In a stunning display of talent, 21-year-old Lottie Woad ran away with the KPMG Women’s Irish Open this past weekend, winning by a commanding six-stroke margin. But despite her dominant performance, the top-ranked amateur in women’s golf won’t see a cent of the roughly $79,000 winner’s check.

Why No Payout?

As an amateur competing on a sponsor’s exemption, Woad is bound by rules that prevent her from accepting prize money. This policy is standard across professional circuits like the Ladies European Tour (LET), LPGA Tour, and others. As a result, second-place finisher Madelene Sagström of Sweden will take home the first-place prize from the $530,000 purse. All other players who made the cut will also be paid as if they finished one place higher.

While it’s not unusual for amateurs to compete in pro events, it’s rare to see one win. Woad’s victory marks the first time since 2022 that an amateur has won on the LET, when Jana Melichová claimed the Czech Ladies Open. On the LPGA Tour, Lydia Ko famously won the Canadian Women’s Open as an amateur in both 2012 and 2013.

Staying the Course

Woad, a rising senior at Florida State University and current No. 1 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings, seems in no rush to turn pro. When asked if she was tempted to make the leap after her win, Woad responded, “No, not at all. Still trying to get my final two points for the LPGA.”

She’s referring to the LPGA Elite Amateur Pathway, which allows top amateurs to earn membership status based on performance. Woad is expected to meet that threshold later this year.

A Star in the Making

The English phenom already has major NIL deals with brands like Titleist, FootJoy, Upper Deck, and fintech company Novellus. She has made the cut in three of her six major appearances, including a top-10 finish at the 2023 Women’s British Open. Earlier this year, Woad also claimed victory at the prestigious Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

The Bigger Picture

Woad’s win is another reminder of the fine line between amateur and professional golf—and the complicated decisions young stars face. Much like Nick Dunlap on the PGA Tour last year, who turned pro after forfeiting $1.51 million in winnings, Woad is weighing long-term gains over immediate cash.

For now, she’s content chasing LPGA status. If her performance in Ireland is any indication, it won’t be long before she starts collecting those first-place checks.