AUBURN, Ala. – A year ago, Kaleigh Telfer made history by playing in the inaugural Augusta National Women's Amateur. This week, the Auburn junior accepted her invitation to return to Augusta and take part in this year's event, which runs from April 1-4.
Telfer will join Auburn teammate Megan Schofill, who was invited earlier this month.
"Obviously it was my goal after what an unforgettable experience it was last year," Telfer said. "I was so excited to be invited. All the emotions were running through my head. I'm just so excited to get back and try to play well again."
"What a thrill for Kaleigh to receive an invitation for the second straight year," added Auburn head coach Melissa Luellen. "She is making history in her own career. She will return with great memories from last year's experience and especially her round under par at Augusta National in the final round."
With a score of 71 (-1), Telfer was one of eight players in the field last year to shoot under par in the final round at Augusta National Golf Club. The South Africa native finished tied for 12th on the final leaderboard at 2 over for the tournament.
This year, Telfer is hoping to build on her experience from the first go-around.
"There's definitely another mindset," she said. "I played well the first round last year and was in third place, so I know it's possible. I'm definitely going to try and go out and at least put myself in contention for the last round."
Like last year, there will be 72 of the world's best amateurs in the field. The first 36 holes will be played Wednesday and Thursday at the Champions Retreat Golf Club in Augusta, and then the top 30 competitors will advance to Saturday's final round at Augusta National. On Friday, all 72 players in the field will play a practice around at Augusta National.
With Telfer and Schofill both in the field, Auburn is one of 11 college programs that will have two or more current players participating in this year's ANWA.
"It just shows that we're doing something right," Telfer said. "It's an honor. If it wasn't for Auburn, I don't think I'd have this opportunity."
The Tigers will kick off their spring season next month at the Northrop Grumman Regional Challenge. The three-day tournament, held at Palos Verdes Golf Club in California, will begin on Feb. 9.