Lottie Woad returns to Dundonald Links this week to defend the ISPS Handa Women's Scottish Open, one year after turning the event into the site of her first professional victory. It was an unusual breakthrough then, and it looks even more significant now.
Woad won at Dundonald Links on her first professional start last year, a debut that immediately put her on the radar far beyond the usual rookie storyline. She is back as a far more established name, with her rise reflected in the Rolex Women's World Rankings and in the wins that followed.
A breakthrough that changed the picture
When Woad lifted the trophy last year, the achievement carried extra weight because it came in her first professional event. At the time, she said, “I didn't appreciate at the time, obviously being my first event,” and added, “I didn't know what to expect.”
That makes the return to the same venue a different kind of test. Woad is no longer arriving as an unknown professional trying to find her footing. She now comes in as a proven winner, with a more complete understanding of how strong the competition is week to week.
“But now I've been playing every week and playing with the same people and obviously seeing how good everyone is, it definitely feels more special now,” Woad said.
From amateur star to title defender
Woad's route to this point has been built quickly. She won the Augusta National Women's Amateur in April 2024, then finished tied-10th as the leading amateur at the AIG Women's Open later in 2024. She also made her Ladies European Tour debut in May 2022 with a 10th-placed finish at the Madrid Open.
Since then, her profile has continued to rise. She won the Kroger Queen City Championship in May, her second LPGA Tour win, which helped confirm that her Scottish Open success was not a one-off moment. The return to Dundonald Links now comes with expectation rather than surprise.
Woad summed up the mood simply: “Very excited to be back.” She also noted one difference from last year, saying, “It's a little different to last year, I've got the family here as well.”
That should make for a familiar but changed week at Dundonald Links. Woad already knows the course, already knows what it feels like to win there and now arrives with more experience behind her. “It will be a fun week,” she said, and for the defending champion, that may still be the most useful place to start.
