• Loading stock data...
Friday, April 25, 2025

Golf’s Newest Tradition Offers Early Peek at Augusta National

  • The fifth Augusta National Women’s Amateur is this week.
  • Saturday’s final round is played at the home of the Masters.
The Augusta Chronicle

The Masters doesn’t begin until next Thursday, but the most famous course in American golf is already getting prepped for its annual spotlight this weekend thanks to a new tradition unlike any other.

On Wednesday, the fifth Augusta National Women’s Amateur tees off, ironically not at Augusta National. The 54-hole tournament featuring 72 of the best female golfers yet to turn professional plays its first two rounds at Champions Retreat Golf Club in Augusta, Ga. 

After that, all players get a practice round at Augusta National on Friday before the top 30 and ties that made the cut compete in the final round at the home of the Masters. That gives Augusta National a chance to extend its grip on the golf world to 10 days, from the first ANWA practice round to the final round of the Masters, while not putting too much extra stress on maintaining the course’s pristine nature. Tickets for the ANWA have annually sold out just as fast as they do for the Masters, and they are going for no cheaper than $500 on secondary marketplaces. The amateur tournament features most of the same concessions and merchandise options for fans on-site.

Going for the Green

Since debuting in 2019 (canceled in ’20), the amateur event has been a launchpad for champions like Rose Zhang (’23) and Jennifer Kupcho (’19), who have both gone on to win on the LPGA tour and have racked up a combined $5.7 million in career earnings. But the unique tournament features an array of talent, like ’22 winner Anna Davis (above), who captured her title at just 16 years old, and is back in this year’s field as she competes collegiately at Auburn.

The ANWA is also a chance for NBC to broadcast live action at Augusta National, as the tournament’s final round plays out on the network. NBCUniversal’s Golf Channel gets access to Augusta National during the Masters, but all live play is shown by CBS and ESPN. Last year’s final round was delayed until Sunday due to rain, drawing an audience of 747,000, down from 859,000 in 2022 during its regular Saturday slot.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Ole Miss

Coach Yo: Women’s College Hoops Are ‘Pay for Play’

Ole Miss coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin built a top transfer class this offseason.
NC State women's cross country

Judge Threatens to Reject $2.8 Billion House v. NCAA Settlement

The NCAA and power conferences could end up at trial.
Vancouver

PWHL Picks Vancouver for First Expansion Team

More than 19,000 fans attended a game in Vancouver in January.
Flau'jae Johnson
exclusive

Flau’jae Johnson Says She Will Return to LSU

The transfer portal closed Wednesday.

Featured Today

Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) reacts after a three point basket against the Houston Cougars during the first half in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome.

Cooper Flagg’s Timing Is Perfect for the NBA and USA Basketball

The projected No. 1 pick just declared for the draft.
Apr 14, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Paige Bueckers is interviewed by ESPN after being selected with the number one overall pick to the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards
April 21, 2025

ESPN’s WNBA Coverage Mirrors the League’s Stunning Growth

“I don’t think we stand still in our coverage of women’s sports,” says Rowe.
Mar 16, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) celebrates with guard Isaiah Joe (11) after score in the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum.
April 20, 2025

Unorthodox OKC: The Thunder Redefined Tanking to Become NBA’s Best

A rebuild years in the making has OKC in the driver’s seat.
Mar 13, 2020; Augusta, GA, USA; The front entrance at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Ga., Friday morning. The Masters Tournament has been postponed due to coronavirus concerns.
opinion
April 20, 2025

What’s It Like to Play Augusta? A Day on the World’s Most..

Inside a round at the most exclusive club in the world.
MLB Speedway Classic rendering

Baseball Meets Bristol: Braves-Reds Game Aims for Record Crowd

Playing an MLB game inside a racetrack brings unique challenges.
USL
April 23, 2025

USL Super League Sells Its Name in Push for Soccer Relevance

The deal was for seven figures.
April 24, 2025

Fewer NFL Draft Prospects Will Be in Green Bay. Here’s Why

There will be 15 NFL Draft prospects in Green Bay.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

This week, Two-time Super Bowl Champion and CBS NFL analyst Logan Ryan joins us to talk the business of sports on our third installment of Portfolio Players.
April 23, 2025

NHL’s U.S. Playoff TV Ratings Down 27% in Early Games

This season’s numbers were down 12% compared to the 2023–2024 season.
April 23, 2025

Green Bay Gears Up for One of the Most Distinct NFL Drafts..

Around 250,000 fans are expected to attend this year’s draft.
April 22, 2025

NFL Draft Hosts: D.C., Denver, Buffalo Among Future Contenders

Pittsburgh will host in 2026, but 2027 and beyond is to be determined.
April 22, 2025

Masters Champ McIlroy Set to Draw Big Crowds (Again) at Zurich Classic

The Zurich Classic is expecting to break its attendance record.