Avani Prashanth in action during the final round of ANWA at Augusta National
If further evidence was needed of Avani Prashanth’s enormous potential, the 15-year-old from Bengaluru provided it by finishing tied for 21st in the prestigious Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA). In doing so Prashanth became the first Indian female golfer to be invited to play a competitive round at the venerated Augusta National, home of The Masters.
Competing against a strong field of 72 players that included several of the top-ranked women amateurs in the world, Prashanth shot 76-73 (+5) in the opening two rounds played at Champions Retreat to make the cut, which was set at +6. Only the top 30 in the field progressed to play the final round at Augusta National.
Prashanth got off to a slow start in the final round, going out in three-over 39 but regrouped on the back nine. She birdied the par-3 12th, arguably the most famous par-3 in the world. A closing bogey on the 18th meant she came home in even par 36 for a final round score of 75 (+3).
Prashanth was one of the youngest competitors in the field but was able to go shot-for-shot with the best. Her outstanding performance in the 54-hole event will undoubtedly give her a huge boost of confidence as she returns to India for the Asia Pacific Team and Asian Games team trials.
The Augusta Women’s tournament was won by 16-year-old Anna Davis from California who shot one under par total for the 3 days. She is the youngest winner in the three editions played so far.
We will keep you updated on Avani and the other top young girls’ performances for the coming months.
Credits:-
Photo – Getty