The Augusta National Women`s Amateur tournament is back for its sixth year, bringing together defending champions, experienced players, and promising young talents to compete at the legendary Augusta National and Champions Retreat Golf Club.
Here are six remarkable players to keep an eye on as the competition unfolds, starting at Champions Retreat Golf Club on Wednesday and Thursday, and culminating with the final round at Augusta National on Saturday.
Lottie Woad
Lottie Woad`s victory at last year`s ANWA was nothing short of spectacular, marked by birdies on three of her final four holes to secure a one-stroke win over Bailey Shoemaker. This triumph propelled her to the top of the world amateur rankings in 2024. Since then, she has consistently performed at a high level, achieving numerous top-5 and top-3 finishes, showcasing her remarkable consistency.
Woad expressed that her ANWA victory significantly boosted her confidence, reinforcing her belief in her ability to compete from behind. Her success has also brought her closer to potentially earning LPGA status through the LEAP program, further motivating her performance.
Despite the tournament`s history of not having repeat winners, Woad`s consistent performance and experience make her a strong favorite to potentially break this trend.
Bailey Shoemaker
Bailey Shoemaker came very close to winning last year`s ANWA, with an impressive final round. Although she hasn`t achieved a tournament win since then and is currently ranked 45th in the world amateur rankings, her underlying game is showing strong signs of improvement.
Her coach, Justin Silverstein, highlights her exceptional ball-striking and putting performance in practice, suggesting that a breakthrough tournament could be imminent for Shoemaker.
Jasmine Koo
Jasmine Koo, Shoemaker`s teammate, is another player to watch closely. Currently ranked as the No. 1 junior player and No. 2 amateur globally, Koo has demonstrated exceptional form. Her consistent top finishes, including a notable performance at a major professional event, the LPGA Chevron Championship, underscore her talent and potential.
Asterisk Talley
Asterisk Talley impressed at last year`s ANWA, finishing in the top 10 at just 15 years old. Since then, she has continued to shine, securing victories and high finishes in major amateur events, including sharing low amateur honors at the U.S. Women`s Open. Her current world amateur ranking is 14th, solidifying her status as a rising star 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 titles last year, a rare feat. Her victories included wins over Asterisk Talley in both events, demonstrating her competitive edge.
Committing to Duke University in 2025, the world No. 4 ranked player is aiming for a stronger performance at this year`s ANWA after missing the cut in her debut last year. Her recent form suggests she is well-prepared for a successful tournament in Augusta.
Mirabel Ting
Mirabel Ting has been exceptionally successful since the last ANWA, winning more tournaments than any other player. Her six victories in the past year have propelled her to the No. 3 world amateur ranking and the top spot in NCAA Division I rankings.
Despite one outlier result, Ting`s recent form, including consecutive wins leading up to Augusta, makes her a strong contender and possibly the player with the most momentum entering the tournament.