The Augusta National Women`s Amateur tournament is back for its sixth year, bringing together defending champions, seasoned participants, and rising stars to compete at the prestigious Augusta National and Champions Retreat Golf Club.
Here are six players to watch as the competition begins at Champions Retreat Golf Club on Wednesday and Thursday, culminating in the final round at Augusta National on Saturday.
Lottie Woad
Lottie Woad`s victory at last year`s ANWA was a dramatic one, marked by birdies on three of her final four holes to win by a single stroke over Bailey Shoemaker. This win propelled her to the top of the world amateur rankings in 2024. Since then, she has consistently performed well, achieving numerous top-5 and top-3 finishes, demonstrating remarkable consistency.
Woad mentioned that her ANWA victory boosted her confidence, proving her resilience and setting a positive tone for the rest of the year. She is also part of the LPGA`s LEAP program, and another ANWA win could significantly advance her towards earning an LPGA Tour card, a long-held dream for her.
Despite the event`s history of no repeat winners, Woad`s consistent performance and experience make her a strong contender to break this trend.
Bailey Shoemaker
Bailey Shoemaker nearly secured an ANWA victory last year with an impressive final round, but Woad`s strong finish kept her at bay. While Shoemaker is currently ranked 45th in the world amateur rankings and is still seeking an event win, her coach Justin Silverstein is optimistic. He notes her exceptional ball-striking and Tour-level putting in practice, suggesting a breakthrough is imminent.
Jasmine Koo
Another USC teammate to watch is Jasmine Koo. Koo, a freshman, holds the No. 1 position in the AJGA rankings and No. 2 in the world amateur rankings. Since last year`s ANWA, where she finished fourth, Koo has consistently achieved high finishes, including four wins and a notable 13th place finish at the LPGA Chevron Championship as one of the few amateurs to make the cut.
Asterisk Talley
Asterisk Talley emerged as a surprise contender at last year`s ANWA, finishing tied for eighth at just 15 years old. Since then, she has demonstrated star potential by winning the Annika Invitational and achieving high finishes in other major amateur events, including tying for low amateur honors at the U.S. Women`s Open. Currently ranked No. 14 globally, Talley continues to impress at only 16 years old.
Rianne Malixi
Rianne Malixi, from the Philippines, distinguished herself by winning both the U.S. Girls` Junior and U.S. Women`s Amateur last year, a rare feat. She defeated Talley in both events, showcasing her dominance. The 18-year-old Duke commit, ranked No. 4 in the world, is expected to perform strongly at this year`s ANWA after missing the cut in her first appearance last year. Her recent performances suggest she is well-prepared for Augusta.
Mirabel Ting
Mirabel Ting has been exceptionally successful since the last ANWA, winning more events than any other player. Ranked No. 3 in the world, the Florida State player has won six times in the past year and is currently the top-ranked player in NCAA Division I. Despite a less successful NCAA Championship, Ting has won her last two events, making a strong case that she is in top form heading into Augusta.
