Augusta, GA

This World No. 1 has the chance to become the first to go back-to-back at Augusta National

Published

12 months ago

April 4, 2025

This World No. 1 has the chance to become the first to go back-to-back at Augusta National

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Lottie Woad doesn’t like condiments. Give her a sandwich, preferably ham and cheese, with nothing on it. No sauce for her steak. She loves spaghetti but likes her pizza white.

“I can’t convince her that the sauce in spaghetti is the same that’s on a pizza,” said Florida State coach Amy Bond, who calls her star player “particular.”

“She knows what she wants,” said Bond, “and she’s not afraid to tell you.”

That particular approach applies to the way the No. 1 player in the world goes about her business on the golf course. Bond calls her the hardest worker she’s ever coached. She’s used the same ball marker since the age of 12.

She’s funny, in a dry sort of way, and while she’s more comfortable speaking to the media than she was a year ago, it’s still not her favorite thing. The reserved Woad is interested in one thing: being the best. And, as Bond has said, she’s got the stomach for it.

“She’s not afraid to take chances on the golf course,” said Bond, “she’s aggressive, and she’s not afraid of failure.”

Defending champion Lottie Woad tied for lead after 36 holes

That much was on full display at last year’s Augusta National Women’s Amateur, where Woad stormed to the title with birdies on three of the last four holes.

Now she’s in position to do it again, holding a share of the lead with Kiara Romero heading into Saturday’s final round at Augusta National. Given how short the window is to win this event, back-to-back ANWA victories should prove to be an exceptionally rare kind of feat.

“I think I can definitely use last year,” said Load. “I had the lead and then lost it. Tomorrow if that happens again, then I’d know that I’ve come back from there before.”

The Woad highlight reel includes victories at Carnoustie, Augusta National, Baltusrol and a top 10 at the AIG Women’s British Open at St. Andrews. She returns to Augusta National a better player in a number of ways, said Luke Bone, her swing coach since age 7. She’s faster and stronger, hitting it 10 yards farther off the tee with a 260-plus carry. Her wedge game, Bone gushed, is now world class.

Then there’s the experiences she’s had, playing in four LPGA majors. While the hole-out on the 18^th at the Old Course is the highlight everyone remembers, Bone, who was on the bag, said the opening 72 in outrageous wind – starting on the back nine – was the most impressive part of British Open week. Bone said she gained four strokes on the field with that round.

Back on the bag this week is England national coach Steve Robinson, who was instrumental in helping Woad plot and prep for last year’s final round. He also delivered a pep talk on the 13th hole that wasn’t fit for print.

Down two with five holes to play, Woad points to a par save on the 14th that kickstarted a finish for the ages.

After a Friday practice round around Augusta with Robinson, Woad reported that the greens are a little firmer this year. She’ll be careful about which pins she attacks. She’s got her notes from last year and likely more confidence about what’s to come than anyone else in the field.

Woad put down a ghost hole on the 18th green Friday to try to recreate the winning putt from last year. She missed it this time and had a good laugh. In keeping things similar to last year, she once again skipped playing the Par 3 Course but did skip on the par-3 16th.

Woad and her teammate, Mirabel Ting, pooled their tickets together so that everyone on the Florida State team could come watch the final round. With five freshmen on the roster, there’s plenty of room for inspiration.

It’s highly probable that this will be Woad’s final crack at Augusta. Though she’s only a junior, she currently leads the LPGA’s new LEAP (LPGA Elite Amateur Pathway) program with 16 points. A victory this week is worth two points, and she needs to get to 20 to secure her LPGA card. The McCormack Medal winner, given to the top-ranked amateur following the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship in August, receives four LEAP points.

If Woad gets to 20 points before July 1, she can accept immediate membership for the current calendar year or defer until July 1 and play the rest of 2025, plus the 2026 season.

If she gets to 20 points after July 1, she can accept her card for the remainder of the current LPGA season as well as 2026. She could also defer entirely until 2026.

But first, there’s a bit of history on the line.

“She feels comfortable in these situations,” said Bone. “I think she’s been waiting for this event, in some form.”

Only one more sleep.

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Augusta, GA

Trump to sign emergency order to pay TSA agents as Augusta airport preps for golf week

Published

11 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

Trump to sign emergency order to pay TSA agents as Augusta airport preps for golf week

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – President Donald Trump said he will sign an emergency declaration to pay TSA agents, as nearly 500 have quit since the shutdown began.

More than 40 percent of Atlanta’s TSA agents did not show up on Wednesday, leading to long lines at Atlanta’s airport and across the country. It is unclear when President Trump will sign the emergency order. TSA workers will miss their second paycheck Friday.

In a statement on Truth Social, President Trump said, “I am going to sign an Order instructing the Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, to immediately pay our TSA Agents in order to address this Emergency Situation.”

The president thanked TSA agents. The Department of Homeland Security as a whole will not be funded at this time. The Coast Guard and FEMA are among the agencies still impacted.

If senators do not reach a deal to fund the department on Friday, they are set for a two-week recess.

Augusta airport prepares for tournament week

TSA workers are a concern as tournament week approaches in Augusta. Security and safety are also concerns after a plane collided with a fire truck at LaGuardia Airport.

Augusta Regional Airport and its fire department are working to keep visitors safe as they fly in for tournament week.

William Kovalchuk, a sergeant with the Augusta Airport Fire Department, operates an airport-specific fire truck.

“There’s a ton of traffic and a ton of congestion. This whole ramp area where I showed you guys a little bit ago, it’ll be completely filled with aircraft,” Kovalchuk said.

Tournament week sees the regional airport become a global hub, with flights in from 13 extra cities and more than 200 private planes parked on the tarmac.

Lauren Smith, deputy director of Augusta Regional Airport, said the airport works closely with the FAA during tournament week.

“During that time, we actually work very closely with the FAA to bring in additional controllers,” Smith said.

Extra controllers keep the airspace and runway safe. Enhanced safety measures are in place inside the terminal as well.

“Overall, everyone brings in more staff. The tenants, the rental car agencies, the airlines, the airport itself,” Smith said.

The fire department stages a second station across the airport to cover every flight.

“The manning will be stepped up quite a bit,” Kovalchuk said. “We don’t want to see anything happen, but we’re prepared for it.”

The airport said the average wait time is still less than an hour to get through security during tournament week.

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Augusta, GA

Jefferson County library director named Georgia Library Director of the Year

Published

23 hours ago

March 26, 2026

Press Room

Jefferson County library director named Georgia Library Director of the Year

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Georgia Library Director of the Year was honored at a ceremony in Jefferson County.

Christina Shepherd received the award and a county proclamation. Jefferson County officials also honored the library board during the ceremony.

“I’m very thankful. I think it’s great for Jefferson County to have this award brought here and bringing light to us,” Shepherd said. “I don’t think I do anything extraordinary that any librarian wouldn’t do, but I just keep doing it. I appreciate it. I’m thankful.”

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Augusta, GA

CSRA Habitat for Humanity gets $1.85M to build affordable housing in Augusta

Published

1 day ago

March 26, 2026

Press Room

CSRA Habitat for Humanity gets .85M to build affordable housing in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity has been awarded $1.85 million to build new affordable homes in Augusta’s historic Turpin Hill neighborhood.

The federal funding was secured with the support of Georgia’s U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock.

The funding will expand housing opportunities for working families and revitalize one of Augusta’s oldest communities.

“Turpin Hill is one of Augusta’s oldest and most storied neighborhoods, a community built by generations of hardworking families whose roots run deep in this city,” said Bernadette Kelliher, President and CEO of Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity.

“These new homes will reflect the strength of the neighborhood’s past while creating a foundation for families to build their futures. This is about restoration, dignity, and ensuring that the next generation can write their own chapter in this historic community.”

This federal investment strengthens ongoing efforts to expand affordable housing opportunities across Augusta.

“Georgia families urgently need more affordable housing. That’s why Senator Reverend Warnock and I brought Republicans and Democrats together to strengthen the Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity’s efforts to build new housing units for families across Augusta and the CSRA,” said Ossoff.

Senator Raphael Warnock added, “This investment demonstrates what is possible when Congress works together to support communities and families in need. We are in a housing crisis. America is not building enough housing and costs are continuing to soar.”

Since its founding in 1986, Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity has partnered with families, volunteers and community supporters to build and preserve homes throughout the Central Savannah River Area.

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