Not long ago North Little Rock native, Mackenzie Lee dominated the ASGA Junior Match Play Championship, winning four times in a row. Now, she is making waves on the big stage at the home of golf.
AUGUSTA, Ga. - Former ASGA Junior match play champion Mackenzie Lee, a Little Rock native and Southern Methodist University golfer, is living her dream at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. Lee, who won the ASGA Junior Match Play title four times, said the experience of playing at Augusta National was both surreal and inspiring.
“It was good,” Lee said of her practice round, noting that the day felt a bit “off” because the crowd was not yet in attendance. “I do think part of the hype at Augusta is the energy the spectators bring. Even though the crowd wasn’t there yet, the course was in amazing condition; as always,” she added.
Lee recalled going to Augusta a decade ago as a participant in the Drive, Chip, and Putt National Finals. “I only really remember one hole from back then, a downhill tee shot that stood out, but when I stepped onto the property for Monday’s practice round, it all came rushing back,” she explained.
Walking along the fairways with her swing coach, Patrick Sullivan, Lee described the atmosphere as “mysterious” and “spectacular.” Entering through Magnolia Lane, she admitted that her heart warmed with excitement, even as a touch of nerves crept in. “It’s that mix of anticipation and the once-in-a-lifetime feeling of playing here,” she said. “I never thought I’d be here, but here I am.”
A veteran of ASGA Junior events and programs like Drive, Chip, and Putt, Lee has been comfortable in the spotlight since her early teens. “I’ve been around crowds my whole life,” she said, recalling memories of watching tournaments and even signing a little girl’s flag during the event. “I love the attention, it fuels my game and reminds me that not every girl gets this chance.”
Lee also discussed the challenges of adapting her game to different courses. Comparing Augusta National with the first two rounds at Champion’s Retreat, she noted, “One side of Champion’s Retreat is significantly harder. There’s a lot of undulation on the back nine, and without a range finder, you have to trust your calculations.” Adding that fatigue was a factor after playing nearly 20 rounds in the last two weeks, Lee admitted that every shot required extra focus.
During the first round at Champion’s Retreat, Mackenzie Lee made history by recording a hole-in-one on the par-four sixth hole; only the second ace ever at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. Lee jokingly recalled the moment as she had a delayed reaction to her historic shot. “After the shot, my caddy told me it went in and my first reaction was, you’re lying,” she said. The feat at Augusta followed another ace she made just five days earlier at a tournament in Clemson, a milestone that added even more thrill to her season.
When asked about her broader impact, Lee was quick to emphasize the importance of inspiring the next generation. “Golf is more than a game; it’s a way to bring people together,” she said. “I feel like I can be a resource for younger players, especially American girls, who I think are playing less than they should be.”
With her parents cheering her on from afar (her dad is set to join her soon while her mom recovers from joint replacement surgery), Lee continues to push forward. “Every round, every shot, is a reminder of why I play,” she said. “I embrace the nerves and use them as fuel. Not everyone gets to play at Augusta, and that’s what makes this experience so special.”
For Lee, the Augusta National Women’s Amateur isn’t just a tournament, it’s a dream realized and a stepping stone toward an even brighter future in the game of golf.
The final round of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur is currently underway. Follow Mackenzie Lee’s round HERE!
Good Luck Mackenzie!
Update 04/10/2025
Mackenzie Lee put on a great performance and finished the Augusta National Women's Amateur T11 at 4-under-par. An incredible achievement and performance, we can't wait to see her at Augusta next year!
