As the Augusta National Women’s Amateur kicks off this Wednesday at Champions Retreat, the anticipation is palpable. With stars like Lottie Woad, Anna Davis, and Tsubasa Kajitani returning to the field, and the formidable Stanford women’s golf team boasting six players, all eyes are on potential history-makers. Among them, Megha Ganne, participating in her fifth ANWA, is generating buzz. So, what’s stealing the spotlight in the pre-tourney chatter?
Alan Bastable, our executive editor, is rooting for fellow New Jersey native, Ganne, but admits Rianne Malixi has him intrigued. After her stellar wins last summer in both the U.S. Girls’ Junior Amateur and U.S. Women’s Am, a victory at the ANWA could well mean the birth of the “Malixi Slam.”
Senior writer Sean Zak has his sights set on Lottie Woad. He’s curious to see if she can defend her title — a feat yet to be achieved in this tournament. Woad’s impressive 10th-place finish at the Women’s Open in St. Andrews last summer certainly amps up expectations.
Meanwhile, James Colgan, news and features editor, is eager to catch up with Rachel Heck. Once a bright prospect in women’s golf, Heck made a surprising switch to private equity analysis and Air Force training. James is keen to see how that transition has shaped her game.
Switching gears to the burgeoning TGL, backed by powerhouses Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, the league wrapped its debut season with Atlanta Drive GC triumphing over New York GC. The response from fans has been largely positive, but there’s always room for improvement.
Alan Bastable suggests leveraging technology better. He pointed out that several awkward moments with bewildered pros could have been avoided. Having fans or mascots, like a Boston Common bullfrog, could also inject more life into the scene.
Sean Zak and James Colgan agree that star power could further elevate the league. They are advocating for big names like Scottie Scheffler and Jordan Spieth to join. As the league finds its rhythm, ensuring engaging and dynamic performances will be key.
As LIV Golf heads to Miami for its first U.S. event of the season, the focus is naturally on the Masters the following week. Who among the LIV players has the chops to secure the coveted green jacket?
Alan Bastable is betting on Bryson, given his recent form, but also eyes Joaquin Niemann, who is steadily improving at the Masters. Joaquin’s track record — from T40 in 2021 to T22 in 2024 — hints at a possible breakthrough.
Zak leans towards Jon Rahm, with Brooks Koepka and Cam Smith also in contention. While Bryson has shown flashes of brilliance at Augusta, it’s Rahm’s consistency that makes Zak confident in his potential to win.
When it comes to the Masters showdown between Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler, opinions are split. Bastable admits his heart is with Rory, but his pragmatic side leans towards Scottie. Zak believes that the often unpredictable nature of Rory’s game gives the edge to Scottie. Colgan poses an interesting thought experiment, asking which outcome would be more surprising: Scottie’s third win or Rory’s first? It’s an enigma with no clear victor in sight.
Finally, Bubba Watson’s assertion comparing Scottie Scheffler’s 2024 season to Tiger Woods’ legendary year in 2000 was bound to stir debate. Bastable remains loyal to Tiger, citing his dominant wins and exceptional strokes gained. Zak finds Bubba’s claim eyebrow-raising, while Colgan humorously points out the evolution of competition since Tiger’s heyday.
With the passing of Dave Pelz, his legacy is affectionately remembered. Bastable appreciates Pelz’s innovative contributions, whether through equipment or technique, especially his early advocacy to leave the flag in when putting. Zak fondly recalls Phil Mickelson’s respect for Pelz’s influence on his game. Colgan nods to Pelz’s excellent mentorship, noting his students’ impressive number of major victories.
As we reflect on these stories, it’s clear the world of golf is brimming with narratives old and new, each adding another layer of excitement and intrigue to the game we love.
