OSU golfer to play in Augusta National Women’s Amateur

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The hallowed greens at Augusta National, home of the Masters, are one of the most prestigious and exclusive in the world, and one Oregon State golfer will walk them in a just a few weeks.

Ellie Slama will be making history when she does.

“I never really thought that there would be an opportunity,” Slama tells KOIN 6. 

Slama was as surprised as anyone when Fred Ridley, the Chairman of Augusta National, announced the new tournament to be held on the notoriously exclusive male club, the August National Women’s Amateur Championship. 

“Being able to be one of the first females to play in it is pretty cool,” Slama says.

The Beaver sophomore fell in love with the game of golf at an early age. She began swinging the club at age five and competing by ten. 

The Salem native played her way onto a spot on the Oregon State golf team, and as a sophomore earned one of the 72 spots to play in the inaugural August National Women’s Amateur Championship.

“I actually had my address as my home address and so I was seeing all these things on social media, and I was like, oh I guess I’ll check when I get home. And then my mom starts FaceTiming me, and she’s like –  oh my gosh –  look what’s on the front porch!” she says.

Slama happily opened the green envelope with an Augusta National logo on it.