EVANS, Ga. — Virginia Tech women's golfer Emily Mahar fired a 4-over 76 and is tied for 39th following Wednesday's opening round of the third annual Augusta National Women's Amateur. The 72-golfer field is playing the first two rounds at Champions Retreat Golf Club.
Mahar became the first Hokie to qualify and compete in one of the nation's top women's amateur events. She shook off a bumpy start (3-over through four holes) by reeling off eight straight pars. Mahar recorded her first birdie of the day at the par-4 13th, when she flighted a wedge perfectly against the wind to five feet and converted the putt. The Brisbane, Australia native, who has her father, James, on the bag this week, kept her putter hot over the next two holes when she drained back-to-back putts for par from 10-plus feet.
Mahar ran into some trouble on holes 16 and 17, going 3-over, but bounced back with a birdie at the par-5 18th to finish the round on a high note.
Benedetta Moresco and Anna Davis both carded a 2-under 70 to grab the early lead. Ironically, Mahar got a front row seat to Davis' performance. The two were paired together for Wednesday's opening round. There are currently 38 golfers at 3-over or better. The top 30 golfers following Thursday's second round advance to Saturday's final round at Augusta National.
Tee times for Thursday have yet to be announced.Gallery: (3-30-2022) WGOLF: ANWA First Round
