USC's Amari Avery Just 3 Back After Augusta National Women's Amateur First Round

Freshman Amari Avery carded a 1-over 73 while senior Katherine Muzi finished with a 79 as the Trojan duo joined 70 other women's top amateurs in the first round of the 2022 Augusta National Women's Amateur on Wednesday (March 30) at Champions Retreat G.C. in Augusta, Ga.

Avery, who missed the cut by one stroke in her debut in 2021 as a high school senior, is tied for ninth and 3 off the lead after 18 holes.  Muzi, in her debut at the event, is tied for 59th at 7-over 79. Almost 50 players are within six strokes of the lead.

Avery will tee off at 8:06 a.m. ET in Thursday's second round at Champions Retreat while Muzi will tee off at 9:06 a.m., both trying to get into the top 30 to earn a spot in Saturday's final round at Augusta National.

Regardless of the cut, all 72 competitors will play in Friday's practice round at Augusta National.

USC golfers have made the Augusta National Women's Amateur cut three times. Allisen Corpuz did so twice, in 2019 and 2021, while Alexa Melton did in 2021. Corpuz's tie for 13th last year is the best Trojan finish at the event.