AUGUSTA NATIONAL WOMEN'S AMATEUR

April 1, 2026

Macy Pate

Quick Quotes

Q. Nice round to start off ANWA. From last year to this year, what's the difference in dynamic and the preparation that you know what to expect?

MACY PATE: Yeah, definitely have a lot more confidence going in and knowing what to expect on the golf course. My game is a little bit different than last year so just trying to make adjustments to what my earlier game plans have been, so that's kind of been interesting and a good test for Coach and I.

Yeah, I think that the greens are great, so kind of trying to navigate those and put yourself in good positions is really the only thing you can do.

Q. How long has the Augusta National Women's Amateur been ur radar following Wake Forest, following a lot of history Wake has helped author here? How long has this been something you've been aware of?

MACY PATE: I vividly remember watching Jennifer Kupcho win and then I was here for the Drive, Chip & Putt when Amelia got second. I think when Amelia finished runner-up was when it was kind of on my radar.

But until last year I don't know if I ever thought I would play in it, and last year when it came true, and returning this year, it gives me confidence for the rest of my season at Wake.

Q. What's the dynamic with Coach on your bag versus her doing her day job as the head coach of the women's program?

MACY PATE: Yeah, it's really fun. I think for the most part, we're just kind of laughing out there. She knows my game pretty well and she kind of knows what can make me be a little bit more aggressive or play a little safer.

She kind of knows what I'm thinking a lot of the time, which is helpful, and yeah, she's just out there to keep me confident and give me good advice, which she does a lot of that.

Q. You've seen this tournament grow. Dreams start with Fassi and Kupcho going down the stretch. What is your take on what this has done for the women's game and specifically for amateur golf?

MACY PATE: Yeah, it's awesome. I walked up 18 fairway today and I was making the turn and I looked at Coach, and I was like, I just can't believe how many people are here.

I think that's a testament to what this tournament is all about. The members at Augusta last year are telling us this is their favorite part of the year, so that's saying a lot when you've got all the pros coming through next week. It definitely makes us feel very special and we're treated so well that it's definitely the pinnacle of women's golf for sure.

Q. Why do you think it is their favorite part of the year? They see the Masters every year and they get to play the golf course. What makes it their favorite part of the year?

MACY PATE: I think seeing us enjoy it so much. This is kind of a treat for all of us, and it's so fun so see all of the people that we compete against every week at this event and everyone has this shared feeling of this is really awesome. I think the members can sense that, and I asked one member last night, are you used to your steaks being this good every time? And he's like, yeah. I was like, okay, okay. So I think they can kind of sense that maybe this is not our day-to-day, but it's really awesome and a treat.