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Nancy Lopez, Augusta National Women’s Amateur competitors to unveil trophy in New York City

Augusta National Women’s Amateur competitors Sierra Brooks and Maria Fassi will be joined by World Golf Hall of Famer Nancy Lopez in New York City on Wednesday ahead of next week’s inaugural event taking place in Augusta, Ga., the week before the Masters Tournament.

Lopez, winner of 48 LPGA titles, including three major championships, will first appear on CNBC’s Squawk Box to announce that she and fellow World Golf Hall of Fame members Annika Sorenstam, Lorena Ochoa and Se Ri Pak have accepted invitations from Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, to attend the inaugural playing of this historic championship. The foursome will be the featured guests at a player-only function the evening of Friday, April 5, and will take part in a special first tee ceremony to begin the event’s final round at Augusta National the morning of Saturday, April 6.

“The young players competing in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur have grown up inspired by the contributions and accomplishments of Annika Sorenstam, Nancy Lopez, Lorena Ochoa and Se Ri Pak,” said Ridley.

“I cannot think of a better way to encourage this year’s inaugural field and mark this important moment in the sport than to have the support and presence of these four legends.”

“The women’s game has developed in so many meaningful ways since I began playing, and this championship marks another significant milestone that will help inspire interest and grow the game,” said Lopez. “It’s truly exciting to see these young women take the stage in one of golf’s most iconic settings, and I look forward to supporting the event.”

Brooks, of Lake Mary, Fla., a collegiate golfer at the University of Florida, along with Fassi, a native of Pachuca, Mexico, who plays at the University of Arkansas, will begin their day by making an appearance on the NBC TODAY Show. At iconic “30 Rock,” they will unveil the Augusta National Women’s Amateur trophy. After the unveiling, the group will travel with the trophy to the New York Stock Exchange and throughout the city, taking part in select media interviews.

Designed in collaboration with Tiffany & Co., the Augusta National Women’s Amateur trophy is an expertly crafted bowl created from spun sterling silver and a 24K yellow gold vermeil, with unique detailing that depicts the event’s distinctive logo and the namesake flowers of each hole at Augusta National. 

“Competing at Augusta National is a dream for every golfer, and I can’t wait for the chance to play in this very first event,” said Brooks. “Being a part of the trophy unveiling in New York City only adds to the excitement for this amazing opportunity.”

“Until last year, having the chance to compete at Augusta National so early in my career is something I didn’t know could be possible,” said Fassi. “I feel very fortunate to be participating in such a special championship and seeing the trophy will make it feel even more real.”

In addition to Lopez, Sorenstam, Ochoa and Pak also voiced their support ahead of the inaugural championship.

“I am thrilled for these players and the experience ahead of them next week,” said Sorenstam. “This championship is fantastic for women’s golf, and I know young girls are going to be energized and motivated by seeing this event unfold for years to come.”

“The dream of playing in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur presents young golfers such a tremendous goal to strive toward. The time, energy and emotion you must devote to succeed in this game are made that much more worthwhile when you’re aspiring to compete at Augusta National,” said Ochoa.

“This event will have an important impact not only on the players in the field, but also on young girls watching at home who will see these women competing at Augusta National and dream of being there themselves one day. Inspiring the next generation of golfers is an incredible opportunity for the women in this field,” said Pak. 

For more information, please visit www.ANWAgolf.com and follow the event’s official social media channels (@ANWAgolf) across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.