In the week leading up to the Masters, Champions Retreat Golf Club and Augusta National Golf Club, host a 3-day competition for the top 72 female amateur golfers from across the world.
The inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur was held in 2019.
Each year the tournament culminates at Augusta National in the final round.
PGA Golf Management Director, Gabriella Story, was able to work the first two years of the event as part of an all-female PGA professional operations team, serving the players at the practice facilities, in the locker rooms, and with transportation.
Fast forward to 2023, another Campbell PGM representative, junior Sydney Higgins, was asked to join the illustrious team to carry out the week-long event.
Besides long hours, early days, and even longer evenings, Sydney was able to watch these college-level athletes practice and play, and witness the Augusta National experience first-hand.
One evening, an event was hosted for competitors at Berckmans Place, the most impressive hospitality venue in the world, located on the grounds of Augusta.
Outside on the three replica putting greens, special guest Niall Horan – a former member of One Direction – came out to sing a few songs and participate in a putting contest; Sydney helped coordinate this event.
Sydney said, “Working the Augusta National Women’s Amateur was an unbelievable experience. From the professional and personal connections I made, to watching the 72 best women amateurs compete on one of golf’s greatest stages, was an experience I will never forget.”
“I grew so much as a professional over my 7 days working with some of the best professionals in the industry and I cannot wait to go back next year.”
Gabriella Story shared, “It is so special to have this shared experience with Sydney and to compare stories from year to year. Augusta National does something a bit different every year to make it special for that year’s competitors. I was able to meet Condoleezza Rice and carry Lorena Ochoa’s bag during the inaugural event. We can’t wait to see what they have in store next year.”
Look out for Sydney, next year, in white coveralls, if you watch the event on tv.