STANFORD, Calif. – The Stanford women's golf program will be well-represented Wednesday in the first round of the much-anticipated Augusta National Women's Amateur in Augusta, Ga. Junior Andrea Lee, a two-time All-American and No. 3 in the Women's World Amateur Golf Ranking, will tee it up with Cardinal commits Brooke Seay and Angelina (Lei) Ye.
"We've all dreamed of playing Augusta National," said Lee, whose eighth-career victory on Sunday at the Ping-ASU Invitational tied the school record. "But as women, we didn't think we'd be able to have the opportunity to do so."
The select field of 72 players will compete at Champions Retreat Golf Club on Wednesday and Thursday, designed by Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player. The top 30 qualify for the final round on Saturday at famed Augusta National Golf Club, which will host the Masters next week.
All 72 participants will play a closed practice round at Augusta National on Friday, regardless of how they play the first two days. In addition to a caddie, each player can bring a guest to gallery.
"Friday is going to be a really special day for everyone," Lee said.
Additionally, Stanford junior All-American Albane Valenzuela will compete this week in the ANA Inspiration, the LPGA Tour's first major championship of the year, at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, Calif. Ranked No. 5 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, she is one of five amateurs in the field and is playing for the third time. Last year, Valenzuela opened 67-71-71 and was in contention starting the final round on the Dinah Shore Tournament Course, finishing 59th.
"They're two great events," said Valenzuela. "I think it will be a great week for women's golf."
The ANA Inspiration is Thursday through Sunday.
The Tournament
• Augusta National Women's Amateur, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Champions Retreat Golf Club (72/6,355) and Augusta National Golf Club (72/6,365)
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The Field
• 72 amateurs from around the world, including junior Andrea Lee of Stanford and Cardinal commits Brooke Seay and Lei Ye.
The Format
• 54 holes of stroke play. The top 30 players after 36 holes advance to Saturday's final round.
Wednesday/Thursday Tee Times ET
• Ye 9:12 a.m./11 a.m.; Lee 9:36 a.m./10:36 a.m.; Seay 10:48 a.m./9:24 a.m.
The Coverage
• Golf Channel will provide updates from 7-10 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. NBC will provide live coverage on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. ET. Coverage is also available on the Golf Channel APP.
• Live results will be available throughout the event at GoStanford.com, with updates available on Twitter (@StanfordWgolf), Facebook (StanfordWgolf) and Instagram (@StanfordWgolf).
The Course
• Designed by Bobby Jones and Alister MacKenzie and opened for play in 1933. Home of the Masters Tournament since 1934. Former Stanford stars Tom Watson (1977, 1981) and Tiger Woods (1997, 2001, 2002, 2005) have earned the coveted green jacket presented to the winner.
