England’s Lottie Woad delivered a stunning final-round performance at the 2025 Amundi Evian Championship, coming within one stroke of making history as the first amateur in over five decades to win a women’s major.
Woad, 21, carded a brilliant 7-under-par 64 on Sunday to surge into contention, ultimately finishing at 13-under for the tournament, just one shot behind the playoff between Grace Kim and Atthaya Thitikul. Kim would go on to win the title in dramatic fashion, but it was Woad’s fearless display that captured the golf world’s attention.
“It’s a bit of a mixed feeling,” Woad admitted afterward. “I’m really proud of how I played, especially today, but of course it’s tough being so close.”
Had she managed to birdie the final hole, Woad would have forced her way into the playoff and had a shot at becoming the first amateur to win a women’s major since France’s Catherine Lacoste at the 1967 U.S. Women’s Open.
MAKING HISTORY
Despite the narrow miss, Woad made history in another way. Her third-place finish secured the final point she needed to qualify for LPGA Tour membership via the Elite Amateur Pathway (LEAP), a program introduced to create a smoother route from amateur to professional golf. She becomes the first golfer to earn her Tour card through this system.
Woad now faces a pivotal decision: whether to turn professional immediately or finish her collegiate career at Florida State University, where she has already made waves as a standout performer.
“I’ll take a bit of time this week to talk with my coaches and family,” she said. “It’s been a big week and there’s a lot to think about.”
Woad’s final score of 271 is the lowest ever recorded by an amateur at the Evian Championship, capping a breakout summer that has confirmed her status as one of golf’s most promising rising stars.
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