Lottie Woad delivered a thrilling finale to the 2024 Augusta National Women’s Amateur, showcasing remarkable poise and skill in the tournament’s history. Heading into the 17th tee box trailing Bailey Shoemaker by one stroke, Woad, ranked as the No. 4 women’s amateur golfer globally, faced a decisive moment.
Shoemaker, a standout freshman at USC, had set the stage with a spectacular 66, a score unmatched in the tournament’s final round history, putting her at 7 under for the tournament. With Shoemaker in the clubhouse, Woad, a sophomore at Florida State from England, knew the target she needed to reach to contend.
After a birdie on the par-5 15th and a near-birdie par on the challenging par-3 16th, Woad approached the 17th with determination, eyeing an opportunity to level the playing field at 7 under. Displaying remarkable composure, she calmly sank the crucial birdie putt, setting the stage for a dramatic finale.
Woad’s Triumph: A Historic Victory at Augusta National Women’s Amateur
As she stood on the 18th tee, Woad understood the stakes: a par to force a playoff, a birdie for outright victory. With a powerful drive and a precise approach shot, Woad positioned herself perfectly for the win. NBC analyst Paige Mackenzie lauded her strategic approach to the iconic final hole. Woad’s final putt, confidently struck and finding the center of the cup, sealed her victory in the tournament.
Despite the subdued celebration, Woad’s composed performance under pressure secured her place in history as the fifth champion of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, capping off an unforgettable finale to the event.
“I watched this event when I was younger, so I always dreamt of playing in it,” she shared with Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley after the round. “To win it is incredibly special. There was a lot of pressure, but overall, I was just enjoying myself. I had a fantastic caddie by my side, helping me stay focused on the present moment. Just soaking it all in.”
Woad’s Crucial Putts and Shoemaker’s Strong Performance
Woad highlighted a pivotal moment as a clutch par save at the par-4 14th, which set her up for the remarkable finish.
“I knew there were some favorable hole locations for me to attack coming in,” she continued. “I managed to sink some crucial putts down the stretch.”
That’s an understatement. Initially, it appeared Shoemaker was in a prime position. A former runner-up at the Drive Chip and Putt at Augusta National, her impressive 66 was a standout performance and nearly held up as the last few groups completed their rounds on the golf course.
