Anna Davis. David Cannon

By Jay Coffin
Anna Davis will be taking her trademark bucket hat to the LPGA.

The surprise 16-year-old winner of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur was given a sponsor’s exemption into the inaugural Palos Verdes Championship presented by Bank of America in California, Davis’ home state.

The event is April 28-May 1 at Palos Verdes Golf Clubs. This will be the LPGA debut for the high school student from Spring Valley.

Davis trailed by two shots heading into the final round at Augusta National but made birdies on Nos. 9, 12 and 13 before closing with a three-under 69 to win by one shot over Ingrid Lindblad and Latanna Stone. She was the only player to finish the 54-hole championship under par, and the victory vaulted her to No. 47 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.

Before the ANWA victory, Davis won twice last year, including a seven-stroke victory at the Girls Junior PGA. She was a member of the 2021 US Junior Solheim Cup team and is an AJGA All-American.

The other sponsor exemption for the Palos Verdes Championship is Wake Forest junior Rachel Kuehn, winner of the 2022 Northrop Grumman Regional Challenge last month at Palos Verdes Golf Club.

Nine of the top 10 players in the world are scheduled to play in the event.

More
DP World Tour heads back to where it all began 50 years ago
Is Ash Barty aiming for a shot at a golf career?
Your Zurich Classic tee times
Our 11 favourite teams at Zurich Classic
Report: First PGA Tour player request to play LIV Golf events
Where does Spieth’s RBC win take in in all-time earnings rankings
LIV Golf ready to go live as tickets go on sale
Thai stars sign up for Aramco Team Series — Bangkok
WATCH: Dylan Frittelli in bizarre rules gaffe