Less than seven years ago, in August 2012, Augusta National admitted its first two female members. Now, in 2019, the Augusta Women’s Amateur will begin today.
Less than seven years ago, in August 2012, Augusta National admitted its first two female members. Now, in 2019, the inaugural staging of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur will begin today.
When the announcement was made prior to the 2018 Masters Tournament, Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National said:
“Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts left behind a legacy of always trying to contribute meaningfully to the game of golf. The Augusta National Women’s Amateur embodies that principle, and we believe this event will have a significant and lasting impact on the future of the women’s game.”
While the international field of 72 invited players are determined by awarding winners of other recognised championships and using the Women’s World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR), Ireland is proud to have one competitor at the historical event: Olivia Mehaffey (Royal County Down Ladies). Joining her from England are Lily May Humphreys, Annabell Fuller and Alice Hewson.
“This is a huge moment for women’s amateur golf,” said Mehaffey before travelling to Augusta earlier this week.
“I want to enjoy this opportunity as much as possible and of course prepare as best I can to give myself the best chance of performing well.”
Mehaffey will have the company of her Arizona State University (ASU) teammates Sofia Anokhina (Russia) and Alessandra Fanali (Italy) as well as ASU Women’s Golf Coach Missy Faye for company on the two flight trip from Tempe to Augusta which she admits will be a comfort. Additionally her Coach, Donal Scott, will travel from Ireland to aid in Mehaffey’s preparations.
Here at home the golfing population will be cheering on Olivia from the 3rd of April as she begins the Championship (at Champions Retreat Golf Club for the first two rounds before the leading 30 players make the cut to play at Augusta National for the final round), but who are some other players to watch out for in the field?
Ana Belac (Slovenia)
Linn Grant (Sweden)
Leonie Harm (Germany)
Jennifer Kupcho (USA)
Andrea Lee (USA)
Alessia Nobilio (Italy)
Alexa Pano (USA)
Find out more about the players to watch and view their tee times here.
For more information, please visit ANWAgolf.com
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