The Augusta National Golf Club recognized the Greenbrier girls golf team for their GHSA Class AAAAA state championship last season by inviting them to the Augusta National Women’s Amateur Wednesday and giving all nine players and two coaches tickets to all three rounds of the tournament.
Coach Casey Heckathorn was ecstatic when he found out that the Augusta National Golf Club reached out to Columbia County Schools superintendent Steven Flynt to try and shock the Greenbrier team.
“We tried to keep it a little bit of a surprise,” said Heckathorn. “The girls were greeted by employees of the Augusta National working with ANWA a couple of weeks ago and surprised them with their tickets. We were floored. We have had some nice accolades and surprises since winning, but when Augusta National reaches out, that is just another level of ‘wow.’”
When the Lady Wolfpack arrived for the opening round of the ANWA, they were greeted with a film crew that followed them around and interviewed them to tell their story about how they are connected to Champions Retreat and the Women’s Amateur.
Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley welcomed the girls to the first tee saying, “Good morning. I understand the state champs are here.”
The club prepared a lunch for the team, and it was able to meet top amateur golfers Anna Davis and Jensen Castle.
Davis won the ANWA in 2022 and now is a freshman at Auburn University. Castle is an amateur that has brought home many victories like the 2021 U.S. Women’s Amateur at Westchester Country Club. She played college golf at Kentucky.
The team was able to talk golf with them, but Davis and Castle were also able to talk with the Greenbrier girls about college and their futures in the game.
“We have some really good players. We have girls that will play college golf, but it was great for them to see the gap,” Heckathorn said. “It was interesting because our girls were one part in awe of the players and their talent, but also like, ‘hey, I’m almost they’re age. I wonder if I could be out here one day?’ These tournament days definitely will provide inspiration and goal setting moving forward.”
Some Greenbrier teammates spoke about how profoundly their ANWA experience impacted them.
“Being invited to the women’s amateur event made me feel very welcomed and accomplished,” said Zion Young.
“We were recognized by very important people. We were very well taken care of, and it was an honor. My experience during being invited to watch the ANWA and being out there at the course made me learn that anything is possible. Girls out there are our age and some younger. It’s all about the drive, dedication and mindset. The 72 players in the tournament are hungry to grow and succeed, and it shows.”
Madi Link also shared her experience with us.
“I love how much the club and program cares about growing women’s golf,” said Link. “Talking to Fred Ridley, Anna Davis and Jensen Castle was such a unique experience. It made me feel important to the community, and getting that little taste of the golf world and seeing all the people who have a love and appreciation for the sport makes me proud that this is the sport that I play and that I am improving in every day.”
The team enjoyed seats at the tee box for Saturday’s final round at Augusta National next to Swedish pro Annika Sorrenstam, former United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and other notable dignitaries.
Greenbrier will begin its 2024 season on April 18 at Bartram Trail when it faces Columbia County rival Grovetown.
