AUGUSTA | At 16, dressed like Arnold Palmer in her wide-brimmed hat and jacket, Anna Davis got her hands on the Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship trophy today.
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Against all expectations, strolling on the mythical course of Georgia, the young Californian was suddenly ahead of all her fierce opponents.
Still in high school, the 100th golfer in the world amateur ranking navigated brilliantly in a course she knew nothing about. She listened to her caddy’s advice and applied his game plan.
Thus, the one that has taken on the appearance of King made two birdies at the famous Amen Corner and took advantage of the fall of leader Latanna Stone at the very end of the course to savor his biggest victory. The left-hander adds her name to those of Mike Weir, Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson, who won at Augusta.
“To be honest, I don’t even know where to start, she deliciously launched at a press conference, after the presentation of the trophy. It’s surreal. I can’t believe I won. »
Nonexistent emotions
Above all, nothing should be taken away from him. Davis, comeneuse at the end of the first round, signed a final card of 69 (-3) on Augusta National. Only four golfers managed to break par today.
She never let herself be carried away by her emotions and nervousness, even though she was not used to playing in front of such a large crowd.
A mark of his striking maturity.
“I’ve always felt older than my age, because I always hang out with girls older than me in school and on the golf courses. In competition, I am always among the youngest. Golf is also a sport that allows you to gain more quickly in maturity”, pleaded the only golfer to have broken the par in the cumulative, at -1.
Even though Davis had earned her ticket to Augusta by winning the Junior Women’s PGA of America Championship last summer, her name was not on the radar as that championship dawned.
Today, she has become the youngest champion, entering the history of the club in her own way.
To think that with the exception of Tiger Woods’ two final putts right here in 2019, she had never watched the Masters before!
With this “cruel” honesty, we quickly went around his memories of the prestigious major tournament. Davis swore, however, that she would watch the edition take off in a few days.
Having won two junior tournaments in her career, this title will allow her to participate in the American Women’s Open in May. A good thing, because she was about to embark on the qualification process.
Stone crashes
Everything seemed to be rolling smoothly for point guard Latanna Stone, who was heading to victory with two holes to play and three shots up.
But, as anything can happen on the Augusta National, nothing was in the pocket. The representative of the Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers crashed while committing a terrible double bogey. Another erratic tee shot into the Pine Needles in the 18th and a poor approach to the pennant cost him a bogey as well as the title. She fell to second place, tied with Sweden’s Ingrid Lindblad.
“I’m heartbroken,” Stone, 20, said hoarsely as she fought back tears after handing over her card.
“I could have settled for normal, but I put myself in bad positions trying to be aggressive. It’s the selection of a bad club, a stupid mistake, which caused all this. »
Coming out of the 16th green, it’s impossible not to stare at the huge tableau. So at -3, Stone obviously saw his name at the very top. She felt a pinch, and the nervousness immediately appeared.
Several big names in golf have been there since 1934. From Nicklaus to Spieth, via Norman and company, many stars have had their share of nightmares on the National. They had some dreamy moments too.
Despite her pain and disappointment, she will cherish this unforgettable experience all her life. “Hearing his name chanted by the crowd, the encouragement, my membership in LSU, it was magical. »
The 41e The amateur golfer could be back in Augusta next year, where she will play her last college season in Louisiana.
Augusta express
It’s the return to normality this spring at Augusta. The small town of 200,000 inhabitants located on the eastern edge of Georgia once again vibrates to the rhythm of the Masters. Sanitary restrictions are lifted. The “bosses” are once again welcomed with open arms. There are wide smiles everywhere. Since Friday, we feel this effervescence which was missing for two years. Visitors began to swarm the city. Restaurants and bars are full. The final round of the Women’s Amateur Championship drew thousands of spectators. Although the ANGC does not reveal any figures, an increase in traffic has been observed. For those who dream of getting tickets, visiting the legendary club on Washington Road and strolling its fairways without the crush of the Masters, the women’s final round is the perfect time. And the huge shop is open!
Photo François-David Rouleau
A ticket resale kiosk on Washington Road.
The hundreds of ticket resale kiosks are back all along Washington Road. After two editions disputed behind closed doors, the “badges” are as sought after as diamonds. Once found, they fly away like hot cakes. Ticket prices vary depending on the day of entry, explained to me Magellan (fictitious name, at his request), a retailer interviewed this evening. Thus, for the practice rounds on Monday and Tuesday, you have to pay in US dollars about $450 per unit. For Wednesday marked by the traditional par 3 contest, it costs $1,100 on the resale market. And for the competition rounds, the sums reach more than $2,000.
The big question circulating in Augusta as well as across America and the world: Tiger Woods will he officially return to the game this week on his favorite playground where he won five green jackets? Nothing is excluded, but it is desired. Technically, the Tiger can withdraw until the start of the tournament. His slightest actions and gestures as well as the slightest movement of his personal jet will be closely watched in the coming hours.
