AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – The Sunday before The Masters is the Drive, Chip and Putt competition for kids ages 7-14. It’s usually the unofficial kickoff to Masters week, but not this year. We’re in full swing, going since Tuesday with the first Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
This year, patrons got an extra day in the Masters gift shop.
“I was able to get a lot of the Women’s Amateur stuff,” said Katrina Adams, USTA President & CEO.
“For the first time, that stuff says the word Women’s on it. How cool is that for you?”
“It means the world to me because I’m a former professional tennis player so to understand what this club means and the history behind it and not really having women members until 2012 and now they only have 6, to be able to host a women’s amateur championships here is amazing.”
Tennis fans, you know who this is. Katrina Adams, two time college all American and world doubles champion with seven WTA tour titles to her name.
“Former tennis pro, so your LPGA sisters, would you like to see a tournament for them here?”
“Oh of course. There’s no reason there shouldn’t be an LPGA tournament here. I think this is the beginning. You have to take baby steps when you’re really trying to change the culture of an organization and I think for them to really host a women’s amateur championships for the first time, is that first baby step and hopefully down the road we can get an LPGA tournament,” said Adams.
She knows a thing or two about firsts. Adams is the highest ranking person in U.S. tennis. She’s the first former tennis pro, first african american and youngest person to serve as the United States Tennis Association’s President in it’s 135 year history. She’ll be here the rest of the week, sporting her fresh women’s amateur gear.
“I’m here to support the ladies.”
The stuff she bought before watching Jennifer Kupcho follow in her footsteps. Another women in sports who’s “the first.”
The best in the world and golf legends up on the leader board. The men tee off Monday morning for their first round of practice.
