Lottie Woad from England has sensationally claimed the top spot at the Evian Championship, executing a remarkable second round. Her performance overshadowed World No. 1 Nelly Korda's unexpected early exit, marking the end of a significant streak for Korda. The tournament, a major in the women's golf calendar, is unfolding with intense competition and surprising turns.
English Golfer Lottie Woad Takes Command at Evian Championship; Nelly Korda's Cut Streak Concludes
On a sun-drenched Friday, July 10, 2026, at the prestigious Evian Resort Golf Club in Evian-les-Bains, France, English rising star Lottie Woad delivered an exceptional performance, carding a blistering 7-under-par 64. This impressive round propelled her into a commanding one-stroke lead after the second day of the Evian Championship. Woad's masterful play included eight birdies against a solitary bogey, bringing her cumulative score to 11-under 131. Her back-nine surge, highlighted by consecutive birdies from the 11th to 13th holes, alongside additional birdies on the 15th and 18th, showcased her precision and determination. As Woad succinctly put it, she consistently created opportunities for herself, particularly converting them on the back nine.
Conversely, the second round witnessed a surprising turn for American golf sensation Nelly Korda. The World No. 1, known for her consistency, uncharacteristically missed the cut, ending an impressive streak of 34 consecutive cuts made in official LPGA Tour events. Korda's attempt to secure a birdie on her final hole fell agonizingly short, resulting in a round of 2-over 69 and a tournament total of 1-over 143. Her last missed cut occurred during the 2024 KPMG Women's PGA Championship.
Following closely behind Woad is Japan's Aki Iwai, who, despite a 69 for the day, maintains second place. Iwai's round was a mix of brilliance and challenge, featuring five birdies but also marred by a bogey on the 17th and a double-bogey on the par-4 sixth hole. Sharing third place, three strokes adrift of the leader, are Japan's Mao Saigo, who posted a bogey-free 68, and South Korea's Haeran Ryu, also with a 68. Further down the leaderboard, Thailand's Jeeno Thitikul made a significant move, firing a 64 on Friday, which included an eagle on the seventh hole and five birdies. Thitikul, a nine-time LPGA Tour winner, is currently part of a four-way tie for fifth at 6-under, crediting her successful approach on the par-5 seventh to her strategic decision to aim for the fairway, setting up a long but fortunate putt.
This Evian Championship continues to be a captivating spectacle, demonstrating the dynamic nature of professional golf. Woad's ascendance underscores the emergence of new talent, while Korda's unexpected departure reminds us that even the most dominant athletes face their challenges. The shifting leaderboard and the varied performances from top international players suggest an enthralling weekend ahead, promising further twists and turns in this major championship.
