The 2025 ANWA erupted into a fireworks show of birdies and brilliance at Champions Retreat, led by Stanford’s Megha Ganne. The 21-year-old sensation fired a tournament-record 9-under 63, shattering the previous mark held by her former Cardinal teammate Rose Zhang. Ganne’s round featured a blistering stretch of three consecutive birdies (Nos. 11-13) and a strategic eagle on the par-5 3rd.

“Visualizing is really helpful for me,” Ganne said post-round, grinning about finally one-upping Zhang. “I kept telling myself the story I wanted to see today.”

Defending champion Lottie Woad’s stellar 65—which would have led most years—landed her in second, while a trio of players lurked at 5-under. Remarkably, 29 of the 71 competitors broke par, a testament to both the field’s talent and the course’s altered conditions.

Hurricane Helene’s Unexpected Impact
Last fall’s storm permanently altered Champions Retreat’s landscape by toppling iconic trees, including the famed “Broccoli Tree” on Palmer’s Island Nine. Players discovered the changes worked in their favor.

“It’s sad for the trees, but it helped my round,” admitted Ganne, noting how the removal of strategic obstacles opened up driving lanes. Woad concurred after birdying the now-widened 4th hole: “You used to have to hit this nervy fade. Today I just ripped driver.”

Aces and Amazement
The day’s magic extended to SMU’s Mackenzie Lee, who carded just the second hole-in-one in ANWA history at the par-3 6th. Her reaction? Disbelief. “I literally just had one last week!” laughed Lee, referencing her ace at the Clemson Invitational. The shot sparked a 68, proving even record-setting days have room for extra flair.

Road to Augusta National
After Thursday’s second round at Champions Retreat, the field will shift to golf’s holy grail. Only the top 30 advance to Saturday’s finale at Augusta National, but all players get a sacred Friday practice round on the famed course. With Ganne’s historic start and Woad’s poised defense, the stage is set for a weekend where legends could be born—first at a championship retreat, then where champions are crowned.

Second-round coverage continues Thursday on Golf Channel, with Saturday’s climax airing on NBC.