Firm and fast: First-timers at Augusta National Women’s Amateur struggle with new greens

Just two weeks ago, Amalie Leth-Nissen was donning a gold jacket at Sage Valley. Now she’s at the 2022 Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

The 17-year-old is one of 51 first-time starters in this tournament that used Tuesday to learn the ins-and-outs of the Island and Bluff nines before the scores count. Her week at Sage Valley might have served as somewhat of a trial run for the conditions at Champions Retreat, but the courses have their differences.

“I’m getting used to the weather and conditions over here, but I would say there’s a difference between the greens,” she said. “I’ve definitely tried to get used to these greens here at Champions. They’re a little bit more firm than at Sage, so it definitely prepared me but there are still some differences.”

Firm greens became the theme of Tuesday. University of Georgia’s Jenny Bae gave a similar review.

Meet the ANWA field: Americans | Internationals
ANWA: Breaking down the new greens at Champions Retreat

“The course is in fantastic shape,” said Bae. “I struggled a little bit with speed and where my target line is on the green, but I got the hang of it. I like to think of this round, instead of being intimidating, being thrilling. It’s a new experience for me to practice and play on faster and firmer greens.”

University of Texas golfer Sara Kouskova noted the windy conditions Tuesday. The morning began cold and windy, but while the temperature rose to the mid-70s, the wind never died down.

“I think today, especially with the wind we got on the front nine, some of the holes are playing quite long,” she said. “Yeah, the greens were firm, but I think that’s going to be the same for everybody. A lot of patience on the course I think will be necessary.”

Regardless, these nine-hole courses tend to bring out the best in the field over 36 holes. Not only are players battling a new course, they’re competing against the best in the world.

“I feel ready for this week, but anything can happen. It’s definitely a tougher field this week with the 70-best women in the world you really have to fight all the way just to make the cut,” Leth-Nissen said. “I think a par is a great score here.”

If there’s anything looming over the minds of the players early in the week, it might be the allure of Friday and Saturday. A guaranteed practice round at Augusta National continues to be one of the biggest draws of the event, but the thought of playing Saturday reigns supreme. The players aren’t overlooking the first two rounds it takes to get there.

“It’s easier to kind of be in the present than looking at what’s ahead of me two days after,” Bae said. “I’m really excited for that, but in order to make it I would have to play well the next two days, so I’ll focus on the work I have to do tomorrow.”

The first groups tee off Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. ET, utilizing split tees.