England’s Lottie Woad narrowly missed out on becoming the first amateur to win a major in 58 years at the Evian Championship, where Australian Grace Kim eventually triumphed in a play-off. Woad, who won last week’s Irish Open, carded a seven-under 64 to finish one shot behind Kim.
Kim, the world number two, parred the 18th hole twice before sinking a 12-foot eagle putt on the second extra playing of the hole to beat Thitikul in a play-off. Woad, who had been bidding to become the first amateur to win a major since France’s Catherine Lacoste claimed the US Women’s Open title in 1967, will now have to decide whether to turn professional.
Woad, a member of the England Golf women’s squad, picked up two points for finishing in the top 25 in a major and has reached the magic number of 20 on the LPGA’s Elite Amateur Pathway. She is expected to make her professional debut at the Scottish Open later this month and must now consider whether to defer turning pro or join the paid ranks immediately.
Woad started the final round joint 19th and five shots off the overnight lead but made a fast start with three birdies in her opening four holes to set the platform for her charge through the field. Her performance means she has earned her LPGA Tour privileges, and many are expecting her to make her professional debut at the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl next month.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/golf/articles/ce3n5pg0e32o