Lottie Woad kicked off the final week of competition before the upcoming Solheim Cup with a remarkable showing, carding a four‑under‑par 68 in the opening round of the LPGA Tour’s FM Championship at TPC Boston. The English golfer, who is slated to be one of twelve Europeans on Anna Nordqvist’s squad bound for the Netherlands for the September 11‑13 Solheim Cup event, posted her score on Thursday and currently sits four strokes behind the leader, South Korea’s Sei Young Kim.
Woad, who turned professional just last year and has already secured two LPGA victories, displayed a balanced blend of power and precision. All four of her birdies came on the front nine, where she posted a flawless 32, before making pars on the remaining holes. Her ability to hit the fairways consistently was evident, especially given the thick rough that characterises the Boston course. "I generally played a bit better on the front nine," Woad explained after her round.
"I hit pretty much every fairway. The rough is pretty thick out there, so you need to hit the fairways. I hit some pretty close shots on some holes and then did well on the par‑5s getting on greens, so just kind of had tap‑ins on the front nine." She also noted a few missteps on the back nine: "Just a couple tee shots on the back nine that missed the fairway kind of made them par holes rather than birdie holes, so just try and clean up that tomorrow." Her candid assessment shows the confidence she carries into the next day, aiming to tighten up her tee shots and convert more opportunities into birdies.
The tournament’s early leaderboard featured a strong performance from Korea’s Sei Young Kim, who opened with a 64, tallying six birdies and an eagle on the seventh hole, a par‑five. Denmark’s Emily Kristine Pedersen and Japan’s Miyu Yamashita both recorded seven‑under‑par rounds, while fellow Korean Somi Lee posted a six‑under‑par 66, cementing a dominant Korean presence in the top four. Woad found herself in an eight‑way tie for fifth place, a respectable position that keeps her within striking distance of the leaders as the competition intensifies.
Among her teammates, Charley Hull posted a one‑under‑par 71, while world‑number‑one Nelly Korda, who will captain Angela Stanford’s United States side, recorded an even‑par 72. The event also marked a poignant moment for European captain Anna Nordqvist.
On Wednesday, the Swedish star announced her retirement from professional competition, making the FM Championship her final tour appearance. She opened her swansong tournament with a two‑over‑par round, a modest start that underscored the emotional weight of her farewell. In parallel news on the Ladies European Tour, the rain‑soaked KPMG Women’s Irish Open saw Casandra Alexander unleash a spectacular opening round of 63, a new course record that propelled her to nine‑under‑par and the top of the leaderboard.
The record‑breaking round followed Italy’s Alessandra Fanali, who had set the early pace with a 67 at The K Club’s Palmer South Course. Alexander’s 63 was built on a front‑nine flurry of four birdies and a back‑nine surge of five more, showcasing her aggressive yet controlled style.
Trailing Alexander, England’s Lily May Humphreys, the Czech Republic’s Jana Melichova, and the Isle of Man’s Ana Dawson were tied for second place alongside Fanali, each sitting at five‑under‑par. Ireland’s own Leona Maguire opened with a solid 71 (‑1), recording three birdies and two bogeys, indicating a steady start for the home crowd favorite.
The FM Championship and the KPMG Women’s Irish Open will continue to be broadcast live throughout the week on Sky Sports, with additional coverage on Sky Sports+ starting Friday at 2 p.m. Viewers can also stream the action without a contract via NOW, ensuring fans have multiple avenues to follow the unfolding drama. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Woad’s ability to build on her strong start.
Her consistent fairway hits, strategic approach to the par‑5s, and willingness to acknowledge areas for improvement suggest she possesses both the skill set and the mindset required to contend for the title. Moreover, her performance serves as a confidence booster heading into the Solheim Cup, where the pressure of representing Europe against the United States will demand the very best from each player.
Beyond the individual scores, the FM Championship provides a valuable glimpse into the form of several key Solheim Cup candidates. Players like Charley Hull and Nelly Korda are using the event as a platform to fine‑tune their games ahead of the high‑stakes team competition. The tournament’s mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars creates a dynamic environment that not only entertains fans but also shapes the narrative for the upcoming international showdown. In summary, Lottie Woad’s four‑under opening round positions her as a serious contender in the FM Championship and a vital component of Europe’s Solheim Cup roster.
With a solid foundation laid on the front nine and a clear plan to tighten her back‑nine play, she is poised to make a push for the leaderboard in the coming days. The tournament’s broader storylines—including Nordqvist’s farewell, Alexander’s record‑breaking round, and the strong showings from Korean and European players—add depth and intrigue to a week of high‑quality women's golf that fans can enjoy across multiple platforms.