Korda of the United States, are also within striking distance. Thitikul carded a 72, while Korda followed her opening effort with a 71, leaving both players five under par, just three shots off the lead.
Given their pedigree, neither can be discounted as the tournament progresses, particularly if scoring conditions ease over the weekend.
England’s Charley Hull also remains in touch, though she faces a tougher task after posting a second-round 71 to sit five shots behind the leaders.
Rapid Rise of Lottie Woad
Woad’s presence at the top of the leaderboard is another significant milestone in a career that has gathered momentum at remarkable speed. Only last summer, she was still competing as an amateur, yet she announced herself on the professional stage in emphatic fashion.
In July, Woad claimed her first Ladies European Tour title at the Women’s Irish Open, delivering a dominant performance that hinted at her immense potential. Just three weeks later, she made an immediate impact on her professional debut by winning the Women’s Scottish Open, securing her second tour title in quick succession.
Now ranked 11th in the world, Woad has seamlessly transitioned into life among the elite, showing she can compete head-to-head with established major champions such as Ko.
A Statement Week for English Golf
Woad’s form in Orlando has also been encouraging for English golf, with her calm, confident approach earning admiration from fans and fellow players alike. Her ability to handle pressure, adapt to changing conditions, and stay mentally focused suggests she is well equipped for the demands of elite professional golf.
As the Tournament of Champions moves into the weekend, attention will remain firmly fixed on the battle at the top, with Woad aiming to turn another strong start into a career-defining victory against one of the strongest fields in women’s golf.
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