University of Stirling golfer, Louise Duncan, is taking on a unique challenge this week as she competes in the prestigious Augusta National Women’s Amateur in Georgia, US.
The 22 year-old Sports Studies student was invited to the event, hosted by the famous Augusta National Golf Club, as a result of winning the Women’s Amateur Championship at Kilmarnock (Barassie) and her appearance follows a successful debut at the AIG Women’s Open at Carnoustie last summer which has given her confidence heading into the new season.
She said: “Playing in the AIG Women’s Open I played well. I had Dean (Robertson – coach) on the bag which was a great experience for us both and coming off that I’d gained a lot of confidence and belief in my own game.”
And that enhanced belief will be a key component as Duncan prepares to take on some of the world’s best players in Augusta and the West Kilbride-native is excited about putting her game to the ultimate test.
She said: “Going to Augusta hasn’t really sank in yet. I think it maybe will once I get there but it’s every golfer’s dream to go over there so I can’t wait to say that I’ve played it and I’m really excited.
“I’m really looking forward to getting experience playing on the American courses. I’ve not had much exposure out there.
“I think the greens are a lot different from over here, it might be a wee bit trickier so to get over there and get some experience will be valuable for going forward.”
Duncan has also been invited to compete at the Women’s US Open at Pine Needles in North Carolina, in June, and is hoping to use Augusta as a benchmark for assessing her early season form.
She said: “I’m looking forward to seeing where my game’s at. So, to get out there early doors, I’m looking forward to see where it’s at and where I can improve on for a big season ahead.”
Duncan is part of the University’s high performance golf programme which offers a fantastic package of support including training, competition and funding support to fit alongside athletes’ academic studies.
The Augusta National Women’s Amateur event was established to inspire greater interest and participation in the women’s game by creating a new, exciting and rewarding pathway for some of the world’s best amateur players.
The 2022 event will take place between 30 March – 2 April.