History meets a light-hearted moment at Augusta. Emily Odwin celebrates a milestone week at the Augusta National Women's Amateur with a surprise. A call from Ian Woosnam proved even firsts come with a little guidance.

“It was Ian Woosnam just congratulating me on making the cut. And I told him that we'd have to kind of talk through the course tomorrow once I played it, because I feel like he kind of knows how to play it pretty well,”  the 22-year-old said during an on-course interaction with Golf Channel on Thursday.

Emily Odwin is the first player from Barbados to compete in the event and make the cut. The opening rounds were played at Champions Retreat, where she finished at 2-under par and moved into a tie for 15th place. 

That result secured her place in the final round, which will be held at Augusta National Golf Club on Saturday.

Ian Woosnam shares a mentor-mentee relationship with Emily Odwin, built through their connection to Barbados.

Woosnam has owned a home in Barbados for around 30 years and has known her since she was about 12. In recent months, they have worked together at Apes Hill, Barbados, on her short game, including wedge control and spin.

He also guides her on handling tournament situations and managing the closing stages. Woosnam drew from his experience as a former world number one. 

“I mean, I think tomorrow, once I play it, if I have any questions, any holes, I'll probably just give him a call after and just talk it through, probably settle some nerves. And yeah, go from there,” Emily Odwin said, looking ahead to the final round.

Emily Odwin on Family Support, Pressure, and Representing Barbados at Augusta

During the interview, the 2022 Caribbean Junior Golf Championship winner spoke about having her support system present at the event.

“My parents are out here this week. I've got some family friends out here this week, and I'm just really happy that I can do this in front of them. My coach is on the bag, so just being able to walk up that last fairway with her and being able to have that walk on tomorrow and Saturday with her on the bag, I think it's just going to be really special for us.”

Odwin’s parents, Edward and Orna Odwin, have been closely involved in her journey. She began playing golf at the age of eight with her father, after watching players like Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth on television.

The family lived in Israel during her early years before moving to Barbados. As she grew up, her parents supported her through different sports. Odwin participated in swimming, tennis, netball, and karate before she chose golf at 11.

They have since traveled with her for junior and amateur events, remaining present through different stages of career.

What advice do you think Emily Odwin will take from that call heading into Augusta’s final round?

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Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Siddharth Rawat