Roussin-Bouchard and Pelaez Make Cut at Augusta National Women’s Amateur

AUGUSTA, Ga.  –  Sophomore Pauline Roussin-Bouchard and senior Ana Pelaez are set to compete in the final round of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur finished above the cutline after the second round on Thursday at Champion’s Retreat Golf Club. 

Roussin-Bouchard climbed the leaderboard moving into a tie for 14th place with a 1-over 71 on Thursday. Pelaez had a tougher outing on Thursday compared to her opening round, shooting a 7-over 79, but still making the cut as she’s tied for 21st. The top 30 players qualify for the final round where the action moves over to Augusta National on Saturday. 

“It was a very good round, very bad finish,” Roussin-Bouchard said after Thursday’s round. “A little bit frustrated about that because it’s always about the finish, so I kind of messed up on that. But a very, very good round in these conditions. Managed to stay very patient and had a couple birdie occasions that I did not make, but I holed some. So on 16 holes, it was pretty good, then started being a little bit worse.”

“I can look at the scoreboard and not feel pressure at all, just know what I have to do,” Pelaez said of her ability to shake off a rough round. “It’s a fact that I’m going to have to accept that knowledge at the end of the day, so why not look at the scoreboard or whatever?”

Freshman Paula Kirner and senior Pimnipa Panthong had to finish up their opening rounds after weather postponed their completion on Wednesday, and then play through their second rounds. Unfortunately, both missed the cut for the final round, but they’ll join all the competitors for Friday’s practice round at Augusta National. 

“I’m very excited. It’s going to be an amazing day, an amazing two days. Yes, I’m super excited,” Roussin-Bouchard said of getting to advance to the final round and play at Augusta National. “Honestly, I cannot wait,” Pelaez said of the opportunity to play at the historic course. “I can’t wait to tee off tomorrow and have Glen on my bag, the local caddie there. We have so much fun together. He told me we’re going to learn a lot, so I’m excited. Maybe that’s when I’m going to learn everything, tomorrow.”

The women get Friday to play a practice round at Augusta National ahead of Saturday’s final round. On Saturday Ana Pelaez is set to tee off at 8:30 a.m., while Pauline Roussin-Bouchard tees off at 9:20 a.m. Coverage of the final round airs live on NBC from Noon until 3 p.m. Saturday afternoon.