Just a week after turning professional, Lottie Woad has already become the favorite for the final major of the year—the AIG Women's Open at Royal Porthcawl. This marks a stunning ascent for British golf's most promising talent. Woad arrived in Wales fresh off her victory at the Scottish Open, capping off a month where she also won the Irish Open as an amateur and secured a third-place finish at the Evian Championship.

Bookmakers have taken note, offering odds as short as 6-1 for her to win the tournament—a rarity for a rookie. Yet, the 21-year-old from Surrey has been performing with the composure of a seasoned champion, showcasing a level of maturity that belies her age.

Can She Win This Week?

"Yes, absolutely," said Karen Stupples, former Women's Open champion and NBC commentator. "She came 10th last year as an amateur and almost won at Evian."

Woad herself remains unfazed by the attention, though she admits her rapid success has been a surprise. "I don't think you can predict that," she told BBC Sport. "I was just looking to have a good experience and play good golf, and that's how it happened."

A Seamless Transition

Woad, who played her first two professional rounds alongside world number one Nelly Korda and top British player Charley Hull, said, "I’ve had so many experiences as an amateur playing in professional events. Being in big groups didn’t feel too different."

Her next challenge is to maintain this momentum as she transitions from the world's top amateur to one of the most talked-about stars in professional golf. "I know what I need to do to perform well," Woad said. "There are always areas to improve, especially on a tough course like this."

A Mature Mindset

Woad's perspective is a key part of her success. "She’s the most matter-of-fact golfer I’ve ever come across," Stupples noted. "If you tell her she needs to make three birdies to win, she’ll say, ‘OK, I’ll just make three birdies then.’"

Her composure has impressed even the best in the game. "Absolutely amazing," Korda said after playing with Woad. "Her process, especially under pressure, is so mature for her age. You can see she’s put in a tonne of hours."

The Road Ahead

This week, Woad has been paired with the last two champions, Lilia Vu and Lydia Ko, adding to the excitement. "I definitely love golf," Woad said. "There’s so much to improve on, and I love being competitive."

As she aims to continue her success story, Woad could be on the brink of another historic moment for English women's sport. The bookies believe in her—and so do her peers.