Lottie Woad entered the final week of competition on the LPGA Tour’s FM Championship with a commanding performance, posting a four‑under‑par 68 in the opening round. The English golfer, who is slated to represent Europe in the upcoming Solheim Cup, demonstrated why she is considered one of the continent’s most promising talents. The FM Championship took place at the demanding TPC Boston course, where Woad’s 68 placed her just four strokes behind the tournament leader, South Korea’s Sei Young Kim, who opened with a 64.
Kim’s round featured six birdies and an eagle on the seventh hole, a par‑five, establishing a strong early lead. Woad’s score, however, kept her comfortably within striking distance and positioned her in a tie for fifth place among a field of seasoned professionals.
Woad’s round was anchored by an immaculate front nine. She recorded four birdies on the first nine holes, carding a 32, before playing the back nine at even par. In her post‑round interview, she reflected on the importance of hitting the fairways, especially given the thick rough that characterises TPC Boston.
“I generally played a bit better on the front nine,” she said. “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 acknowledged a few missed opportunities on the back nine, noting that a couple of tee shots that fell short of the fairway turned potential birdie chances into pars.
“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,” Woad added, indicating her focus on tightening up her game in the next round. Woad’s performance is particularly notable because she is a relative newcomer to the professional ranks. She turned pro only last year and has already secured two LPGA victories, a rapid ascent that underscores her talent and work ethic. Her inclusion in the European Solheim Cup team, captained by Anna Nordqvist, highlights the confidence the European squad has in her ability to contribute on one of the sport’s biggest stages, scheduled for September 11‑13 in the Netherlands and broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The FM Championship field also featured several other top‑ranked players. Denmark’s Emily Kristine Pedersen and Japan’s Miyu Yamashita both posted seven‑under‑par rounds, while South Korea’s Somi Lee recorded a six‑under‑par 66, ensuring that three Koreans would occupy the top four positions after day one.
Charley Hull, another European teammate of Woad, posted a solid one‑under‑71, and world No. 1 Nelly Korda, who will lead the United States team under captain Angela Stanford, carded an even‑par 72. In a poignant subplot to the tournament, European captain Anna Nordqvist announced on Wednesday that she would retire from professional competition after the week’s events. Nordqvist, a former major champion and a respected figure in women’s golf, opened her final tour event with a two‑over‑par round, a modest start to what will be her swansong on the LPGA circuit.
While the FM Championship occupied the spotlight in the United States, the Ladies European Tour was simultaneously hosting the rain‑impacted KPMG Women’s Irish Open. On that stage, England’s Cassandra Alexander produced a spectacular opening round of 63, setting a new course record and establishing a nine‑under lead.
Alexander’s round featured four birdies on the front nine and five on the back, a performance that eclipsed Italy’s Alessandra Fanali, who had posted a 67 at The K Club’s Palmer South Course. Fanali, along with England’s Lily May Humphreys, the Czech Republic’s Jana Melichova, and the Isle of Man’s Ana Dawson, were tied for second at five‑under. Ireland’s own Leona Maguire opened with a respectable 71 (‑1), recording three birdies and two bogeys. The Irish Open, like the FM Championship, will be broadcast live on Sky Sports throughout the week, with additional coverage on Sky Sports+ and the streaming platform NOW for viewers who prefer a contract‑free option.
Looking ahead, Woad’s objective is clear: to maintain her momentum, fine‑tune her consistency on the back nine, and climb the leaderboard in the remaining rounds of the FM Championship. A strong finish would not only boost her confidence heading into the Solheim Cup but also solidify her reputation as a rising star on the LPGA Tour. For fans of women’s golf, the convergence of these tournaments offers a compelling narrative—emerging talents like Woad, seasoned veterans battling for final accolades, and the ever‑present drama of international team competition—all under the watchful eyes of Sky Sports and its streaming partners. Viewers can follow the FM Championship and the KPMG Women’s Irish Open live on Sky Sports, with additional streaming options available via NOW for those who wish to watch without a traditional contract.
The coverage includes real‑time leaderboards, expert analysis, and highlights of each round, ensuring that golf enthusiasts can stay up‑to‑date with every swing, birdie, and pivotal moment as the season unfolds.