Golf’s Coastal Challenge Tests Players at Women's Open
The unpredictable nature of seaside golf can unsettle even the most composed competitors. Lottie Woad, who had played solidly to reach five under par in the second round of the Women's Open, encountered a setback at the 16th hole at Royal Porthcawl.
Woad’s second shot landed in a difficult spot—her playing partner, Lydia Ko, was the one who eventually located the ball. Her third swing barely moved it, prompting Woad to call for a rules official, believing her ball was embedded and entitled to relief. After the request was denied, she had to declare the ball unplayable. The ordeal ended in a triple-bogey seven, turning what had been a strong round of 70 into a frustrating finish.
“I played well for 17 holes, but that one hole cost me,” Woad said. “It’s probably the toughest on the course—hitting the fairway off the tee is difficult, and then you’re left with a three-wood shot into a strong wind. Any small mistake gets punished. I pushed it a bit and ended up with a tough lie. The area wasn’t overly thick, except where I was.”
She admitted disappointment with the officials' ruling but tried to move on quickly. A missed birdie putt at the final hole left her nine shots behind the leader, a gap that—even considering the unpredictability of links golf—may be difficult to close.
Meanwhile, Japan’s Miyu Yamashita has taken control of the tournament, carding a bogey-free 65 to reach 11 under par, three strokes clear of her compatriot Rio Takeda. Yamashita’s strong performance, including a back nine of 32, reflects her impressive form.
Despite the unfamiliar terrain, the 23-year-old has shown a natural ability to contend at the top. With 13 wins on the Japan Tour and 43 top-three finishes since April 2021, she has carried that momentum into her debut LPGA Tour season, securing 10 top-20 finishes in 16 events. Last year, Yamashita missed the cut at the Women’s Open—this time, she appears determined to make amends.
Elsewhere, Lindy Duncan’s round of 70 placed her at four under, alongside Pajaree Anannarukarn and Chiara Tamburlini. Madelene Sagström also climbed into contention with a 69, finishing three under at the halfway stage.
Darcey Harry, a member at Porthcawl, made the cut at two under, securing her place for the weekend. “I keep forgetting this is my home course,” she remarked.
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