English rookie Lottie Woad enters as betting favorite just three weeks after turning professional.

The AIG Women’s Open tees off Thursday at Royal Porthcawl, marking the culmination of the 2025 major championship season. As one of five major championships in women’s golf, the tournament brings together 145 of the world’s top players competing for a record $9.75 million purse.

The championship serves as the women’s equivalent to The Open Championship, carrying significant prestige within the sport. Winners earn their place alongside major champions like Annika Sorenstam and Inbee Park, while securing exemptions into future majors and cementing their legacy in professional golf. Royal Porthcawl becomes the first Welsh venue to host the championship in its 49-year history.

Woad’s Remarkable Three-Week Journey

Twenty-one-year-old Lottie Woad enters the week as the tournament favorite after a remarkable transition from amateur to professional golf. The English player turned professional just three weeks ago following a third-place finish at the Evian Championship that earned her LPGA Tour status.

Woad immediately validated her decision by capturing the Scottish Open in her professional debut last Sunday, making her just the third player in LPGA history to win her first professional start. Her recent success includes victories at the Irish Open as an amateur and a tie for third at a major championship, establishing her as one of golf’s most promising young talents.

The rapid ascent has drawn praise from established stars, with defending champion Lydia Ko stating she hopes to learn from Woad’s recent play. The former Florida State player now carries significant momentum into her first major championship as a professional.

Royal Porthcawl Makes Championship History

Royal Porthcawl becomes the first Welsh venue to host the AIG Women’s Open, representing the largest women’s sporting event in Welsh history. The links course, established in 1891, has previously hosted seven Amateur Championships, three Senior Opens, and both Walker Cup and Curtis Cup matches.

The championship venue presents unique challenges with its exposed coastal terrain, unpredictable winds, and strategic bunkering. Course officials have implemented advanced maintenance technology, including robotic mowers operating during overnight hours to ensure optimal playing conditions for the field.

Tournament organizers selected the Welsh venue following last year’s successful championship at St. Andrews, where Ko claimed victory by two strokes. The move to Royal Porthcawl marks a significant moment for Welsh golf, with local player Darcey Harry among the competitors representing the host nation.

Record Prize Money Reflects Sport’s Growth

The championship features a record $9.75 million purse, representing a $250,000 increase from 2024. The winner will receive $1,462,500, the highest individual payout in the tournament’s history and reflecting continued investment in women’s professional golf.

The prize money increase continues a trend of significant growth since AIG became title sponsor in 2019. The total purse has nearly doubled in recent years, with the championship now ranking as the third-highest paying major in women’s golf behind the US Women’s Open and Women’s PGA Championship.

This financial commitment demonstrates the sport’s expanding commercial appeal and reinforces the championship’s position among golf’s premier events. The increased prize money also supports the broader development of women’s professional golf globally.

Star-Studded Field Creates Multiple Storylines

Beyond Woad’s emergence, the field features several compelling storylines. World No. 1 Nelly Korda seeks her first victory of 2025 after capturing seven wins in 2024. England’s Charley Hull makes her 60th attempt at securing her first major championship, while defending champion Ko aims to successfully defend her title.

The international field includes recent major winners Maja Stark of Sweden (US Women’s Open), Australia’s Minjee Lee (Women’s PGA Championship), and Grace Kim (Evian Championship). Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul also enters as a contender following strong recent performances on the LPGA Tour.

Local interest centers on Harry, who represents Wales in the championship. The tournament provides significant exposure for Welsh golf, with organizers expecting substantial spectator attendance for the historic championship week.

Championship Outlook

The combination of Woad’s remarkable form, Royal Porthcawl’s challenging conditions, and the strength of the international field sets up an intriguing championship week. Weather conditions and course setup will play crucial roles in determining the eventual winner.

The tournament begins Thursday with first-round coverage, featuring Ko grouped with Woad and former champion Lilia Vu. Competition continues through Sunday, with the champion earning major championship status and significant prize money.

Welsh organizers expect the championship to establish Royal Porthcawl as a premier venue for future major championships while showcasing Welsh golf on the global stage.