Taking Stock of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur

During his annual press conference at the 2018 Masters Tournament, chairman Fred Ridley announced the creation of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. With a few sentences, Augusta National flipped the world of women’s golf on its head. Seven years later as the ANWA begins its sixth edition, the tournament has firmly established itself as one of the top three events in the amateur and professional ranks.

Chairman Ridley stated that the goal of the ANWA was to help increase interest in the women’s game and inspire young girls to start playing. As soon as news broke of the announcement, that goal was checked off the list. It was the talk of the sports world and immediately became a top priority for every elite female amateur. That’s the power of Augusta National. The following year when the inaugural ANWA tournament began, the event reached new heights.

As Jennifer Kupcho and Maria Fassi dueled down the back nine on that Saturday afternoon in 2019, it was obvious to anyone tuning in that this experiment was a smashing success. Kupcho and Fassi recreated what golf fans see play out every year at the Masters. Six years later, Kupcho’s eagle at the par-5 13th is still the lasting image of the event. Per Sports Business Journal, a whopping 1.194 million viewers watched the final round. The only women’s major over the last three years to draw in more eyes for a final round was the 2023 U.S Women’s Open at Pebble Beach.

Kupcho and Fassi both turned pro shortly after the ANWA. Three years later, when Kupcho won her first major at the 2022 Chevron Championship, Augusta National had even more evidence that the ANWA was acting as a career springboard for the best amateurs in the world. Fassi is still reaping the benefits of that Saturday in 2019. With plenty of partnerships and brand deals despite limited success, Fassi’s most recent sponsor’s exemption was last week’s Ford Championship. Finishing runner-up at Augusta National takes you places.

The ANWA hasn’t quite reached the viewership numbers from 2019, but it usually clocks in just under the highest viewed events in women’s professional golf each year, the majors. Viewership numbers aren’t the end-all and be-all in determining success. They are attractive to businesses and brands, however. Take a look at some of the top players at the ANWA this week, and you’ll see as many logos on their hats, shirts, and bags as the best LPGA players. After all, an attractive three-hour window on NBC Saturday afternoon is a rarity for women’s golf.

So here we are seven years removed from Chairman Ridley’s announcement. The ANWA’s place in women’s golf has been cemented. Even the toughest grader would have to give it top marks. Perhaps the most surprising development in the ANWA’s tenure is the lack of development. The unique (that’s the kind word for it) format is still the same, forcing players to take a day off from competing for a mid-tournament practice round. Rumors of moving the first two rounds from Champions Retreat haven’t come to pass. Despite those two weaknesses, you can’t argue that women’s golf isn’t better for the ANWA entering the fold.

Those who hoped future developments would include expansion or a pro event at some point had those dreams dashed last year as Ridley confirmed that there are no plans for a full professional event as it introduces a myriad of logistical problems. Kupcho’s eagle at 13 won’t be replicated by Nelly Korda. Lottie Woad’s birdie-birdie finish en route to the title last year won’t be copied by Lydia Ko. The ANWA we’ll watch play out over the next few days most likely won’t be changing much under the remainder of Ridley’s tenure. The tournament tidily checks the boxes of providing a stage for the women and honoring the club’s long-time commitment to amateurs.

Women’s golf took a giant step forward seven years ago. The announcement and current state of the event would thrill and probably shock most female golfers from generations ago. Augusta National’s spotlight may only be on the women’s game for one day each year, but that one day matters.

This piece originally appeared in the Fried Egg Golf newsletter. Subscribe for free and receive golf news and insight every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.