What do the last two players to achieve the seemingly impossible feat of winning their professional debuts have in common? The answer is more fascinating than you’d expect – and it all leads back to Augusta National. Grant Boone highlighted this fascinating pattern recently on the Golf Channel.

Lottie Woad made history last weekend. She captured the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open in her professional debut by 3 strokes. The 21-year-old Englishwoman became just the third golfer in LPGA history to win in her first outing as a pro, joining legends like Beverly Hanson, who first achieved this feat in 1951, and Rose Zhang, who won her pro debut at the 2023 Mizuho Americas Open. Both players share one crucial experience that shaped their professional success. They conquered Augusta National as amateurs first.

“Rose and Lottie both won the Augusta National Women’s Amateur,” Boone explained during his recent appearance on The 5 Clubs. “There are hardly any bigger stages in all of golf than Augusta National.” The renowned broadcaster went deeper into what makes Augusta National special. “When you succeed on a big stage, I think what we’re learning is it translates to this level,” Boone said. He praised both players individually, saying, “Rose is special. Rose is different. Lottie is special. Lottie is different.”

Lottie Woad delivered an even more spectacular finish in 2024. She faced a seemingly impossible situation when Bailey Shoemaker posted a bogey-free 66 to take the clubhouse lead. Woad started the final round with a two-shot advantage but watched it evaporate when she three-putted the par-5 13th for bogey. She found herself two shots behind with just five holes remaining.

Boone recalled the dramatic details of Woad’s comeback. “Remember Lottie birdied three of her last four holes a year and a half ago to win at Augusta National, including back-to-back birdie 17 and 18 to walk it off and win by one.” The pressure would have crumbled most players. Woad responded differently.

She wedged from 90 yards to 15 feet on the par-5 15th and rolled in the birdie putt. The roars from the Augusta crowds grew louder. She nearly birdied the tricky par-3 16th, her putt finishing just six inches behind the hole. Then came the defining moment. On the par-4 17th, Woad landed another wedge shot to 12 feet and drained the birdie putt. She had pulled even with Shoemaker. Her 9-iron from 130 yards on the 18th settled 15 feet behind the pin. The putt was a subtle double-breaker on Augusta’s lightning-fast greens. Woad read it perfectly and watched it drop for the tournament-winning birdie.

The Augusta National environment teaches players something invaluable. They learn to perform when the spotlight burns brightest. Professional golf feels more manageable after experiencing the crowds and expectations at Augusta.

Lottie Woad and Rose Zhang follow identical amateur-to-pro paths

Rose Zhang built her amateur resume methodically. She won the 2020 U.S. Women’s Amateur before claiming back-to-back NCAA individual titles in 2022 and 2023. Boone noted that “Rose won in a playoff” at Augusta National in 2023. She turned professional and won immediately at the Mizuho Americas Open.

Lottie Woad followed a remarkably similar path. She captured the 2022 Girls Amateur Championship and reached the NCAA runner-up position in 2024. She dominated the 2024 Augusta National Women’s Amateur with her dramatic comeback. She turned professional and won her debut at the Scottish Open.

The pattern becomes clear when examined closely. Augusta National serves as the ultimate test of nerves and skill. Players who thrive there possess the mental fortitude necessary for professional success.

“I think Augusta, that was the biggest tournament I played in at the time and was kind of my big win,” Woad explained after her professional debut. “So definitely felt the pressure of it more there, and I felt like all those experiences helped me with this.”

Boone’s observation proves prescient. “I think having succeeded on huge stages in huge events, maybe is the best teacher of all.” Augusta National doesn’t just host a prestigious amateur tournament. It creates future LPGA champions through its unmatched pressure and prestige.

What other amateur events do you think prepare players best for professional success? Let us know in the comments below!