Megha Ganne knows what it’s like to perform on the national stage, balancing the pressure and the excitement while under the watchful eyes of a large audience.
Before beginning her collegiate golf career at Stanford, she competed for four consecutive years as a Drive, Chip and Putt finalist—an impressive streak that occurred at the iconic layout where the final round of 2023 Augusta National Women’s Amateur will take place.
In addition, she’s played alongside the best professionals in the game, creating a buzz at the 2021 U.S. Women’s Open when she was only 17, a tournament where she would finish as the low amateur and tied for 14th overall.
Simply put, when it comes to the spotlight, Ganne steps to the front and welcomes the chance to achieve her dreams.
To only mention her resume on the course, however, doesn’t truly capture the talented 19-year-old’s journey. She also understands what it’s like to face obstacles along the way, having encountered plenty of the same questions the younger generations have found during their time both on and off the course.
That commonality makes Ganne an ideal fit for the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and its presenting partner Bank of America, with both striving to grow the game and ultimately inspire a diverse range of young girls who dream of greatness—in all aspects of life.
Ahead of her third appearance at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, let’s get to know this rising star a little better.
Megha Ganne reacts on No. 14 during continuation of the second round of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur at Champions Retreat Golf Club, Friday, April 1, 2022.
Who inspired you to keep practicing and working to get better at golf?
Megha: I think my main source of inspiration has always been my parents. Ever since I was little, they have always made me strive for excellence whether it was in school, at activities, being a better sister or being a golfer
What keeps you going – even on those days when you don’t have your “A-game?”
Megha: As a competitor, if you can find the love for the challenge, fight until the end, and put up a good score when you have your B or C game, it’s really rewarding and it’s what separates the best players from the mediocre ones.
How do you put a bad shot/hole behind you?
Megha: After a bad shot or hole, I try to not think too much about what happened and more just what I can quickly learn on the fly, while moving on to the next hole. I just try to stay in the present.
What keeps you coming back?
Megha: The main thing that drives me to come back is the fact that you’re never going to be perfect at golf and even with your best finishes and lowest scores, there are always a couple of things you know you could’ve done better. There’s always that constant push to improve and change something and make your best even better and that’s a lot like life.
Is there a quote from another golfer/idol that inspired you?
Megha: A quote that always stuck with me is “pressure is a privilege.” My golf coach was the first one to tell me that at around ten years old and it just stuck with me because of how true it is. I think if you’re lucky enough to be in circumstances where your heart is racing and you really want something, and you’re on a big stage then you should just be very grateful to be there and put your best foot forward. So just remember, pressure is not a bad thing and you’re lucky to be experiencing it.
What lessons in golf have you applied to life?
Megha: One of my favorite lessons that golf has taught me is that you need to find out what works for you. Two people can be shooting the same shot, but the way they practice, the way they play, the look of their scorecards can be completely different. A lot of things depend on what kind of person you are, your personality and what works for you. So, fine-tuning that process whether it’s in golf or life is important.
What do you hope younger fans learn from you?
Megha: I think if younger golfers were to take anything from me it would be that I try to find the joy in every single round that I play no matter how good, bad, or competitive it is. I try to make sure that this sport is always fun. That’s going to take you a long way because this sport can get really draining and difficult, but if you can remember that it’s just a game, that’s really important.
