Lottie Woad kicked off the final week of competition on the LPGA Tour’s FM Championship with an impressive performance, posting a four‑under‑par 68 in the opening round. The English golfer, who will represent Europe in next month’s Solheim Cup, demonstrated why she is considered a rising star, especially after turning professional just last year and already securing two tour victories. Playing at TPC Boston on Thursday, Woad’s 68 placed her just four strokes behind the leader, Korea’s Sei Young Kim, who carded a spectacular 64.
Woad’s round was highlighted by a flawless front nine, where she recorded all four of her birdies and finished the first nine holes in 32 strokes. She then played steady golf on the back nine, making par on each remaining hole.
When asked about her round, Woad explained, “I felt a lot better on the front nine. I was hitting almost every fairway, which is crucial because the rough here is very thick. I managed to get some very close approach shots and, on the par‑fives, I was able to land on the greens and set up easy tap‑ins.” She added that a couple of missed fairways on the back nine turned what could have been birdie opportunities into simple pars, and she intends to tighten up her tee shots tomorrow.
Woad’s solid start positions her among a field of 12 European players selected by captain Anna Nordqvist for the Solheim Cup, which will be contested in the Netherlands from September 11‑13 and broadcast live on Sky Sports. The tournament is a key tune‑up for the European squad as they prepare to face the United States team, led by world‑number‑one Nelly Korda. Kim, who began her round from the tenth tee, posted a remarkable six‑birdie and one‑eagle round of 64, establishing a clear lead.
Denmark’s Emily Kristine Pedersen and Japan’s Miyu Yamashita both finished at seven‑under, while South Korea’s Somi Lee was one stroke behind at six‑under, ensuring two Korean players would occupy the top four spots. Woad found herself in an eight‑way tie for fifth place, a respectable position that underscores her competitive edge. Team‑mate Charley Hull, another European contender, recorded a one‑under 71, while Korda, who will captain the USA side under Angela Stanford’s leadership, posted an even‑par 72. In a poignant moment, European captain Nordqvist—who announced her retirement from professional play earlier in the week—opened her final tour event with a two‑over‑par round, marking the end of an illustrious career.
The week also featured action on the Ladies European Tour, where the rain‑soaked KPMG Women’s Irish Open produced a dramatic start. Casandra Alexander delivered a course‑record 63, propelling herself to nine‑under after an opening 67 by Italy’s Alessandra Fanali at The K Club’s Palmer South Course. Alexander’s round featured four birdies on the front nine and five on the back, giving her a four‑stroke advantage over the field.
Trailing Alexander were England’s Lily May Humphreys, the Czech Republic’s Jana Melichova, and the Isle of Man’s Ana Dawson, all tied for second place with Fanali at five‑under. Ireland’s own Leona Maguire opened with a 71 (‑1), carding three birdies and two bogeys. Both the FM Championship and the Irish Open will continue to be broadcast throughout the week on Sky Sports, with live coverage of the Irish Open slated for Friday at 2 p.m.
on Sky Sports+. Fans can also stream the action without a contract via NOW, taking advantage of the latest Sky Sports deals. Woad’s early success at the FM Championship not only boosts her confidence heading into the Solheim Cup but also signals her growing consistency on the LPGA Tour.
Her ability to strike the fairways, manage the challenging rough, and convert birdie chances—especially on the front nine—demonstrates a maturity beyond her years. As she looks to refine her back‑nine play, the English golfer aims to climb the leaderboard further and finish the tournament strongly. The FM Championship, held at the demanding TPC Boston layout, tests players with its mix of tight fairways, strategic bunkering, and fast greens.
Woad’s performance suggests she has adapted well to these conditions, leveraging precise tee shots and accurate iron play. Her remarks about needing to “clean up” missed fairways indicate a focused approach to improvement, a mindset that will serve her well both in individual events and in the team format of the Solheim Cup. With the Solheim Cup only a few weeks away, the European team will be closely monitoring the form of each of its members. Woad’s four‑under start places her among the contenders to make a significant impact for Europe, especially given her recent victories on the LPGA Tour.
The competition in the Netherlands promises to be fierce, and the experience gained from strong performances like this one will be invaluable. Overall, Lottie Woad’s opening round at the FM Championship showcases a player on the rise, capable of delivering low scores under pressure. Her blend of power, accuracy, and strategic thinking positions her as a key figure for Europe’s Solheim Cup campaign, while also marking her as a golfer to watch on the LPGA Tour moving forward.