Anika opens with 75 at the U.S. Women’s Amateur

PHOTO BY NOAH MONTGOMERY 

Anika Varma, the vivacious 16-year-old golfer, just made history by becoming the very first golfer to represent India at the prestigious U.S. Women’s Amateur, since 1895, posted 3-over 75 in her opening round at the weather struck event.

Anika started her round at 7.50 AM (EST) with Ami Gianchandani and Valery Plata in her group. She shot 75, including, two miraculous birdies on the par-5 third and par-5 15th to nullify the impact of five bogeys on her scorecard on Monday at the 6553 yards, Woodmont Country Club, the host venue.

After a tough day on the course, Anika still looked calm and said, “I’m so happy to play in such a great event and it’s a wonderful feeling representing India this week. I had a few bad breaks, and am really looking forward to my second round on Wednesday.”

Anika currently stands tied-55th at the event and needs to finish inside the top-64 on Wednesday to continue her journey at the event, where top-64 and tied will get to fight it out in the match play section of the championship.

The opening round saw the 132-strong field shoot a total of 2 eagles, 300 birdies, 1420 pars and 652 scores of bogeys or worse, with par-4 ninth playing the toughest out there, with 66 bogeys or worse scores.

 

BY PAIGE LEE ON AUGUST 4, 2O20