CARLA TEJEDO
A junior from Spain, Tejedo was one of the last players invited, getting in on her world ranking after another player pulled out.
“I received a call that someone had turned down their invitation because of an injury, so if you want it’s yours,” Tejedo said. “That wasn’t even a question.”
Tejedo called her parents in Spain, reaching her father on the golf course.
“He started shouting,” Tejedo said.
Tejedo’s parents and LSU’s entire team will attend.
“It’s a gift” getting to play, Tejedo said. “A reward for all the seasons and all the work you’ve been putting in through the years.”
KENDALL GRIFFIN
Griffin thought most of her big tournament playing days were behind her. After four years at LSU and a graduate season at Louisville, Griffin recently became assistant women’s golf coach at Indiana.
“Last year, a couple of friends told me I might have a chance to get in” Augusta, Griffin said. “I hadn’t been paying attention. Then I saw the rankings and thought I could get it.”
The top 30 Americans at the end of 2022 were invited.
“When the cutoff came, I was 27th or 28th,” Griffin said. “I couldn’t believe it.”
Griffin said she’s heard nothing but great things about the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
“Everyone who has been told me it’s the best tournament of their entire lives,” she said. “I almost don’t want it to come, because then it will be over.”
JULIA JOHNSON
After her Ole Miss career ended last spring, Johnson had surgery to remove a fibroid tumor and began working as a Golf Channel on-course reporter. She plans to turn professional after Augusta while still doing TV work.
“I didn’t know if I would play golf again if I wasn’t invited” to Augusta, Johnson said.
After two previous missed cuts at Augusta, Johnson has perspective on what is likely her last appearance.
“The drive down Magnolia Lane to the chairman’s dinner, you remind yourself this is not normal,” she said. “This is not what people get to do. It’s Augusta National. It’s an honor to play.
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