When 21-year-old Wake Forest senior, Jennifer Kupcho, made history by sinking a 20-foot birdie on the 18th hole, we knew this was just the beginning. As ANWA’s first champion, the reigning NCAA champion said, “It’s an amazing feeling. I don’t think it’s set in yet. It probably won’t set in for a little while.” Now, she plays on the LPGA Tour, with her latest performance being at the Ford Championship (T38). Then, we have another star golfer: Anna Davis! At just 16 years old, she became the youngest player to win the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. Undoubtedly, the players are strong.

However, this begs the question: Did Jennifer Kupcho and Anna Davis receive any prize money? After all, they showcased some of the best golfing skills at the start of the month. Unfortunately, the answer to that question may be disappointing.

In the simplest terms, Augusta National does not award its winner with a monetary prize. Interestingly, this isn’t only the case with Augusta National Women’s Amateur. Amateurs don’t receive payment when competing in professional events and, therefore, don’t earn any cash. So, when there’s no money on the line, why are the players still excited about the tough competition?

Fred Ridley, Augusta National Chairman, talked about ANWA in 2018. He said Augusta National was determined to organize a “competition that will provide a meaningful impact on the development of the women’s game.” Fortunately, ANWA offers various perks to its winners. So, what are these perks?

The ANWA champion receives significant benefits, primarily a long list of tournament invitations. The ANWA winner will be invited to compete in four of the five LPGA major tournaments for the next year! So, these majors are the U.S. Women’s Open, the Women’s Open, the Evian Championship, and the Chevron Championship. Additionally, they can also participate in amateur championships organized by the USGA, R&A, or the PGA of America. Besides that, the winner can compete in the next five Augusta National Women’s Amateurs, as long as they maintain their amateur status.

These, in turn, help them enhance their skills and make a lasting impact in the competition. Accordingly, the inaugural champion, Jennifer Kupcho, gained entry to major tournaments like the U.S. Women’s Open and AIG Women’s Open the following year. Interestingly, the 2023 winner, Rose Zhang, did not compete last year because she had turned pro right after her 2023 ANWA win. Looking at that, you cannot help but wonder how the games are going on at the ANWA. Well, take a look!

What’s going on at the 2025 Augusta National Women’s Amateur?

We would have liked to begin with Lottie Woad on this topic as she is the defending champion, however, someone else seems to take center stage at the ongoing Augusta National Women’s Amateur. And it’s none other than World No. 6 in Amateur Ranking, Megha Ganne. So, what did the golfer do in the first round? For starters, she shot one eagle and 7 birdies with the rest even pars. But what’s even better? Thanks to her score, Ganne scored the lowest tournament score in its history. Now, with a score of 63, she sits at the top of the leaderboard. “I think it was just a really good day,” Ganne said, talking about her first round.

Following her is the defending champion, Lottie Woad. The World No. 1 in amateur ranking made 8 birdies and 1 bogey along with even pars to finish her first round with a score of 65. Kiara Romero follows them. Romero finished 67 in the first round and made 7 birdies and 2 bogeys! And then we have another American golfer, Amanda Sambach! Sambach 6 birdies and 1 bogey, finishing with a score of 67! Sambach is tied for fourth place (T4) with her fellow American golfer, Farah O’Keefe. O’Keefe 6 birdies and 1 bogey, just like Sambach. The youngest ANWA champion, Anna Davis, is currently hanging at T6 with a score of 69.

We have a strong roster following them, and anything can happen at any time. So, make sure to watch everything and tell us your predictions! Who do you think will win the 2025 ANWA and take home all those exciting perks?