Augusta bound: The women of Wake Forest

This year, Migliaccio is one of three Wake Forest players in the field of 72. The others are Rachel Kuehn and Carolina Chacarra. The Wake Forest women’s team, which started using Clippd at the beginning of the fall semester, is flying high with a program-record five tournament victories in the 2022/23 season.

While their sights are firmly set on winning the NCAA Championship at Greyhawk in May, the week in Georgia is a highlight of the year and one that generates huge excitement. As all three players reveal, an invitation to play in the ANWA feels like a reward for their play over the previous 12 months. 

After two rounds at nearby Champions Retreat, the top 30 players qualify for the final day on the hallowed grounds of Augusta National. Only a few shots will separate those who make the cut so realistically anyone can win going into the last 18 holes. 

We caught up with Emilia, Rachel and Carolina to talk about what makes the Augusta National Women’s Amateur so special, their insights on playing the world famous masterpiece created by Bobby Jones and Alister Mackenzie, and what parts of their games will need to at their sharpest in order to be successful in a fortnight’s time.

What does it mean to you to play in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur? 

Rachel Kuehn: It’s just such a special event because they invite the 72 best amateur players in the world, so to get to play in such an incredible field at such a really special and iconic venue, it’s just incredible. 

‍Emilia Migliaccio: It’s one of those tournaments where it doesn’t matter how many times you play, you’re so excited when you receive that invitation and you’re so grateful for it. It’s kind of like a reward tournament. You’re just really happy to be there and be amongst all the best players in the world. They treat us like movie stars. 

Carolina Chacarra: They do. You definitely feel like you are a top professional golfer when you go there. They’ll do anything to meet your needs. The facilities are incredible, but everyone’s just willing to help you. It just feels really, really nice.

“Playing in ANWA is like a gift for all the hard work we put in throughout the year” – Carolina Chacarra

‍Emilia Migliaccio: It’s just an incredible tournament to be a part of. I’ve been counting down the days since I’ve gotten my invite. 

Carolina Chacarra: Playing in ANWA is like a gift for all the hard work we put in throughout the year. It’s a very special place with a lot of history and it’s…