
Seoul, Korea - In an awe-inspiring display of skill and precision, Stanford University junior Megha Ganne shattered records at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, posting a historic nine-under 63. This remarkable performance not only set the lowest round ever at this prestigious event but also positioned Ganne as the frontrunner by a comfortable two-stroke margin.
Commencing her round at the 10th, Ganne's early momentum was undeniable. She notched three birdies within the first four holes, swiftly making the turn at four-under. The back nine saw her add three more birdies and an eagle, tying the record for most birdies or better in a round with eight, and solidifying her place at the top of the leaderboard.
Ganne, currently ranked as the world’s No. 12 amateur, leads the defending champion Lottie Woad, who herself posted an impressive 65. Ganne's performance is particularly notable given her history at this tournament—despite making it to the final round in the last two years, her best finish had been a T-9 in 2023.
Reflecting on her extraordinary day, Ganne shared, “It was just a really good day. Great timing to have this be my career low in a tournament. I had a feeling I was going to go low today, but not this low. I’m just trying to enjoy it.”
She added, “It’s the most exciting week in amateur golf, for both men and women. Everyone in golf knows about this tournament. It draws so much attention, and these women carry themselves so well. I’m excited to see where the tournament goes, although I don’t think it can get much better than it is now.”
Ganne’s remarkable journey at Augusta has seen her evolve, particularly after an injury prompted her to focus more on her mobility and flexibility, especially in her hip. “I’ve just been working out a lot more, getting more flexible and mobile, which I didn't know was a weakness of mine,” she explained. This physical improvement has had a palpable impact on her swing, helping her to clear through the ball more effectively.
Beyond Ganne's record, the tournament itself witnessed other memorable moments, including a birdie-ace-birdie sequence by Southern Methodist University junior Mackenzie Lee. Additionally, the scoring average for the day was 72.015, setting another record low for the event.
As the championship progresses, all eyes will be on Ganne as she aims to maintain her lead and perhaps clinch her first Augusta National Women’s Amateur title. With her record-setting start, she has certainly set the stage for an exciting finish.