March 2021 Ohio Golf Journal

International Field Set for Return of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur By Fred Altvater T he first edition of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, in 2019, was one of the most significant golf events ever held. It highlighted the best and brightest women amateur golfers from around the world. The 2020 tournament was a casualty of COVID, but the 2021 invitations have been sent and the field is set for the second edition of this landmark event. The 54-hole tournament will kick off with the first two rounds being held at Champions Retreat Golf Course, Wednesday, March 31st and Thursday, April 1st. All 85 players will play a practice round on Augusta National, Friday with the top 30 players, after the first 36 holes, returning to Augusta National for the championship round on Saturday. In 2019, we saw a wonderful battle on the final day between Jennifer Kupcho and Maria Fassi. Kupcho fell behind Fassi on the front nine, as she was suffering with a migraine. Feeling better later in the round, Kupcho battled back with an eagle at No. 15 and a birdie at the 16th to jump ahead of Fassi for good. This year the international field will feature players from Austria, New Zealand, Taipei, Paraguay, Denmark, Italy, Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia, Belgium, Spain, China, France, Ireland, Finland, Sweden, Argentina, England. It is sad that once again this event is being held opposite the LPGA’s first major of 2021, the ANA Inspiration. It does, however, give women’s golf the main stage on television and in the sports media for the week. Women’s golf has come a ‘Long Way Baby,’ not only on the LPGA, but for Women’s amateur golf, as well.