Three Longhorns compete in Augusta National Women’s Amateur

Just 15 miles from where Jordan Speith secured his green jacket in 2015, three Texas Longhorns turned in solid first rounds Wednesday at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

Sophomores Agathe Laisne and Kaitlyn Papp finished at even-par 72 while junior Emilee Hoffman shot a respectable 3-over 75.

Photos: Augusta National Women's Amateur First Round

The day was a mix of competition and taking it all in after the field was treated to a banquet at Augusta National Golf Club on Tuesday night. All three felt like they were striking the ball well.

For Laisne, the big stage is nothing new. The 19-year-old from Paris made it to the round of 32 in the 2016 U.S. Amateur. She won the European Ladies’ Amateur Championship in 2017 and competed in the 2018 Women’s British Open. Having experienced major atmospheres, she translated those experiences to her first round at Champions Retreat Golf Club.

“I’ve played two major events and they were very stressful. That allowed me to put less pressure on myself out here,” she said. “I’m just taking it shot by shot and enjoying the weather and being here. It’s special because we’re the first ones in this tournament.”

Papp, the reigning Big 12 Freshman and Player of the Year, shot 35-37 to finish at even. A bogey on the par-4 first hole was erased with a birdie on the second. Heading into the back nine at 1-under, bogeys on 11 and 14 caused a minor setback.

“I felt really good. I was ball striking well and was able to hit lag puts consistently,” she said.

The Austin native noted that this course has thicker fairways than most courses in Texas, allowing for better lies. Champions Retreat’s firm greens, however, are like those she experiences back home helping her on the putting surface.

Papp managed to birdie 18 to get back to even for the day. Both Laisne and Papp are tied for 15th after the first round.

Hoffman is a decorated Big 12 golfer from Folsom, Calif. She started her round on No. 10 and was plagued by three consecutive bogeys on 12-14 and a double bogey on the fourth hole. She managed to shoot 1-under over the final five holes to finish with a 3-over 75, good for a tie for 33rd place.

“I felt like I played a solid round. The course is in great condition,” she said. “I shot my irons pretty well, but didn’t make as many putts as I would’ve liked. This is a difficult course and you can’t take it for granted.”

Heading into the second round Thursday, Laisne and Papp are four shots behind leaders Jennifer Kupcho and 16-year-old Zoe Campos. Hoffman is seven shots back.

The low 30 will make the cut for the final round at Augusta National on Saturday. On Friday, however, all the participants will participate in a practice round at Augusta.