Lottie Woad trails at Women's Open as second round misses TV coverage

It might have come as a relief to those running this Women’s Open that, as the day drew to a close, Lottie Woad did not surge into contention. While her name is widely discussed, her performance on the second day will go largely unseen by many.

Perhaps the growing prominence of this tournament means expectations are higher than ever. However, fans may be disappointed that, with televised coverage starting at midday, Woad—along with Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko—will complete much of her second round without being broadcast to those not present at Royal Porthcawl. This issue persists, as highlighted by Leona Maguire, who recently noted that her hole-in-one at the Evian Championship was not captured on camera. Woad starts her second round at 8:09 a.m., playing alongside Ko, with Korda two groups behind.

The broadcaster showing the Women’s Open in the UK has an agreement with the R&A, making public criticism of tournament officials unlikely. Sources suggest they would welcome longer live coverage starting next year. For this to happen, the R&A would need to allocate additional funding to the production team responsible for the global feed. At Royal Porthcawl, coverage begins at noon. The R&A has increased the prize fund by $250,000 (£190,000) for 2025, and player facilities have improved significantly compared to most women’s events—yet visibility remains a concern. In contrast, the men’s Open at Royal Portrush began coverage at 6:30 a.m. on Thursday and Friday.

Woad finished Thursday's challenging conditions with an even-par 72. A notable moment for the 21-year-old was a birdie putt from off the green at the 6th hole, and another at the last kept her five shots behind the lead. "It was alright, a bit up and down," Woad said. "It could have slipped away, so I'm glad I stayed patient."

Mimi Rhodes, who has three wins on this year’s Ladies European Tour, has been overshadowed by attention on Woad. Rhodes demonstrated her skill with a 69, though she too will miss Friday’s televised window.

Ko, defending her title, opened with a one-over 73, hurt by a back nine without birdies. Korda’s 70 stood out; the world No. 1 was the runner-up last year. Wels' Darcey Harry and Australia’s Minjee Lee also finished with 70.

Japanese players dominate the early standings, with Eri Okayama and Rio Takeda sharing the lead after shooting 67. Miyu Yamashita trails by one, while Shiho Kuwaki, Mao Saigo, and Chisato Iwai sit at three under.

Georgia Hall is one under, with her fiancé, Paul Dunne, as her caddie. A decade ago, Dunne led the Open Championship at St. Andrews before injuries and poor form took their toll. "That’s more his story to tell," Hall remarked.