Lottie Woad kicked off the final week of competition ahead of next month’s Solheim Cup with a standout performance, 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 one of twelve players selected by Anna Nordqvist for the European Solheim Cup team bound for the Netherlands from September 11‑13, positioned herself just four strokes behind the tournament leader, South Korea’s Sei Young Kim. Woad, who turned professional only a year ago 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, allowing her to finish that half of the course in 32 strokes. She then steadied her play on the back nine, making pars on each of those holes to close out the round.
"I generally played a bit better on the front nine," Woad reflected 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." When the back nine presented a few challenges, Woad admitted that a couple of tee shots missed the fairway, turning what could have been birdie opportunities into mere 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," she said, indicating that she intends to tighten up her driving accuracy in the next round. The tournament’s early leaderboard featured a strong showing from the Korean contingent.
Kim, who began her round from the tenth tee, posted an impressive 64, highlighted by six birdies and a spectacular eagle on the seventh hole, a par‑five. Denmark’s Emily Kristine Pedersen and Japan’s Miyu Yamashita both finished at seven‑under, while fellow Korean Somi Lee recorded a six‑under 66, cementing two Korean players among the top four. Woad found herself in a tightly packed eight‑way tie for fifth place, underscoring the competitive depth of the field. Other notable performances included Solheim Cup teammate Charley Hull, who carded a one‑under 71, and world No.
1 Nelly Korda—who will lead the United States side captained by Angela Stanford—who posted an even‑par 72. European captain Anna Nordqvist, who surprised the golf world on Wednesday by announcing her retirement from professional play after this week’s events, opened her final tournament with a two‑over‑par round, a modest start to her swan song.
In parallel news on the Ladies European Tour, the rain‑soaked KPMG Women’s Irish Open saw a remarkable opening round from Casandra Alexander. She fired a course‑record 63, propelling her to a nine‑under lead after the first day. The previous leader, Italy’s Alessandra Fanali, had posted a 67 at The K Club’s Palmer South Course, but Alexander’s four birdies on the front nine and five on the back nine gave her a four‑stroke advantage. England’s Lily May Humphreys, the Czech Republic’s Jana Melichova, and the Isle of Man’s Ana Dawson were tied for second place with Fanali at five‑under, while Ireland’s own Leona Maguire opened with a solid 71 (‑1), marked by three birdies and two bogeys.
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 available on Sky Sports+ from Friday at 2 p.m. Viewers can also stream the action without a contract via NOW, taking advantage of the latest Sky Sports deals. Looking ahead, Woad’s early success sets a promising tone for the Solheim Cup, where her experience and recent form could prove pivotal for Europe. Her ability to combine accurate driving with strategic iron play—particularly on the demanding par‑5s—suggests she has the tools to contend not only in individual events but also in the high‑pressure team environment of the Cup.
As she prepares for the next round, Woad aims to tighten up her tee shots on the back nine, convert more birdie chances, and potentially climb higher on the leaderboard. The FM Championship remains a key event on the LPGA calendar, offering players a chance to fine‑tune their games ahead of the season‑ending majors and the prestigious Solheim Cup.
With a field featuring seasoned veterans and emerging talents, each round provides a snapshot of the shifting dynamics in women’s golf. Fans can expect further drama, low scores, and perhaps another record‑breaking round as the tournament progresses.
For those following the Solheim Cup buildup, the performances at this week’s FM Championship will be closely scrutinized. Europe’s captain, Anna Nordqvist, will be evaluating her squad’s form, while the United States will be watching their top players, such as Nelly Korda and Charley Hull, to gauge readiness. The interplay of individual success and team chemistry will be crucial as the September showdown approaches.
In summary, Lottie Woad’s four‑under‑par opening round not only showcases her growing confidence on the LPGA Tour but also signals that she is a strong contender for a pivotal role in Europe’s Solheim Cup campaign. With her front‑nine birdie streak, steady back‑nine play, and a clear plan to improve her tee accuracy, Woad is poised to make a significant impact both this week at the FM Championship and on the larger stage of international team competition later this year.