Auburn University's Anna Davis is preparing for another prestigious appearance at the Augusta National Women's Amateur, where she'll begin competition Wednesday at Champions Retreat Golf Club in Evans, Georgia.
The junior golfer will be making her fifth start in the tournament that has become one of amateur golf's most coveted competitions. Davis enters the field of 72 amateur players with the experience of knowing exactly what it takes to succeed on golf's most hallowed grounds.
Davis earned her invitation through the exemption granted to previous champions within the last five years. Her connection to Augusta National runs deep, having captured the title in 2022 at just 16 years old, before beginning her collegiate career.
That breakthrough victory showcased Davis's composure under pressure. She fired a 1-under 215 total, including a crucial 3-under 69 in the final round at Augusta National, to edge past Ingrid Lindblad and Latanna Stone by a single stroke.
The Auburn star has continued building an impressive resume since that memorable triumph. Her current season has been particularly noteworthy, with victories at both the Tar Heel Invitational and The Nanea Invitational adding to her growing collection of collegiate titles.
Those two wins have elevated Davis to historic territory within Auburn's golf program. Her five career collegiate victories now tie the program record previously held by Maria Martinez, Celeste Troche, and Robin Cook.
Consistency has been Davis's calling card throughout her junior campaign. Through 10 events this season, she's maintained a 71.04 scoring average while establishing herself as one of college golf's elite competitors.
Her previous season was even more spectacular from a statistical standpoint. Davis posted the lowest season scoring average in Auburn program history at 70.81 during the 2024-25 campaign, earning recognition from multiple organizations for her exceptional play.
The accolades followed accordingly. Davis earned WGCA Second Team All-America honors, Golfweek Second Team All-America recognition, and First Team All-SEC status. She also captured individual titles at both the Illini Invitational at Medinah and the Charles Schwab Collegiate.
Last year's return to Augusta National didn't result in another victory, but Davis still performed admirably. She finished tied for 11th at the event, shooting 4-under 212 over three rounds, including a solid 2-under 70 in the final round at Augusta National.
Auburn's recent success at the tournament extends beyond Davis alone. The Tigers have remarkably had an active player reach the final round in each of the last three years, demonstrating the program's consistent excellence.
The tournament format remains unchanged from previous years. The opening two rounds will take place at Champions Retreat Golf Club on Wednesday and Thursday, with only the top performers earning the privilege of playing Augusta National.
After 36 holes, a cut will determine which players advance. The leading 30 players and ties will earn the opportunity to practice at Augusta National Golf Club on Friday before competing in Saturday's final round.
The stakes for this year's champion remain substantial. The winner will receive invitations to the next five Augusta National Women's Amateur tournaments, plus entries into major championships including the U.S. Women's Open, AIG Women's Open, Chevron Championship, and Evian Championship.
Television coverage will provide extensive exposure for the competitors. Golf Channel will broadcast the first two rounds live from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. CT, while NBC will dedicate three hours to Saturday's final round beginning at 11 a.m. CT.
Fans can also follow the action through live scoring available at ANWAgolf.com throughout the competition.
Davis is scheduled to begin her quest for a second Augusta National Women's Amateur title with a 7:12 a.m. CT tee time in Wednesday's opening round.
With her combination of past success at Augusta National and current stellar form, Davis enters as one of the tournament's most compelling storylines. Her familiarity with both venues and proven ability to perform under the unique pressures of this event make her a legitimate contender to reclaim the title she won as a teenager.