Nelly Korda played alongside Lottie Woad during the first round of the ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open on Thursday.
Korda is the world number one right now, and even she must be wary that Woad is coming for her spot at the top of the women’s rankings.
The 26-year-old American has been the dominant force on the LPGA Tour over the past few years, despite the fact that she hasn’t actually won yet this season.
Meanwhile, Woad turned professional only last week.
Woad has already earned rave reviews from Charley Hull, and she undoubtedly would have impressed Korda during the Women’s Scottish Open on Thursday as well.
Nelly Korda reacts after watching Lottie Woad at the Women’s Scottish Open
Korda posted an opening round of four-under par 68, and Woad went one better, to end day one just one shot off the lead.
The 21-year-old really impressed during her professional debut and looked completely at ease playing alongside Korda and Hull.
She hit 10 out of 14 fairways and only missed two greens in regulation.
Woad is here to stay, there is no doubt about that.
Korda responded when asked to share her thoughts on Woad’s incredible start to her fledgling LPGA Tour career.
She said: “Yeah, she’s had an amazing run the last couple weeks and deserves where she’s at right now, and it’s going to be exciting to see where her career goes.“
Leona Maguire agrees with Nelly Korda’s sentiment on Lottie Woad
Maguire is someone who knows what it’s like when turning pro after bursting onto the scene as a child prodigy.
The 30-year-old, who shot an opening round 67 at Dundonald Links on Thursday, clearly has a lot of time for Woad’s brilliance.
It was put to Maguire that Woad’s current form is ‘remarkable’.
She said: “Yeah, impressive. She’s obviously riding the crest of a wave, and I played with her first two days of Evian. She’s a great player and it’s an exciting week, her first professional start.“
She then responded when asked about similarities between Woad and her own journey.
Maguire said: “Yeah, absolutely. I’m sure there’s quite a bit of pressure on her shoulders but hopefully she’s surrounding herself with some good people. You saw with Rose Zhang a couple years ago, she got off to a very hot start, too. There will be a lot of new things for her the next few weeks and months but I’m sure she’s well able to handle it.“
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
