NI teenager Coulter to make Augusta debut in April
Teenage golf sensation Beth Coulter will step onto one of the most hallowed grounds in the sport when she competes in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA) for the first time this April.
The 19-year-old from County Down, currently ranked 50th in the world amateur rankings, has earned a place in the elite 72-player field, bringing together the best young female golfers from around the world. The tournament, which runs from 2-5 April, is one of the most prestigious in amateur golf, offering players the rare opportunity to compete at the legendary Augusta National Golf Club, home of The Masters.
A Rising Star in Amateur Golf
Coulter’s rapid rise through the amateur ranks has been impressive. Currently in her junior year at Arizona State University, she has been making waves in the highly competitive American collegiate golf scene, where she represents the Arizona State Sun Devils.
One of the highlights of her career came last year when she played a pivotal role in Great Britain and Ireland’s Curtis Cup victory over the United States. The biennial competition, one of the most prestigious team events in women’s amateur golf, saw Coulter showcase her skills against some of the best young talents in the sport.
She will not be alone at Augusta, as three of her Curtis Cup teammates have also been selected for the event, including:
Lottie Woad (England) – The defending Augusta National Women’s Amateur champion
Patience Rhodes (England) – A rising star in British golf
Hannah Darling (Scotland) – One of Scotland’s top amateur golfers
The Prestige of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur
Since its inception in 2019, the Augusta National Women’s Amateur has become a defining event in women’s amateur golf. The tournament is designed to inspire young female golfers and provide them with a world-class competitive platform at one of golf’s most iconic venues.
The first two rounds of the event will be played at Champions Retreat Golf Club in Evans, Georgia. The top 30 players after two rounds will then advance to play the final round at Augusta National, giving them a once-in-a-lifetime chance to walk the fairways of the course that hosts The Masters.
Previous champions of the ANWA have gone on to achieve professional success, including:
Jennifer Kupcho (USA, 2019) – Became a major winner at the 2022 Chevron Championship
Lottie Woad (England, 2023) – Secured her Augusta title with a one-shot victory over Bailey Shoemaker
For many players, the tournament serves as a stepping stone toward professional careers, with scouts, sponsors, and major tournament invitations often following strong performances at Augusta.
A Defining Moment for Beth Coulter
For Coulter, competing at Augusta National represents an incredible milestone in her career. With her steady rise in the amateur ranks, success at the ANWA could further boost her standing and bring her closer to a future in professional golf.
Speaking about the opportunity, Coulter has expressed excitement and gratitude for the chance to compete at such a historic venue.
“I’ve worked so hard to get to this point, and to have the chance to walk the fairways at Augusta is a dream come true. The competition will be tough, but I’m ready to embrace the challenge,” she said.
Coulter’s selection for the event is another indication of Northern Ireland’s growing influence in world golf, following in the footsteps of legends like Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell.
With her sights set on making a deep run at Augusta, all eyes will be on Beth Coulter as she steps onto one of the biggest stages in amateur golf.