AUGUSTA, Ga. – Fighting Illini women's golf junior standout Tristyn Nowlin has been invited to compete in the inaugural Augusta National Women's Amateur, April 3-6 in Augusta, Ga. The Richmond, Ky. native is one of just 72 golfers chosen to play at the prestigious event before the Masters Tournament.
"Receiving an invitation to the Augusta National Women's Amateur is representative of a remarkable amateur career, and so much more," said Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament. "We share in the excitement of the players, not only for what will unfold in April, but also for what their involvement will mean to increasing interest in the women's game."
Set the week before the Masters Tournament in April, the international field of the 72 top world women amateur players will compete over 54 holes of stroke play. A cut will take place after 36 holes, advancing the top 30 players to the final round at Augusta National Golf Club.
The first two rounds will take place on the Island and Bluff nines at Champions Retreat Golf Club Wednesday, April 3 and Thursday, April 4. The entire field will then play Augusta National for an official practice round Friday, April 5.
The final round will take place at Augusta National on Saturday, April 6 and will feature the competitors who made the cut. In the event of a tie after 54 holes, the winner will be decided by sudden-death playoff.
Provided she remain an amateur, the 2019 Augusta National Women's Amateur Champion will receive an invitation to the next five Augusta National Women's Amateurs, the 2019 U.S. Women's Open, the 2019 Women's British Open, and any USGA, R&A and PGA of America amateur championships for which she is eligible for one year.
The entire selection process for the field of 72 is detailed below. Nowlin qualified to receive the invitation by being ranked No. 78 in the final World Amateur Golf Ranking in 2018.
"We are extremely excited for Tristyn (Nowlin) to be invited to the very first Augusta National Women's Amateur," said head coach Renee Slone. "Her strong play in both national women's amateur and collegiate events has earned her a spot in this elite field. What a truly incredible experience this will be for her and her family."
Nowlin garnered many accolades during an impressive fall season, winning her first individual career title with a career-best 6-under par 210 at the 2018 Cardinal Cup. The junior's total ties her for the third lowest 54-hole tournament total in program history. She also posted 12 birdies, while playing 49 of 54 holes bogey-free during the tournament. Based off of her performance, Nowlin received her first conference weekly honor as Big Ten Golfer of the Week on October 24, 2018.
She helped contribute to the team's three wins during the fall season, which hasn't been done since 1975. In five tournaments, she shot par or better in 7 of 15 rounds and averaged 72.80 per round. Nowlin is also a WGCA All-American Scholar and two-time second team All-Big Ten selection, who is currently ranked 83rd in the World Amateur Golf Rankings.
"Our program is honored and proud to have Illinois women's golf represented in this premiere event," noted Slone. "We are very grateful to Augusta National for showcasing women's golf on this stage."
As announced in September, NBC Sports will produce and broadcast three hours (11 a.m. – 2 p.m. CT/Noon – 3 pm ET) of live final-round coverage of the event at Augusta National on April 6, 2019. Golf Channel will deliver on-site highlights, live reports and news coverage throughout the event.
Additionally, Golf Channel's "Live from the Masters" will commence on Friday, April 5 at Augusta National to provide coverage of the Augusta National Women's Amateur, the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals and the Masters Tournament.
Qualifications for Invitation
- Invitations will be provided to the winners of the following recognized events: U.S. Women's Amateur, Ladies' British Open Amateur Championship, Women's Amateur Asia-Pacific, U.S. Girls' Junior, Girls' British Open Amateur Championship, Girls Junior PGA Championship.
- Future champions of the Augusta National Women's Amateur Championship will also receive an invitation for the following five years.
- The top 30 players from the United States of America will be invited who are not otherwise qualified, based on the Women's World Amateur Golf Ranking at the end of the 2018 calendar year.
- After the previous qualifications, the next 30 highest ranked players not otherwise qualified will receive invitations, as listed on the Women's World Amateur Golf Ranking at the end of the 2018 calendar year.
- Remaining positions will be filled by invitation of the Augusta National Women's Amateur Championship Committee.
Note: All players who qualify must retain their amateur status to compete in the Augusta National Women's Amateur.
Follow the Augusta National Women's Amateur
The Augusta National Women's Amateur was announced on Wednesday, April 4, 2018, by Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley during his annual press conference at the Masters Tournament. The event was established to inspire greater interest and participation in the women's game by creating a new, exciting and rewarding pathway for these players to fulfill their dreams.
For more information, please visit ANWAgolf.com and follow the event's official social media channels (@ANWAgolf) across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Follow the Illini
Stay tuned to FIGHTINGILLINI.com for all the latest information on Fighting Illini Women's Golf. Follow the Orange and Blue on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for complete coverage.
