Inspiring the next generation: Q&A with Megha Ganne ahead of 2023 Augusta National Women’s Amateur

Megha Ganne knows what it’s like to perform on the national stage, balancing the pressure and the excitement while under the watchful eyes of a large audience.

Before beginning her collegiate golf career at Stanford, she competed for four consecutive years as a Drive, Chip and Putt finalist—an impressive streak that occurred at the iconic layout where the final round of 2023 Augusta National Women’s Amateur will take place.

In addition, she’s played alongside the best professionals in the game, creating a buzz at the 2021 U.S. Women’s Open when she was only 17, a tournament where she would finish as the low amateur and tied for 14th overall.

Simply put, when it comes to the spotlight, Ganne steps to the front and welcomes the chance to achieve her dreams.

To only mention her resume on the course, however, doesn’t truly capture the talented 19-year-old’s journey. She also understands what it’s like to face obstacles along the way, having encountered plenty of the same questions  the younger generations have found during their time both on and off the course.

That commonality makes Ganne an ideal fit for the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and its presenting partner Bank of America, with both striving to grow the game and ultimately inspire a diverse range of young girls who dream of greatness—in all aspects of life.

Ahead of her third appearance at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, let’s get to know this rising star a little better.

Who inspired you to keep practicing and working to get better at golf?

Megha: I think my main source of inspiration has always been my parents. Ever since I was little, they have always made me strive for excellence whether it was in school, at activities, being a better sister or being a golfer

What keeps you going – even on those days when you don’t have your “A-game?”  

Megha: As a competitor, if you can find the love for the challenge, fight until the end, and put up a good score when you have your B or C game, it’s really rewarding and it’s what separates the best players from the mediocre ones. 

How do you put a bad shot/hole behind you? 

Megha: After a bad shot or hole, I try to not think too much about what happened and more just what I can quickly learn on the fly, while moving on to the next hole. I just…