Lottie Wood's victory earns her a spot in the women's tournament at the US Open and US Women's Championships. ;s Open Credit: Shutterstock/Erik S Lesser
Lottie Woad, a 20-year-old from Farnham, made history here at the Masters on Saturday by becoming the first European woman to win on the hallowed ground.
< p>In her fifth year at the Augusta National Women's Amateur, Wood produced an outstanding performance that would make anyone competing in the first men's tournament of the season next week proud.The night leader was one place behind. Bailey Shoemaker had two left to play after the American conjured a record 66 points. Heartache beckoned.
Vuad wasn't done, however, making a three-putt on the par-four 17th and then hitting a miraculous approach shot at the 12th. feet on the last one. It was a tricky downhill shot from right to left, and at the par needed for a playoff, the triple putt was a real danger.
However, Woud tucked the ball away and shook her fist lightly before hugging her caddy, England women's coach Steve Robinson. “Honestly, I was just thinking about making birdie rather than par,” Wood said. “I knew I needed par for the playoffs, but the pin was so good that I knew I could use it a little with my second.
The 20-year-old from Farnham became the first European woman to win the tournament. Photo: AP/George Walker 
Lottie Wood celebrates with her caddy Steve Robinson Photo: AP/George Walker
“Then this putt, I felt like it probably went wide, but I was just sure I didn't make the triple putt either since it was so fast. It was kind of a double whammy and luckily it came back in the end.
“To do this in Augusta is what everyone dreams of. It's just great to stand in the same place where the Masters champions stood and follow in their footsteps.”
The moment would not bring the same glory here as the heroics of Sandy Lyle on the 18th hole in 1988 and Ian Woosnam in 1991, but the glory of their compatriot was no less deserved. With a four on the par-five 15th, that meant she birdied three of the last four, a classic late Augusta attack. Only Arnold Palmer in 1960 and Mark O'Mara in 1998 have previously birdied the last two holes of the National and won by one stroke.
Congratulations poured in from the great and good of English golf: double Major champion Tony Jacklin and Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald expressed their joy on social media. So is Justin Rose. The 2013 US Open champion had a lot to celebrate.
Well done @LottieWoad on an incredible win at @anwagolf. Make England proud Luke Donald (@LukeDonald) April 6, 2024
Buuummmmm
Congratulations to @LottieWoad on winning @anwagolf 🏆🎉 pic.twitter.com/4LA5xqzmTG
— Justin ROSE (@JustinRose99) April 6, 2024
Three years ago, Woad finished second at the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Championships in Walton Heath and on Saturday explained what that means for the tournament he has supported since 2019 . .
“What an incredible performance from Lottie – I was caught on the edge of my seat,” Rose told Telegraph Sport. “I’m so happy for her and I’m definitely taking inspiration from this late charge at the Masters.” She showed all our juniors what is possible.”
Woad’s triumph is far from a surprise. She is ranked fourth in the world as an amateur and earned All-America honors her freshman year at Florida State University. As Robinson noted, Woud has been rated as one of Britain's top prospects for some time.
“I've known Lottie since I was 14 and she has always had the quality of the best player she could be. said the 61-year-old, who is also Matt Fitzpatrick's coach. “I can't wait to tell [Fitzpatrick's courier] Billy Foster that 'caddying isn't that hard.' USA among women. “I want to be a professional and compete in these competitions,” she said. “Getting this experience so early on will be great for me. I've never played a major before. It will be very interesting.”
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