Lottie Woad is making her third appearance at the 2026 AIG Women’s Open and her first with it being held in England.
The two-time LET winner competed at the 2024 edition in St Andrews in Scotland and last year’s edition at Royal Porthcawl in Wales.
Growing up in the UK, Woad watched the AIG Women’s Open on the television and has fond memories of Georgia Hall’s victory at Royal Lytham & St Annes in 2018 and is dreaming of hoisting the trophy herself. “I am a fan of golf history,” said Woad. “I definitely watched the tournament over the years. The one that I remember most watching on TV was when Georgia [Hall] won, I remember watching all the rounds of that and supporting an English player trying to win that.
“I always looked up to Georgia and Charley [Hull] and all the other English players. When I was younger, I was watching them compete and play well and it was inspiring watching her win that. It’s a bit weird playing with them now.
“For any British player, this would be the dream one to win. Playing Links golf, I’m sure it’ll be a good test with the wind, so definitely one that has always been my favourite watching. I would love to win it.”
Last week, Woad competed at the 2026 ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open where she was the defending champion.
The English star ended the week in a share of 37th place but enjoyed getting to test her game in the tough condition in Scotland.
She continued: “It was my first experience defending a professional event. I’ve had experience defending big events and I defended Augusta. I felt less pressure last week than maybe the year before coming off getting my card and making my pro debut there.
“I felt a bit more relaxed, I didn’t play as well but it was still a pretty steady week. Tough weather, so it was good to play in those conditions ahead of this week and get back to playing Links golf.”
This year is the 50th anniversary of the first edition of the AIG Women’s Open, which was held in 1976, and is being played from July 30 until August 2.
A field of 144 players will be competing in the final Major championship of the year at Royal Lytham & St Annes.
It’s the sixth time the venue has hosted the championship, but it’s the first time Woad will be teeing it up here in competition.
“I’m not very familiar with this course,” she added. “I played it on the way up to Scotland and that was the first time I’ve seen it. When I played it, it was the opposite prevailing wind, so it wasn’t exactly the most helpful, but I saw where all the bunkers were. By the end of the week, I’ll be pretty familiar with it, but I’ve not played any amateur stuff here.
“Venues are very important, so when we go back to historic golf courses it’s great and attracts more people to come. My dad told me about all the shots Seve played on this course. A lot of historic moments and that just makes it more exciting for people to watch us play as well.”
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