Lottie Woad fittingly shot her age to win the KPMG Women’s Irish Open as the 21-year-old world number one amateur left classy players like Madelene Sagstrom, Charley Hull and Chiara Tamburlini in her wake to storm to a six shot victory.
This is all about the here and now for Woad but her future surely holds a career on the LPGA Tour, Solheim Cups and major championships and those who flocked outside the ropes of Carton House’s O’Meara course caught a firm glimpse of her world beating potential.
There really is no difference between the top of the amateur game and the middle of the professional ranks in ladies golf and Woad proved that and then some. Teeing off with a seven shot lead, The Englishwoman produced a nerveless round of 69 and ended the week with just three bogeys.
It was a question of how many would she win by rather than who could catch her and her 21-under total is the second lowest winning score behind Laura Davies.
Woad needs just two more points over the next few weeks to secure her LPGA Tour card via an amateur pathway, while her victory here earns her Ladies European Tour membership should she wish to use it.
“It felt really comfortable,” said Woad.
“I think as soon as I birdied the second hole, nice 12 footer there, that settled me in and just hit a lot of good shots today. Maybe didn’t hole as many putts as the other days, but it was pretty stress free inn the end.
“It means a lot. Obviously, had a big lead coming in today, but still to you know, really focus and had been chased by some really good players. But yeah, happy to get it done.”
This was a procession by a woman who knows more than most how to perform on the big stage. She is a former Augusta National Women’s Amateur champion and had a top-10 at the AIG Women’s Open last year.
Heading into next week’s major at the Evian Championship, the Surrey native can certainly threaten another win.
“I feel like I’m playing well. So hope just continue that into next week,” added Woad who has no intention of turning professional after her breakthrough win.
“I’m still trying to get my final two points for the LPGA, so just trying to get those. And then we’ll, we’ll see what happens after that.”
Solheim Cup star Madelene Sagstrom claimed second place on fifteen-under-par with a final round of 68 and this was far from a Robert Rock scenario of the 2009 Irish Open in Baltray but she does collect the winner’s cheque of €67,500.
Amelia Garvey was a shot further back in third.
Star attraction Charley Hull closed with a 69 for fourth place on twelve-under while LET Order of Merit winner Chiara Tamburlini shared fifth on ten-under.
Anna Foster led the Irish challenge in 12th on eight-under while Canice Screene secured a top-40 place and doubled her winnings for the season with a joint low round of the week 66 for two-under.
Leona Maguire finished 48th on level-par after a 75 while Emma Fleming was plus three after a 76.
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