England's Lottie Woad finished one stroke behind frontrunner Nasa Hataoka during the opening round of the Tournament of Champions in Florida. Woad carded a solid performance on the PGA National Golf Club course, positioning herself well for contention heading into round two.

The LPGA season kicked off with strong competition, as Hataoka seized the early lead. Woad's performance marks a promising start to her campaign, building on momentum from her rookie year. Her consistent play around the greens helped her stay within striking distance of the clubhouse lead.

Tournament of Champions attracts top LPGA talent, making this early-season form vital for confidence. Woad's ability to compete against elite players demonstrates her potential for breakthrough victories. Fans will watch closely as she looks to close the gap in upcoming rounds.

Analysts expect weekend drama as early leaders face pressure from chasing packs. Woad's mental toughness could prove decisive if she maintains her current trajectory through the challenging course setup.