AUGUSTA, Ga. – Auburn's Kaleigh Telfer will forever be part of golf history. The sophomore was one of 30 female golfers to play at the Augusta National Golf Club on Saturday as part of the final round of the inaugural Augusta National Women's Amateur.
"I'm honored to be a part of the first one," Telfer said. "It's just such a huge opportunity for growing women's golf. It's been great. Seeing all the little girls out there coming to support us and looking after us, it was just unreal."
The moment wasn't too big for Telfer either as she shot a 1-under 71 at the historic course. It was a round that included five birdies, including four on the back nine. The sophomore, who came into the day tied for 21st on the leaderboard, climbed into a tie for 12th at 2 over for the tournament. It was her second round shooting under par.
"It was incredible," Telfer said. "Playing in front of all the crowds was probably the best thing about today. It was just so exciting, and the crowds, they were super nice and just amping us up the whole day. It just made you want to hit it closer and closer and make more putts.
"The course is tricky, but once you get the feel of the greens, it's pretty good. You just have to know where to hit it on the greens and using all of the slopes to your advantage."
Saturday's round at Augusta National was Telfer's second under par as she also shot a 69 (-3) in the first round on Wednesday at the nearby Champions Retreat Golf Club.
Though Telfer won't join her Auburn teammates in the Clemson Invitational, which begins Sunday at The Reserve at Lake Keowee, she hopes that her performance this past week will carry over into the postseason. The Tigers begin play at the SEC championship later this month.
"It's going to for sure boost my confidence," Telfer said. "Two under-par rounds at such a high-level tournament obviously boosts my confidence a lot, and just to get into the swing of things again is nice. Hopefully, it will carry on throughout the postseason."