Anna Davis takes the title in Augusta National Women’s Amateur
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW / WAGT) – California 16-year-old Anna Davis won the Augusta National Women’s Amateur during her tournament debut.
She was among 30 of the world’s best amateur female golfers who spent Saturday facing victory at Augusta National Golf Club in a final round that followed earlier at Champions Retreat in Columbia County.
Back-to-back birdies at 12 and 13 on Saturday got her to three under par 69 for the final round and one under par 215 for the tournament.
She was invited to the tournament by winning the Girls Junior PGA Championship. Golf has been an almost lifelong passion for her, starting at the age of 5 and making two holes in one six weeks apart when she was 11 years old.
PHOTO GALLERY | 16-YEAR-OLD’S JOURNEY TO THE LAST ROUND:
During a post-victory press conference, Davis said she was “still a little shocked” and did not know what to say about the win.
“I do not think it is processed than that I won here,” she said. “It’s pretty unreal. … I can not even understand what just happened.”
Despite her shock, she was calm and calm both on the course and at the press conference.
And that’s part of her strategy.
“I try to keep my feelings kind to myself on the golf course,” she said in response to a reporter’s question. “I think showing emotion on the golf course – showing anger, sadness – it gives the other player an advantage when they see it.”
Just behind Davis with 216 for the tournament were two Louisiana State University prominent: Ingrid Lindblad from Sweden and Latanna Stone from the USA.
Lindblad’s Augusta National Women’s Amateur Performance was her second. She made two eagles last Saturday and finished the round with 68, four under par.
She said just playing Augusta National was a memorable and impressive experience.
“It’s just a great week,” she said, adding that she was “super happy to be here.”
“When I came out here, I was just amazed at what this place looks like. You only see it on TV and you do not really understand what the course looks like and what is around it,” she said.
“People who are not even golfers, they know this place, so it’s a little cool that you can say you’ve played here,” she said.
Jensen Castle from West Columbia, SC, was one in a handful of players with ties to the two-state region.
After finishing on Saturday, she said it was “super special” that her friends and family could make the relatively short drive to see her play.
She was happy to play Augusta National.
“The golf course is such a prestigious golf course … it’s just special to be out here,” she said.
Although it was her first time in the tournament, it was not the first time she played Augusta National.
A member took her out in December, so she could get a feel for the course.
“I mean, it’s amazing. Super clean, really hilly, actually. … It’s a great golf course,” she said.
Also delighted to be there was Alexa Pano, a 17-year-old Triple Drive, Chip & Putt national finalist and two-time national champion who made her third appearance in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
“It definitely did not disappoint anyone,” she said on Saturday after quitting. “I’ve been lucky enough to see it from the outside of the ropes, which is something I think everyone should be able to experience, but playing inside the ropes was completely unreal. Even after a bad blow, I just enjoyed myself out there, to watch around this beautiful golf course and where I am … it was just – could not have been better. “
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