Northwestern Golfers Invited to Augusta National Women’s Amateur
Lauryn Nguyen and Elise Lee to Represent Wildcats
EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern is going to be well-represented at the 6th Annual Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship.
Lauryn Nguyen and Elise Lee are set to make the trip to Georgia along with NU commit Arianna Lau.
Nguyen’s Return to Augusta
The Wildcat senior is returning to Augusta after becoming the fourth player in program history to get the invite in 2024.
“It never gets old. Honestly, the biggest thing for me is being able to take the time to soak it in. I feel like that’s such a huge part and people forget about it.”
Lee’s First Time at Augusta
While Nguyen gets ready for her second shot, Lee is preparing for her first foray into the prestigious event.
“It’s funny. At first, I thought I wasn’t going this year,” laughed Lee. “The start was a little shaky at first, so I didn’t have hopes for going this year. But, I was told from my coach and Lauryn that I have a good chance of going. I got the email and I got really excited. It’s been a longtime goal of mine. I’m so glad I’ll be able to go.”
Qualifying for the Event
In order to qualify, Nguyen and Lee had to be in the top 50 players from the World Amateur Golf Ranking.
Lessons Learned from Last Year
Nguyen learned some valuable lessons about the course last year that she plans on sharing with her teammate.
“Just playing really smart. Being able to miss on the right side. Giving the credit to the speed of the greens. It’s going to be fast greens. If you miss them on the wrong side of the hole with the wind, it’s going to be really hard.”
Nervous Energy
But both are certainly prepared for the nervous energy that comes with competing at Augusta.
“Being nervous means that I care,” Lee remarked. “I think having nerves is also part of why I love the game – overcoming these nerves. If I perform well, it means that I’ve proven myself.”
Family Support
This year’s field represents 18 different countries on five continents. Nguyen and Lee will have their family support systems front and center for the incredible opportunity.
“We’re able to bring three players guests. Those will be my parents and my coach. We also get to bring eight other people, so it’s a little family that I get to bring over, which is really, really fun.”
Competition Schedule
The first two rounds will take place at Champions Retreat Golf Club with the final round – for players who make the cut – moving to Augusta National on April 5th.
Conclusion
Nguyen and Lee’s invitation to the Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship is a testament to their hard work and dedication to the sport. With their family support systems in tow, they are ready to take on the challenge and make the most of this incredible opportunity.
FAQs
* How did Lauryn Nguyen and Elise Lee qualify for the Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship?
They qualified by being in the top 50 players from the World Amateur Golf Ranking.
* How many players from Northwestern are competing in the event?
Two players, Lauryn Nguyen and Elise Lee, are competing in the event, along with NU commit Arianna Lau.
* What is the format of the competition?
The first two rounds will take place at Champions Retreat Golf Club, with the final round moving to Augusta National on April 5th for players who make the cut.
* How many people can each player bring as their guest?
Each player can bring three players guests, as well as eight other people, for a total of 11 people.
