​England’s Lottie Woad produced a seven-under 64 to claim a second-round lead at the Evian Championship, as world No. 1 Nelly Korda failed to make the weekend. Woad, returning to the venue where she secured her LPGA Tour card 12 months ago, stands at 11 under overall, one stroke ahead of Japan’s Aki Iwai, who had led overnight.
“I’ve got obviously nice memories from last year here and I like the golf course, so I think that definitely helps,” said Woad, who tied for third last year’s event. “I think I’ve just got slightly better in all areas. Nothing too different. I think I’ve just been a bit more calm under pressure in these positions.”
Woad did most of her damage with eight birdies and a single dropped shot at the par-four 10th. After that bogey, she rattled off three straight birdies and nearly made an eagle at the par-five 18th, tapping in for par. Her only blemish came at 10, but she recovered quickly and finished strongly.
Korda’s bid to complete the career Grand Slam in Evian-les-Bains ended despite a 69 on Friday, leaving her at one over par. It marks the first time the American has missed a cut since June 2024, and it coincides with a broader pattern in men’s golf, where top-ranked players’ long runs of cuts have recently come to an end.
Two strokes behind Iwai are Mao Saigo of Japan and Haeran Ryu of South Korea, the latter having claimed the Women’s PGA Championship title last month. Charley Hull, who shot 70, and world No. 2 Jeon In Gee Thitikul are among four players tied for fifth at six under.
Several high-profile players missed the cut as the field narrows ahead of the weekend. Allisen Corpuz, Lilia Vu, Carlota Ciganda, Celine Boutier, and Leona Maguire were among those who failed to advance.
Woad is chasing her first major title. She turned 22 in January and arrived in Evian-les-Bains near the Swiss border sitting at No. 4 in the world, having turned pro in 2025. With three career wins to her name, she sits above Hull in the rankings, who herself has been developing a more composed approach, including breathing techniques refined after a near miss at the U.S. Open.
On Friday, Woad’s standout tactic was not just precise driving and iron play but also staying cool under heat in the French Riviera-style conditions. While she is facing a field packed with heavyweights, her performance signals a genuine breakthrough moment as she bids to convert major opportunity into major success.
The leaderboard remains tight, with several veterans and rising stars in the mix as the tournament heads toward the weekend. Woad’s strong start has her in pole position, but the Evian course is known for demanding resilience across three more rounds, and the cut line promises to be fiercely contested as players look to position themselves for championship Sunday.