Around the famed Old Course last summer, Woad demonstrated an impressive golfing maturity to deal with the capricious nature of the ultimate links course as it was battered by seaside winds.
“She loves the competition,” Edwards said. “And probably enjoys that more than most and those who just love hitting balls, but she enjoys the performance element.
“If you look at her all the way up, she’s been a winner right throughout her career so she’s never been frightened of it, no matter who she’s been up against.”
Having won the Augusta National Women’s Amateur at the home of the men’s Masters last year, Woad has established herself as the most exciting emerging talent in the women’s game.
“I think Augusta probably showed it more the most with those three birdies in those last few holes to win,” Edwards said.
Woad has been a consistent contender playing for Florida State in an NCAA season where she posted two wins among 10 top-three finishes in 11 tournaments. Woad tops the women’s amateur world rankings.
“I’m not tempted to turn pro yet,” she said after missing out on the £58,000 first prize in Ireland last week. “I’m still trying to get my final two points for the LPGA.
“I’m trying to get those and then we will see what happens after that.”
Given her current trajectory those points should come from simply playing Evian and the Women’s Open or by remaining top of the world standings.
A top-25 this week provides an early opportunity to guarantee LPGA eligibility, although Woad may decide to defer joining the paid ranks for a year and complete her studies at Florida State.
Regardless, as a golfer, she is ready to make the transition as her performance last week proved. Ordinarily, this week she would have been competing for England in the European Team Championships, instead she is playing another major.
“I really do believe the sky’s the limit,” Edwards insists. “She clearly has that belief and I would say that’s one of the hardest places to get your mindset to.
“Obviously she was playing with proven winners in Ireland and was not intimidated because I think her standards are very high.
“They are high in practice and therefore those standards are high whenever she competes. It doesn’t matter who it is.”
World number one Nelly Korda, Olympic gold medallist Lydia Ko and recent Women’s PGA champion Minjee Lee headline the Evian field.
It also includes other British hopes; Hull, Gemma Dryburgh, Bronte Law, Alice Hewson, Mimi Rhodes, Cara Gainer and Darcy Harry.
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