Mehaffey secures Augusta return

Olivia Mehaffey competing in the inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur in 2019. Picture courtesy Augusta National Golf Club

Irish International Olivia Mehaffey will make her second trip down Magnolia Lane after being invited to competed in the Augusta National Women’s Invitational from April 1-4.

The Royal County Down Ladies and Arizona State University star (22) was thrilled to find the invitation waiting for her on her return to college.

"Nice surprise to arrive back to in America,” the world No 19 said on Twitter. "Grateful for the opportunity to return to this amazing event.”

Mehaffey finished 23rd in last year's inaugural event on five-over par, 15 stokes behind American Jennifer Kupcho, following a closing 76 at the Cathedral of Pines.

Like last year, the 72-strong field comprises the top 30 Americans in the World Amateur Golf Ranking as well as leading players from around the world. 

The first 36 holes will be played Wednesday and Thursday at the Champions Retreat Golf Club in Augusta with the top 30 qualifying for the final round at Augusta National on Saturday.

All 72 players in the field will also play a practice around at Augusta National on Friday.

Banbridge-born Mehaffey, who is now in her final year in college and keen to make a career on the LPGA Tour, has won four times on the collegiate circuit, famously helping ASU win the NCAA Division I Championship in her freshman year in 2017.