So, you have been following Augusta National Women’s Amateur and you’re curious about the mysterious Champions Retreat. Well, if that is the case, then you have come to the right place! While Megha Ganne’s stunning -9 score is awe-inspiring, there’s something else that is vying for our attention. Let’s get right into it and start with its history. The concept of Champions Retreat was born in 1999, aiming to create 27 holes of championship golf on 365 acres of Georgia pines, hardwoods, and wetlands.

It included the help of “Big 3” featuring the most iconic figures in golf history: Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer. Collectively, they held 13 green jackets, 34 major wins, and 159 tournament wins. Undoubtedly, Champions Retreat stands out as a unique golf destination, as it is the first property where each of these legends designed their own course, culminating in their collective efforts by 2005. But, hey, how did this even happen?

Well, it started with Gary Player’s initiative. Gary Player used the 1999 Masters Champions Dinner to recruit fellow great golfers Jack Nicklaus and the late Arnold Palmer. And his goal? To help realize his dream of a 27-hole private golf club near Augusta, Georgia. Located along the Savannah River, Champions Retreat features three nine-hole courses–The Island, The Bluff, and The Creek. And the special touch in each of these courses comes from the collaborative design by the three legends on a former untouched timber plot.

Opening in 2005, the club spans over 365 acres of Georgia pines, hardwoods, and wetlands, complemented by luxury accommodations featuring hardwood flooring, fireplaces, and porches. But hold on, here’s the most interesting and playful part about the Champions Retreat Golf Club. The land designation was decided by Gary Player and the three champions decided that by playing a game! Gary Player wrote “Island,” “Creak,” and “Bluff” on index cards. However, Arnold Palmer, being the most senior among the three, chose first and selected the “Island” card, followed by Nicklaus with the “Bluff.” This left Gary Player with “Creek” property. And, folks, that’s how they crafted nine signature holes!

Interestingly, all three nine-hole loops at Champions Retreat are par 36, featuring two par-3s and two par-5s, with similar lengths. For instance, the Bluff sits at 3,710 yards, the Island at 3,620 yards, and the Creek at 3,598 yards from the championship tees!

Golf Digest ranked it 15th in their best golf courses list in Georgia! And it makes sense. Look at their Hole 4 on the Island Course. It is a par 4 hole that measures 453 yards and is considered the Champions Retreat’s signature hole. It features the Savannah River on one side, hazards on the other, and a large tree in the center of the fairway. After this hole, players move to the tee for hole 5, a par 3. But you know what’s even more unique? A tradition at this hole involves visitors attempting to drive their ball across the river to reach North Carolina! Sounds fun? Well, interestingly, the Champions Retreat has a long relationship with ANWA. Let’s take a quick look at it!

Champions Retreat has a recent history with ANWA

It all started in 2019. In its inaugural event, Champions Retreat Golf Club hosted the first 36 holes over two days on Arnold Palmer’s Island nine and Jack Nicklaus’ Bluff nine. After these rounds, all competitors played an official round at Augusta National, followed by the final round. Additionally, the final round, in effect, featured the top 30 players who made the cut. NBC Sports promoted the event across its platforms, while Golf Channel provided highlights, live reports, and news coverage during the first two rounds.

Unfortunately, ANWA didn’t take place in 2020 due to COVID-19. Thankfully, in 2021, Fred Riley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, announced that the ANWA and the Drive, Chip, and Putt National finals would proceed as usual. And the result? Folks, 17-year-old Tsubasa Kajitani made history by becoming the first international champion and the first winner from Japan at Augusta National in any tournament! But the Japanese weren’t done, yet. A week later, Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama won the Masters.

Following that, at the 2022 ANWA, Champions Retreat conducted another solid set of rounds. Then, the 16-year-old Anna Davis made history by becoming the event’s youngest champion. She shot a 3-under 69 to finish at 1 under par, winning by a single stroke! Similarly, in 2024, we saw Lottie Woad make her own win. Heading into the 2025 round two, Megha Ganne has made history by scoring the tournament’s lowest at 63! Will we see more exciting moments there? Likely. Fingers crossed, folks!