AIG Women’s Open: Lottie Woad in Spotlight as Wales Hosts Major
21-year-old Lottie Woad headlines the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl as Wales hosts its first golf major.
The AIG Women’s Open tees off at Royal Porthcawl, with 21-year-old Lottie Woad stealing the spotlight as Wales hosts its first golf major.
Defending champion Lydia Ko returns to defend her title, but it is England’s rising star, Woad, who headlines the pre-tournament buzz. Fresh from winning the Irish Open as an amateur and triumphing on her professional debut at the Scottish Open, she is the bookmakers’ favourite for her maiden major shot.
Home hopes and high stakes
The 49th Women’s Open marks the first time either gender’s major is played in Wales and promises the country’s biggest women’s sporting event. Local contenders include Surrey’s Lottie Woad, 21, aiming to become the first British woman since Georgia Hall in 2018 to claim a major, and Charley Hull, who despite recent health and back issues remains optimistic.
Leading contenders
World number one Nelly Korda, two-time major champion, seeks her first win of 2025. Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul and Australia’s Minjee Lee, last month’s Women’s PGA Championship winner, also feature among the favourites, alongside Mao Saigo, Maja Stark and Grace Kim.
Royal Porthcawl’s coastal challenge
The Welsh links, which has staged the Amateur Championship, Curtis Cup and Senior Open, offers sea views from every hole and unpredictable wind. Players have adapted the course order for logistical needs, making local knowledge less of an advantage.
Woad’s rapid rise and Royal Porthcawl’s coastal test promise an unpredictable and historic Women’s Open in Wales.
This topic was reported by BBC Sport.
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