Megha Ganne Sets Record Pace at Augusta National Women’s Amateur – Golf Australia Magazine – The Women’s Game

Ganne’s bogey-free opening round is the lowest round in Augusta National Women’s Amateur history. The round, which included seven birdies and an eagle at the par-5 3rd hole, bested a record set by former Stanford teammate Rose Zhang (65 in 2023).

Ganne, the No. 12 amateur in the world, started at No. 10 and had three birdies in her first four holes before making the turn at four-under. The 21-year-old tacked on three more birdies and an eagle across her second nine to reach nine-under and tie another record for most birdies or better in a round with eight. Ganne leads defending champion Lottie Woad by two strokes entering the second round of the 54-hole Championship.

“I think it was just a really good day. Great timing to have — this is my career low in a golf tournament, so I had a feeling I was going to go low today, but not this low. So I’m just trying to enjoy it,” Ganne said.

“I think it’s the most exciting week in amateur golf, men’s or women’s, period, in my opinion. I think everyone in golf knows about it.

“They might not know about certain other tournaments, but when this one’s happening, people tune in. It just draws so much attention in the best way, and these women carry themselves in such a great way.

“I’m really excited to see where the tournament goes although I don’t think it can get that much better than it is now,” she added.

Ganne is one of three players this week making their fifth appearance in the Championship. She has advanced to Saturday’s final round at Augusta National Golf Club in each of the last two years with a best finish of T-9 in 2023. She was previously a four-time Drive, Chip and Putt National Finalist at Augusta National Golf Club.