Who Has Won The Augusta National Women’s Amateur?
The Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA) has quickly become one of the most prestigious events in women’s golf since its inception in 2019. This groundbreaking tournament, held annually at the iconic Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, and the nearby Champions Retreat Golf Club in Evans, has provided a platform for the world’s top female amateur golfers to showcase their skills on a global stage.
The 54-hole stroke play event is split between the two venues, with the opening rounds contested at Champions Retreat before the field is cut to the top 30 players and ties for a final round at Augusta National. The winner of the tournament receives invitations to the next five ANWAs (assuming they remain an amateur), as well as to that year’s U.S. Women’s Open and Women’s British Open, among other prestigious events.
The establishment of the ANWA marked a significant milestone for Augusta National, which had long been criticized for its exclusionary membership policies. In 2012, the club admitted its first female members, Condoleezza Rice and Darla Moore, paving the way for a more inclusive future. The announcement of the ANWA in 2018 by new chairman Fred Ridley further demonstrated the club’s commitment to promoting and supporting women’s golf.
Despite initial concerns about the event’s potential conflict with the LPGA Tour’s first major, the ANA Inspiration (now known as The Chevron Championship), the ANWA has quickly established itself as a premier event in the women’s golfing calendar. The tournament has showcased the immense talent and competitive spirit of the world’s best female amateur golfers, with thrilling finishes and record-breaking performances capturing the attention of golf enthusiasts worldwide.
As the ANWA continues to grow and evolve, it is poised to play an increasingly important role in the development and promotion of women’s golf, inspiring a new generation of female golfers and further breaking down barriers in the sport.
With the 2024 edition wrapping up, let’s take a look back at the first four winners of the event.
2019 – Jennifer Kupcho
In a historic moment for women’s golf, Jennifer Kupcho, the world’s top-ranked amateur in 2019, emerged victorious at the inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
Kupcho’s exceptional performance in the final round saw her play the last six holes in an impressive 5-under par, highlighted by an eagle on the par-5 13th. Her round of 5-under par 67, the lowest of the championship, propelled her to a four-stroke victory over Mexico’s Maria Fassi, who finished at 10-under par, 206.
Kupcho’s triumph not only solidified her status as a rising star in the sport but also marked a significant milestone as she became the first champion of this groundbreaking event, which showcased the talent and dedication of female golfers on one of the most iconic courses in the world.
2021 – Tsubasa Kajitani
In a thrilling conclusion to the 2021 Augusta National Women’s Amateur, 17-year-old Tsubasa Kajitani emerged victorious after a intense one-hole playoff against Wake Forest’s Emilia Migliaccio.
Kajitani secured her win with a par, finishing the tournament at 1-over par, 217.
The young Japanese golfer’s triumph was not only a personal achievement but also a historic moment for the sport, as she became the first international champion of the ANWA and the first winner from Japan in any tournament held at the prestigious Augusta National Golf Club.
Kajitani’s success at such a young age highlighted the growing talent and global reach of women’s golf, as well as the significance of the ANWA in providing a platform for these rising stars to showcase their skills on one of the world’s most renowned courses.
2022 – Anna Davis
In a stunning display of skill and composure, 16-year-old high school sophomore Anna Davis from Spring Valley, California, staged a remarkable comeback to win the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
Entering the final round trailing by two strokes, Davis showcased her talent and determination by firing a 3-under par round, securing her victory and etching her name in the tournament’s history books.
Her triumph not only highlighted her immense potential but also made her the youngest champion in the event’s short but prestigious history.
Davis’ achievement served as an inspiration to aspiring young golfers worldwide, demonstrating that age is no barrier to success when passion, dedication, and skill are combined.
As she continues to develop her game, the golfing world will undoubtedly keep a close eye on this rising star, eagerly anticipating the many accomplishments that surely lie ahead in her promising career.
2023 – Rose Zhang
Rose Zhang, the world’s top-ranked amateur golfer for an impressive two and a half years, emerged victorious at the 2023 Augusta National Women’s Amateur after a thrilling two-hole playoff against Jenny Bae.
Zhang’s unwavering dedication to her craft and consistent performance at the highest level of amateur golf culminated in this momentous win at one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world.
The playoff showcased Zhang’s mental fortitude and ability to perform under pressure, as she outdueled her worthy opponent to claim the coveted title.
This victory not only solidified Zhang’s status as a dominant force in amateur golf but also served as a testament to her immense potential as she transitioned to the professional ranks.
As the golfing world eagerly anticipates her future accomplishments, Rose Zhang’s triumph at the ANWA will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment in her already impressive career.
This content was created with the help of AI, but has been edited and improved by an editor.
