AUGUSTA, Ga. — The Augusta National Women’s Amateur concluded in dramatic fashion as 16-year-old Anna Davis shot 70-76-69 to become the youngest champion in the event’s history. Davis, a sophomore in high school, overcame a two-stroke deficit with her final round of three-under-par 69.
Over 54 holes, Davis finished with a one-under-par 215 total, outlasting the field by one stroke. At No. 100 in the World Amateur Golf Ramming, Davis had four birdies in her final round, including three birdies over a five-hole stretch on Nos. 9-13.
“I’m still a little shocked,” Davis said. “I don’t think it’s processed yet that I’ve won here. It’s pretty surreal, to be honest. I’m speechless.”
She worked her way around Augusta National Golf Club deliberately while tying the second-lowest score of the day.
On the biggest stage she’s played on, Davis held a share of the lead in the opening round at Champions Retreat. The stakes continued to get bigger as she took on the challenge of Augusta National Golf Club. She had birdies on Nos. 2 and 9 and walked in a four-footer on No. 12 after landing her 8-iron inches from the hole. Davis added another at No. 13, to capture a share of the lead.
“I think playing in a tournament like this and playing junior golf from such a young age, my main goal has always been to be the best in the world,” Davis said.
Co-leaders Beatrice Wallin and Latanna Stone faltered during their final rounds, opening the door for Davis to lock up the come-from-behind victory.
Stone started her day tied at the top at even par and led by two strokes with two to play after a birdie at 16, but a double-bogey at No. 17 and a bogey at the 18th dropped her behind Davis.
“It’s just heartbreaking,” said Stone, who was making her Augusta National Women’s Amateur debut. “I knew where I stood on No. 17 and I was just thinking to par out. I was trying to be aggressive and just lost it, I thought I could get it back on No. 18, but I had a lot going on in my head with where I was at.”
Louisiana State University classmates Stone and Ingrid Lindblad finished tied for second at even-par 216.
Lindblad, No. 2 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, was able to bounce back after five bogeys in the second round with a low final-round score of four-under-par 68. Her round included three birdies and two eagles. She saw two stretches where she followed birdies on Nos. 7 and 14 with eagles, on Nos. 8 and 16.
Amari Avery, Benedetto Moresco and Beatrice Wallin finished tied for fourth place.
Provided she remain an amateur, Davis will receive an invitation to the next five Augusta National Women’s Amateurs, the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open, the 2022 Women’s Open, and any USGA, R&A and PGA of America amateur championships for which she is eligible for one year.
About the Augusta National Women’s Amateur
First held in 2019, the Augusta National Women’s Amateur was created to make a lasting impact on the future of women’s golf by providing a platform to celebrate and showcase the world’s best amateurs.
The field features 72 of the leading women amateurs in the world competing over 54 holes of stroke play. The first 36 holes are contested over two days at Champions Retreat Golf Club. Following the 36-hole cut, the top 30 players compete in the final competitive round at Augusta National Golf Club the Saturday prior to the Masters Tournament.
Provided she remains an amateur, the Augusta National Women’s Amateur champion will receive an invitation to the next five Augusta National Women’s Amateurs, the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open, the 2022 Women’s Open, and any USGA, R&A and PGA of America amateur championships for which she is eligible for one year.
NBC Sports produced and broadcasted three hours of live final-round coverage of the event, which is supported by five presenting partners: AT&T, Bank of America, IBM, Mercedes-Benz and Rolex.
