Published July 17, 2008 on January 23, 2019

Malaysia’s Loy Hee Ying is Selected to Compete in the Inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur

---

Malaysia’s Loy Hee Ying who is a senior at the East Tennessee State University has been selected for the inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur, which will be played at the hallowed grounds of Augusta National Golf Club from April 3-6, 2019. Loy is one of the 72 elite amateurs from around the world to be issued the much-coveted invite to the club’s first-ever women’s amateur championship.

The golfer from Johor received word via a phone call from Augusta National informing her that she was selected as an ANWA Championship Committee Pick.

“It’s amazing to be recognized this way,” Loy said. “It was a very special phone call from Augusta, really unexpected and surprising, but I’m really excited to have this opportunity. It’s going to be the biggest tournament that I’ve ever played in.”

Loy, who seems to be on the verge of breaking the Buccaneer career mark for lowest stroke average, has three ETSU women’s events to play in preparation prior to the tournament in Augusta National.

“I have a couple of very important months to prepare for it,” Loy said. “I’m very excited.”

“When we received the call from Augusta Headquarters, Loy and I could not contain our excitement,” head coach Stefanie Shelton said. “What an amazing honour to have the committee select Loy for one of the spots in this prestigious field.”

“It will definitely be an amazing competition,” Shelton said. “I’m so proud of Loy, an experience of a lifetime to play at Augusta National in this inaugural event.”

The 54-hole tournament, which will be played the weekend before The Masters will feature a competitive field including players like Kristen Gillman (winner of the 2018 U.S. Women’s Amateur), Leonie Harm (winner of the Ladies British Open Amateur), and Thailand’s Atthaya Thitikul (winner of the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific. The top 60 players were taken from the World Amateur Golf Ranking. Loy among others filled the remaining spots via special invitation.

The tournament will begin at the Champions Retreat Golf Club on April 3-4, then on April 5, all participants will play a closed practice round at Augusta National before the top 30 from the first two days play the final round of the competition at Augusta National.

“Since the announcement of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur in April, we have remained determined to organize a competition that will provide a meaningful impact on the development of the women’s game,” said Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament.

“While we aim to stage a first-class championship, our motivation goes beyond the scores posted between the ropes. By providing this opportunity and shining a brighter light on this important segment of the sport, we expect role models to emerge who will help inspire a new generation of golfers.”