AIG WOMEN'S OPEN

July 30, 2026

Lottie Woad

Mixed Zone

Q. Lottie, strong start today. Assess the round and how you found Lytham today.

LOTTIE WOAD: Yeah, good start. No bogeys, which is always a good round here. Hit a lot of fairways and a lot of greens. Didn't make too many putts. But, I mean, good shots round here are kind of 15 to 25 foot, which aren't the easiest. You're not going to hole those.

So hit some good rolls; just didn't make enough. Definitely take 2-under.

Q. Had a long one out there go in. Tell us about that putt.

LOTTIE WOAD: Yeah, I mean, that was into wind, so they're pretty slow. I just kind of hit it really hard and luckily hit the pin. Yeah, it was nice.

Q. How long was that?

LOTTIE WOAD: I don't know, probably at least 50 foot, yeah.

Q. (No microphone.)

LOTTIE WOAD: Was my what?

Q. Was that your game plan, to go out there and be cautious?

LOTTIE WOAD: I don't think I was cautious at all actually. I think I had the most drivers out of anyone in my group. Yeah, I hit driver pretty much whenever I could. It's one of my strengths, so didn't see the point in laying back.

Some of the par-5s are pretty tight off the tee, but they're probably the only birdie opportunities you're really going to get round here, so just always trying to play driver for those.

Q. How many bunkers did you go in?

LOTTIE WOAD: Zero. Yeah.

Q. How would you describe the atmosphere playing in a home Open?

LOTTIE WOAD: Yeah, it was great. Teeing off obviously early this morning, but still a lot of people; kind of picked up as the round went on. Yeah, can tell everyone was cheering for me, which was nice.

Q. A year ago to now, how do you feel like the interactions are? A year ago everyone was getting to know you; now everyone definitely knows you.

LOTTIE WOAD: Yeah, I think it's definitely different. I think getting used to it. Probably still a little calmer than when it was when I played this event last year coming off the back of the Scottish, so maybe a little more under the radar in that aspect.

I know when I play in the UK everyone will be supporting me and all the other British girls, too.

Q. What's been the strategy for your bunker avoidance?

LOTTIE WOAD: Hit it straight really. I think you're going to go in one at some point. I'm sure I'll probably go in one tomorrow. I mean, the green sides aren't the worst; it's probably the fairways that you need to try and avoid.

There was a few I laid back of today, but honestly there is a bunker in play kind of no matter what club you hit. It's more do you want to be in a bunker further back or do you want to be in a bunker nearer to the hole, and I went with that game plan.

Q. Do you fall into a familiar rhythm when you come home. Do you feel like it's kind of mother's milk in a lot of ways playing links?

LOTTIE WOAD: Yes and no. I mean, I only really play links twice a year because where I live in England is not links and I was in college in America. I think I probably get used to it a bit more quicker than others because I have played it in amateur stuff, but I wouldn't say it's the easiest to get back to.

I think I am definitely more used to the American conditions now.

Q. How many drivers did you hit today?

LOTTIE WOAD: I don't know. There was a few 3-woods. I hit driver off the first four -- no, didn't hit driver on four.

I don't even know. Probably didn't hit driver four times off the tee.

Q. That's easier.

LOTTIE WOAD: Yeah.