LPGA Sensation Recreates Rory McIlroy's Ball-Finding Moment at Women's Open

Newsweek

5 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
They say many geniuses follow similar paths, and it seems the golf gods have decided that Lottie Woad will follow Rory McIlroy's. At least at the start of her professional career.
Woad just won the Women's Scottish Open, the men's version of which McIlroy won two years ago. A week later, the Englishwoman found herself in another situation that brought the Northern Irishman back to mind.
Lottie Woad of England plays her third shot on the sixth hole during the first round of the AIG Women's Open 2025 at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club on July 31, 2025 in Bridgend, Wales.
Lottie Woad of England plays her third shot on the sixth hole during the first round of the AIG Women's Open 2025 at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club on July 31, 2025 in Bridgend, Wales.During the first round of the AIG Women's Open, Woad hit one of her tee shots into the ankle-high rough to the right of the fairway. As she took her stance for her second shot, the Englishwoman noticed instability under her right foot and, upon examining the area, found not one, but two balls hidden in the grass.
Woad, focused on her performance, barely reacted to such an unusual situation. The same was not true for the little girl who collected both balls, who proudly showed them to the TV camera and will likely treasure them for a long time.
As you may recall, McIlroy experienced a similar situation during the Open Championship. In his case, his ball landed right on top of a completely hidden ball in the grass, and the Northern Irishman surprisingly brought it out into the open while playing his shot.
It was a rough opening round for Woad, who alternated three birdies and three bogeys throughout the day to finish at even par 72. It was also probably her worst round of the entire month, in which she sandwiched a tied for third in the Amundi Evian Championship between wins in the Women's Irish Open and the Women's Scottish Open.
"It was OK. It was a bit mixed," she told reporters. "Had a good amount of birdies; just few poor bogeys on the front nine that could have definitely been avoided. Nice to finish on par and birdie the last. Not really (satisfied), but it's one of those rounds that could have definitely (gotten) away from me. I am happy how I hung in there and got a decent round together."
Woad is playing in her second edition of the AIG Women's Open. A year ago, she finished tied for 10th at St. Andrews, earning her the Low Amateur award.
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