Woad Shines, Korda Stumbles
Lottie Woad Takes Outright Lead at Evian Championship; Nelly Korda Misses Rare Cut
England's Lottie Woad fired a stunning seven-under 64 on Friday to seize the outright lead at the Evian Championship, one of golf's five major tournaments for women. The 22-year-old sits at 11 under par, one shot clear of first-round leader Aki Iwai, according to The Independent.
In a dramatic twist, world No. 1 Nelly Korda missed the cut — her first in two years. Korda missed a birdie putt on the final hole that would have kept her in the tournament, Yahoo Sports reported.
Woad's Brilliant 64 Puts Her in Command
Woad's second round was one of the best of the day at Evian-les-Bains, France. She made eight birdies and just one bogey — a stumble at the 10th hole — on her way to a 64. That score moved her one clear of Iwai heading into the weekend, according to The Independent.
The young Englishwoman turned professional just one year after earning her LPGA Tour card — the top women's golf circuit in the world. She is now two rounds away from her first major title at one of the sport's biggest events.
Korda's Stunning Cut Miss Shocks the Field
Nelly Korda's week in France fell apart quickly. The American had not missed a cut in two full years before this week. A missed birdie putt on the 18th hole sealed her early exit, Yahoo Sports reported. It is a rare and stunning stumble for the sport's dominant player.
Korda had been one of the most consistent players on tour in recent memory. Missing the cut at a major — where the top half of the field plays all four rounds — adds extra sting to the result.
Who Is Lottie Woad? A Star on the Rise
Woad is 22 years old and still relatively new to professional golf. She secured her LPGA Tour card — which gives a player the right to compete in the top events — and then chose to turn pro a year later, according to The Independent.
Her performance this week suggests she is ready to compete at the highest level. Holding a 54-hole lead at a women's major would be a massive moment for English golf and for Woad personally.
What Happens Next at Evian This Weekend
Woad goes into the weekend at 11 under par with a one-shot lead over Iwai. Two rounds remain. The Evian Championship is played at the Evian Resort Golf Club in France and is one of only five majors on the women's tour, Yahoo Sports noted.
With Korda out of the picture, the field is wide open. Woad will need to hold her nerve over 36 more holes. A win would make her one of the youngest major champions in recent women's golf history.
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