Lottie Woad

Lottie Woad is the name on everyone’s lips at Royal Porthcawl, but there appears to be no danger of the 21-year-old getting carried away by the rising excitement.

After concluding her sparkling amateur career with victory at the KPMG Women’s Irish Open on the Ladies European Tour and a third-placed finish at the Evian Championship, Woad began her professional career in stunning fashion last week as she cruised to victory in the ISPS HANDA Women's Scottish Open.

The Englishwoman’s remarkable form has seen her installed as one of the favourites for victory in the AIG Women’s Open, despite the fact she will be playing her first major as a professional.

Yet Woad remained unphased as she addressed the media at Porthcawl on Tuesday, stating: “I don’t feel too different, to be honest.”

Asked how she is handling rising expectations, Woad added: “I think it's still a learning process. I don't think you can ever really fully handle it. I definitely feel like I've got a lot better at it. I just try and block out the noise as much as possible really.

“I've really been just enjoying myself. I’ve enjoyed being in these events and competing and being in contention. I just try to have fun with it and not add too much stress really.”

The prospect of being among the Championship favourites also does not concern Woad, who added: “I don't know how they do it, but I feel like I'm playing well. So I guess I was going to be one of the favourites.

“Obviously everyone's so good, so I feel like anyone can win really. You've seen it this year, so many -- I think every winner has been different. So there's many people it could be.”

Woad will play with Lydia Ko and Lilia Vu – the last two AIG Women’s Open Champions - in rounds one and two at Royal Porthcawl, having been grouped with world number one Nelly Korda at last week’s Scottish Open.

Korda described Woad as “absolutely amazing” on Tuesday morning, a comment that was put to the youngster a few hours later.

“Yeah, it's really cool. It was great for me that I got to play with her in my pro debut,” said Woad. “She's someone I've always looked up to. She's obviously an amazing player and a great competitor, and to hear she said something like that is really nice.”