England’s rising golf star Lottie Woad has officially turned professional at the age of 21, joining the LPGA Tour following a stellar string of performances that include a historic win at the Women’s Irish Open and a career-best finish at a major championship.

Woad, who hails from Farnham, made headlines earlier this month when she became the first amateur since 2022 to win a Ladies European Tour (LET) event, capturing the Irish Open by a dominant six-stroke margin on July 6. Just a few weeks later, she stunned the golfing world again by finishing tied for third at the Evian Championship in France — her best-ever showing at a women’s major.

A Fast Track to the Pros

Her top finish at Evian qualified her for LPGA membership through the LPGA Elite Amateur Pathway (LEAP) program, making her the first player to earn tour status via that route.

In a social media post on Tuesday, Woad shared the news:

“I am very excited to announce that I’ve decided to turn professional. I’m delighted to have secured an @LPGA card through the LEAP. I’m also happy to accept membership of the @LETgolf for 2026. Thank you to everyone who has helped me get to this position.”

A Packed Debut Schedule

Woad is set to make her professional debut at the Women’s Scottish Open from July 24–27 at Dundonald Links, a spot she earned thanks to her Irish Open win. She’ll then compete in the Women’s British Open — the final major of the year — taking place July 31 to August 3 at Royal Porthcawl in Wales. Woad already proved her ability on that stage with a top-10 finish at last year’s event at St. Andrews.

From College Star to Tour Pro

Before turning pro, Woad was a standout player at Florida State University and had recently risen to the No. 1 spot in the women’s world amateur golf rankings. Her résumé includes a win at the prestigious Augusta National Women’s Amateur in 2023, further cementing her status as one of the brightest young talents in the sport.

Woad will retain LPGA status through the end of 2025 and all of 2026. While the remainder of her tour schedule this season is still being finalized, she’s already set to make an immediate impact as one of the most highly anticipated new professionals on the women’s circuit.