Kids Today Files: US Women's Am Champ Chooses ANA Inspiration Over Shot At Augusta National Women's Amateur

The only somewhat understandable caveat in the case of Gabriela Ruffels: the U.S. Women’s Amateur Champion intends to retain her amateur status until the end of her career at USC. Meaning, she might not win the Amateur again but play well enough to get an invitation to Augusta next year.

Still, it’s somewhat confounding to imagine an amateur golfer getting the opportunity to play Augusta National and instead choosing to play one of five women’s professional majors at Mission Hills. Yet that’s what Ruffels has decided after ANWA invitations went out.

From the Sydney Morning Herald:

"Yeah it was a really tough decision, but I think we all decided ANA would be the best," Ruffels said.

"I'm only getting the ANA start because I won the US Women's Amateur and it's a rare opportunity; they don't give out exemptions to anyone at majors."

Ruffels, had she played the ANWA, would have been one of the favorites and a huge focus of pre-tournament interest.

Did I note yet that she would have had the opportunity to play at least one round at Augusta National? Oh I did, sorry for the repetitiveness.