Who Will Take the Lead: Woad or Ko in the Tournament of Champions?

England's Lottie Woad has made headlines after her impressive performance at the Tournament of Champions, sharing the lead with renowned golfer Lydia Ko. The 22-year-old, who was an amateur when she clinched the Women's Irish Open title last summer, has continued to demonstrate her rising potential in professional golf.

Last updated: 22 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As the Tournament of Champions progresses, Lottie Woad has showcased her talent with a remarkable round of three-under-par 69, placing her at the top of the leaderboard alongside three-time major winner Lydia Ko. With a total score of eight under par after two rounds, Woad's performance has solidified her position as a significant contender in the tournament. Ko, a seasoned player, has also shown consistency, maintaining a bogey-free streak through 36 holes, highlighting the competitive spirit that defines this event.

Key takeaways

Lottie Woad shares the lead at the Tournament of Champions with a score of -8.
Woad previously won the Women's Irish Open as an amateur.
Lydia Ko, a three-time major winner, is tied with Woad after a strong performance.

Timeline: how we got here

Woad's journey in professional golf has been marked by significant milestones:

July 2023: Woad wins the Women's Irish Open while still an amateur.
August 2023: Secures her second title at the Women's Scottish Open on her professional debut.
October 2023: Competes in the Tournament of Champions, sharing the lead with Lydia Ko.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Woad's strong performance at the Tournament of Champions has been a focal point, with her recent rounds of 67 and 69 showcasing her potential against a field that includes some of the sport's elite players.

What was already established

Prior to this tournament, Woad had already made waves in the golf community by winning her first two titles on the Ladies European Tour, an accomplishment that set her apart from many of her peers.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Woad's success is a source of pride for the UK, inspiring young golfers and increasing interest in women's golf. Her achievements underline the growing talent pool within the country.

Businesses and jobs

As Woad continues to gain recognition, sponsorship opportunities and investment in women's golf are likely to increase, potentially leading to more events and grassroots initiatives aimed at promoting the sport.

Policy and regulation

The success of players like Woad may influence funding and support for women's golf within the UK, prompting discussions about equal opportunities and resources for aspiring female athletes.

Numbers that matter

8: Woad's total score (under par) after two rounds, placing her at the top of the leaderboard.
3: The number of birdies Woad made during her second round.
6: Lydia Ko's world ranking, indicating her status among elite golfers.
71: Charley Hull's score in the second round, five shots behind the leaders.
67: Woad's opening round score, showcasing her strong start to the tournament.

Definitions and jargon buster

Birdie: A score of one stroke under par on a hole.
Bogey: A score of one stroke over par on a hole.
LPGA: Ladies Professional Golf Association, the main professional golf organisation for women in the United States.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Woad's immediate focus will be on maintaining her form in the Tournament of Champions, with potential implications for her ranking and future sponsorship opportunities.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Success in this tournament could lead to further invitations to prestigious events, increasing her visibility and experience on the professional circuit.

Signals to watch

Leaderboard changes in ongoing tournaments.
Performance comparisons with established players like Lydia Ko.
Potential sponsorship announcements or endorsements following significant wins.

Practical guidance

Do

Follow Woad's progress in upcoming tournaments to see how she builds on her success.
Support local women's golf initiatives to encourage new talent.
Stay informed about the evolving landscape of women’s golf in the UK.

Don’t

Underestimate the impact of emerging talents like Woad on the sport.
Neglect the importance of investing in women's sports.
Ignore the potential for increased viewership and engagement in women's golf.

Checklist

Keep track of Woad's scores in the LPGA events.
Engage with women's golf content online and through social media.
Consider attending local tournaments to support upcoming players.
Monitor changes in funding or policies affecting women in sport.
Explore opportunities to get involved in golf, whether as a player or supporter.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Woad's performance is promising, the unpredictability of sports means that form can fluctuate. Factors such as course conditions, player health, and competition pressure can all influence outcomes in upcoming tournaments.

Bottom line

Lottie Woad's rise in the world of professional golf has captured attention, especially following her performance at the Tournament of Champions. As she continues to compete against top players like Lydia Ko, her journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring golfers in the UK and highlights the potential for growth in women's golf.

FAQs

Who is Lottie Woad?

Lottie Woad is a professional golfer from England who gained recognition after winning the Women's Irish Open as an amateur in July 2023.

What is the Tournament of Champions?

The Tournament of Champions is a prestigious golf tournament featuring top players from the LPGA Tour, held annually in Florida.

What achievements has Woad made in her career?

Woad has won two titles on the Ladies European Tour, including the Women's Irish Open and the Women's Scottish Open, both in 2023.