USC's Amari Avery Ties For Fourth At Augusta National Women's Amateur

Freshman Amari Avery, during a freshman season in which she has opened with five straight top 8 finishes, maintained that success on one of the biggest stages in amateur golf, tying for fourth Saturday during the final round of the Augusta National Women's Amateur.

Avery, who debuted last year here but missed the cut by a stroke, finished in a three-way tie for fourth at 1-over (73-72-72), just two strokes back of first.

It was the fourth appearance by a Trojan in the Augusta National Women's Amateur final and the best finish, topping Allisen Corpuz's tie for 13th in 2021.

Avery birdied her second hole and briefly had a share of the lead at par following another birdie on 6. A bogey on 7 and a birdie on 9 saw her turn at -1.

She fell back with bogeys on 10 and 11 but erased them with birdies on 13 and 14 before another bogey on 15. Avery saved par with a clutch putt on 16 and just missed birdie attempts on 17 and 18.

Senior teammate Katherine Muzi also played this week, but missed the cut at 12-over.

Despite falling just short, Avery said she's definitely pleased with her overall play.

"I'm so excited for what's to come and where my game is at," Avery said. "I'm very excited for it."

Asked about the impact of the event on the women's amateur game, Avery said "I think it's huge. It's hard to find words on how much it impacts amateur women's golf. Seeing all these people out here lined up to watch us and clapping for us. I think that's how it should be and it's a step in the right direction."

There isn't much time for rest for Avery, who will leave Georgia to join her teammates in Napa, Calif., for USC's final regular-season event at the Silverado Showdown.