England Women’s star Lottie Woad came from two shots back as she produced an incredible three birdies in her final four holes to become the first Englishwoman to win the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
An amazing final-day performance from USA’s Bailey Shoemaker, who shot a competition-record 66, looked like it might take the victory from Lottie, but the 20-year-old produced a sensational finish under pressure to win by a single shot.
Lottie led after the first two rounds at Champions Retreat on Wednesday and Thursday, but found herself two shots behind with five holes left to play at Augusta National on Saturday. But, despite a bogey at 13, she made a sensational par recovery on the 14th.
After birdieing 15 and coming inches from another on 16, she went into the final two holes knowing two birdies were required for victory.
The Surrey youngster showed nerves of steel to hole two birdie putts in front of the Augusta patrons and TV cameras as her -8 proved to be the winning score in the 54-hole competition.
She was one of only seven players who finished under par in the field, and the victory guarantees her entry into all of the Women’s Major tournaments in 2024.
Lottie said: “The turning point for me was the great par-save on 14. I hooked off the tee and still had 215 in. There was no way of me stopping it on the green but then I holed the (par) putt to stay two back. I knew coming in that there were some good hole locations for me to get at and I managed to hole some nice putts at the end. I thought 16 was in!
“There was a lot of pressure but I was generally just having fun. I had a great caddy with me – my England Golf coach (Steve Robinson, England Women’s Coach) who helped me stay in the moment and I just enjoyed it and embraced it.
“I had a lot of my family come and support me but particularly my nan who is 85 and came over from England to watch me – I think she had fun today!
“It means so much to be a part of August National history. I’ve watched this event when I was younger and I’ve always wanted to play in it and try and contend, but to win it is just really special.”
Sky Sports pundit and former DP World Tour player Mark Roe said: “She dug so deep and I don’t think we’ll see a better finish all season, amateur or professional.
“When she had a pitch into the par-5 13th, she knocked it long, and then knocked it through the back of 14 and I thought she’d lost it, but the up-and-down there was superb. I don’t know how the putt didn’t go in at 16 and what a putt it was on 18, it was the hardest of the lot.
“You’ve got no right at 20 years of age to be that calm in that situation. The patrons, the fans, the atmosphere and also the TV cameras – you’re being watched around the world and you know that. She’s so humble. When she sits back and reflects on this, the confidence she gains and the experience she’s going to get in playing those (major) events is going to be immense for her.
“It was dramatic and stunning, and I am the latest member of the Lottie Woad fan club!”