The Augusta National Women’s Amateur is on the verge of its final rounds this weekend, but defending champion Anna Davis has already conceded her chances. The 17-year-old, who scripted history last year after clinching the title at the prestigious event, scored a total of four-over par in her two rounds. With the par set at 2-over, Davis would have normally proceeded at the event. But a harsh penalty threw her out of contention.

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Anna Davis suffers delicate penalty at Augusta National

The talented youngster made heads turn last year after her dazzling performances across the season. Among her victories, Davis’ win at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur was significant, as she became the youngest winner of the newly formed tournament.

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Ahead of the event this season, Davis’ confidence resonated in her words as she spoke about defending her title. But the tournament didn’t start well for the youngster, who also shed her famous bucket hat.

Scores of 76 and 72 in her initial two rounds left Davis out of the two-over-par cut. However, she received a two-stroke penalty for playing through preferred lies in the rough twice on her opening hole. The youngster admitted to the mistake, but it wasn’t enough to spare her.

All is not lost for the talented gem, though. Davis will be able to return to the iconic Augusta National Golf Club for a practice round on Friday. She won her title on this course, having teed up at the Champions Retreat for the initial rounds.

But with Davis out of the picture, who else stakes her claim on emerging victorious at the event?

New champion at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur

Amateur World No. 1, Rose Zhang, held the two-round lead at the event. The Stanford sophomore holds the distinction of appearing in the final round of the tournament in all editions since its inception, but has never laid hands on the title.

She shot 66 and 65 over her first two rounds as she maintained a lead of five strokes over her nearest challenger. Significantly, Zhang’s 13-under par in her first two rounds betters the previous 36-hole tournament record set by Jennifer Kupcho in 2019.

Will Zhang win her first-ever Augusta National Women’s Amateur? Was Davis’ punishment a bit too harsh for her mistake? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

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