AUGUSTA, Ga. – The drive down Magnolia Lane at the Augusta National Golf Club is enough to leave one speechless. The opportunity to play even a single round on Augusta’s famed greens and fairways is a mere dream for most golfers.
For Florida State’s Charlotte Heath, Amelia Williamson and Lottie Woad, they may be unable to speak if just momentarily, and their wildest golf dreams will come true as they play in the fifth Annual Augusta National Women’s Amateur beginning Wednesday. The three Seminoles are among the world’s top amateur players in the incredibly talented group of 72 who will vie to have their name etched on the champions silver trophy.
The first 36 holes of the ANWA will be contested over two days at Champions Retreat Golf Club (March 29-30). Following the 36-hole cut, the final competitive round will take place at Augusta National Golf Club on April 1.
“Playing at Augusta is like a Seminole football player running out of the tunnel at Doak Campbell Stadium, or a major league baseball player walking up to bat at Wrigley Field,” said Seminole assistant coach Robert Duck, who will caddy for Florida State’s Heath. “Walking where so many of the greats of the game have walked is special for any athlete. Watching a young lady achieve a special moment in their development is gratifying for any coach, being able to caddy and be part of that moment is even more special.”
Florida State’s nationally ranked program has been represented in each of the first four ANWA’s with a program-record three Seminoles playing this year. All-American Beatrice Wallin (2019, 2021, 2022) is the only player in the tournament’s history to earn three top-10 finishes (tied for fourth in 2022; tied for seventh in 2019, and tied for 10th in 2021) while All-American Amanda Doherty finished tied for 21st in her only appearance in 2019.
It has been the greatest of pleasures during her coaching career for Seminole Head Coach Amy Bond to watch her players compete in the ANWA.
“For women’s golf, the Augusta National Women’s Amateur is one of the best weeks of the year,” said Bond, the winningest coach in Florida State history. “The women have the opportunity to show off their skills on National TV, and to play the iconic course at Augusta National. This year we have three Seminoles who received invitations. I am so excited to get the chance to watch them.”
Bond has built one of the nation’s strongest…
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