Alice is happy to master Augusta
IF AUGUSTA National did garden parties, it would probably resemble the historic and rather lovely scene that unfolded yesterday as 30 of the world’s best amateurs became the first women to compete on America’s most famous course.
It might have been a world away from the vibrant atmosphere that will envelop the Masters this week, but the first Augusta National Women’s Amateur was a fitting accompaniment to the inaugural Augusta National Invitational, as the season’s first major was known when Bob Jones founded it in 1934.
An estimated 7,500 spectators were allowed in and, not surprisingly, the usual ratio of roughly 70:30 in favour of men was skewed the other way. A much younger audience, too, as many took this first chance to take in these cherished surroundings.
In terms of course set-up, about 1,000 yards was shaved off the monstrous length on view this week with the flags located in benevolent positions.
As for the golf, whatever else happens to Alice Hewson in the future, she can always look back upon this day when she became the first woman from England to play Augusta in competition. After two rounds at the nearby Champions Retreat last week, where the numbers were whittled down to 30, she began six shots off the pace.
When she started with a double bogey, it looked as if the experience might get the better of the 21 year-old from Hertfordshire, but she fought back so well she stood on the 18th tee at two under for the round, and in fourth place. Another double bogey followed, alas, but she didn’t lose perspective.
‘I still shot level par at Augusta, and that’s something to be proud about,’ she said. ‘It was just an awesome day, one I’ll always treasure.’
The UK’s other representative, Olivia Mehaffey from Northern Ireland, shot 77.
Down the stretch, world number one amateur Jennifer Kupcho and Mexico’s Maria Fassi separated themselves. All flat with three to play, a wonderful birdie two at the 16th effectively settled it in Kupcho’s favour, as she shot 67 to claim her place in history by four strokes.