Women’s golf is enjoying a landmark week, with tradition and innovation colliding across three major events taking place at the same time — though many are asking why they had to be scheduled to clash.
The Korda Sisters Lead the Charge in California
In California, the major season begins with the ANA Inspiration. Leading the home challenge are the talented Korda sisters, Nelly and Jessica, daughters of former Australian Open tennis champion Petr Korda. They’ll be joined by Britain’s Georgia Hall and Charley Hull, as well as a formidable group of players from Asia, who continue to raise the standard of women’s golf worldwide.
Augusta Welcomes Women for the First Time
Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the country, history will be made with the inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship. The international field includes English players Annabell Fuller, Alice Hewson, and Lily May Humphreys, along with Olivia Mehaffey from Northern Ireland.
After two rounds at a nearby course, the final will be played on Augusta National itself — just two days before the Masters begins. This marks the first time women will compete on the fabled course, with legends Nancy Lopez and Annika Sorenstam among those in attendance. It’s another sign of progress from a club that only admitted female members seven years ago and could be a step toward a future women’s Masters.
A Groundbreaking Tournament in Jordan
Adding to this extraordinary week, the Jordan Mixed Open will debut, featuring equal numbers of competitors from the Ladies European Tour, the men’s Challenge Tour, and the Senior Tour. All will compete from different tees for the same prize fund. Among those taking part are Scottish couple Scott and Kylie Henry, who will play in the same professional event — a rare and remarkable moment for golf.
McDowell Ends His Drought
Elsewhere, Graeme McDowell finally ended his winless run, claiming victory in the Dominican Republic — his first title since 2015. The Northern Irishman, who had only limited status on the PGA Tour, has now secured playing rights through 2021. With the US Open at Pebble Beach in June, where he triumphed in 2010, and The Open at Portrush in July, his win could not have come at a better time.
Similarly, Stephen Gallacher celebrated a long-awaited victory at the Indian Open, with his son Jack on the bag as caddie. Both Gallacher and McDowell have endured difficult stretches, making their return to form all the more celebrated across the golf world.
