The Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA) is back, along with last year’s champion, Lottie Woad. This marks the sixth year of the tournament, which brings together the top female amateur golfers worldwide, all aiming to make their mark down Magnolia Lane. As we anticipate the competition beginning this Wednesday, it’s interesting to reflect on how this event, now a key part of women’s golf, was initially met with skepticism even by some of its staunch supporters.
One notable skeptic was journalist Amanda Balionis. When Augusta National first announced the establishment of ANWA, Balionis, like many others, expected it would take years for the tournament to gain real significance. However, she has since realized how wrong she was about this timeframe.
During a recent guest appearance on the Under the Umbrella YouTube series hosted by Kira K. Dixon, Balionis shared her experiences covering the event and how it has exceeded her initial expectations. “Covering the Augusta National Women’s Amateur has been one of the joys of my life,” she confessed.
Her early reservations were not about the players’ talent – she recognized their skill. Instead, her doubts stemmed from the slow pace of change in golf as a sport. She believed it would take time for ANWA to garner the recognition it deserved. Balionis recalled thinking, “This is amazing, and I can’t wait for it to make an impact in five or six years down the road.”
A Transformative Moment
The tournament’s inaugural event in 2019 drastically changed Balionis’ perspective. The final round featured an intense matchup between Jennifer Kupcho and Maria Fassi, showcasing not only their talent but also incredible sportsmanship. “What those two did on that final stretch was not only skill-wise incredible, but the way they supported each other was significant,” Balionis reflected.
It was more than just their performance; it was about their demeanor and respect for one another. Balionis noted iconic images of the two walking side by side, celebrating each other’s successes while fully aware of the significance of the moment. The golf world took notice, resulting in soaring ratings and enthusiastic discussions long after the tournament concluded. ANWA quickly evolved into a flagship event in amateur golf.
Fast forward to last year, and ANWA continued to raise the bar. Lottie Woad secured her title with an impressive finish, birdieing three of her last four holes, a sign of the tournament’s growth. Balionis remarked on how Woad, now ranked world number one, outperformed even the remarkable first-year performance by Kupcho.
Today, there is no longer any debate about ANWA’s place in the golfing landscape; it has firmly established its presence. Balionis added, “When you think about it, you find yourself wondering, what Masters was that? I would love to see that.” From her initial skepticism to her role as a fervent supporter, Balionis has witnessed ANWA challenge expectations. As the sixth edition unfolds, one thing is clear: ANWA is no longer just a promising event; it has become a premier platform for women’s amateur golf, and it continues to grow.
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