Since the first playing of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur in 2019, Ava Merrill of Johns Creek has dreamed of testing her game against the world’s best on one of golf’s most iconic stages.
This week, the reigning Georgia Women’s Amateur champion finally gets her chance as she tees it up in the 7th Augusta National Women’s Amateur, which begins today. The 54-hole championship opens with two rounds at Champions Retreat Golf Club in Evans before the top 30 and ties advance to Saturday’s final round at Augusta National Golf Club.
“It was an incredible feeling because everything I’ve worked for in golf came together at once and was realized,” Merrill said of receiving the invitation. “It’s an honor to be invited. I’ve been working for a spot in this field for many years, and it’s really cool to see that hard work pay off.
“It’s the pinnacle of women’s amateur golf.”
For Merrill, representing her home state on the national stage and the history of amateur golf at Augusta National makes this week even more special.
“This is the best event for all of us in women’s amateur golf, but it means even more to me,” Merrill, a junior at Vanderbilt University, said. “Being born and raised in Georgia and growing up at Atlanta Athletic Club, home club of Bobby Jones, it just seems surreal that I get to be part of this championship at Augusta National.”
Merrill and her Vanderbilt teammates were afforded the opportunity to play Augusta National earlier this year.
“It actually exceeded expectations, if that’s possible,” Merrill said. “It’s absolutely impeccable. It was a sunny and warm day in February, which was lucky right there. I could rave about how pure the course is for a long time. I’m looking forward to putting on the greens again because they are so fast and pure, which makes them really fun.”
Ball striking and putting are two of Merrill’s focus points heading into the week.
“I’m going to need to hit my irons well,” Merrill said. “I’ve heard Champions Retreat has big greens, so I’ll spend extra time dialing in my pace with my putter. I think if [my coach] Jimmy [Harris] and I can make smart course management decisions and hit some solid golf shots; we will have a chance.
“If I make smart decisions, stay patient on the greens and take a little time to appreciate what an honor it is to play in this tournament, I will consider it a successful week.”
As she looks ahead to the championship, Merrill is excited to compete against a talented Augusta National Women’s Amateur field in front of family and friends and to take in the moment.
“I’m so thankful and honestly it is hard to put into words how much it means to me,” Merrill said. “How many golfers – men or women – get to play a championship at Augusta National?”
