AUGUSTA NATIONAL WOMEN'S AMATEUR

April 1, 2026

Ava Merrill

Quick Quotes

Q. First, overall impressions on the first round today?

AVA MERRILL: Yeah, course is in great condition. Greens are rolling great. They're so fast. The greens are so fast, which is awesome. I love fast greens.

Yeah, I think course is awesome. Feels great out here, yeah.

Q. You're from Johns Creek, a few hours away from here, so just talk about how special it is to be playing an event like this so close to home.

AVA MERRILL: It's so special to be playing in this event. I feel like I'm at home with the pines and the feel of the golf course. Feels like a home course to me.

I grew up driving in, seeing the statue of Bobby Jones at my home course, which is really cool because of Augusta and everything. So I feel like this tournament is extra memorable for me.

Q. You mentioned the conditions were nice. Through the first nine you were basically on top; four birdies. Just talk about how you felt through the first nine.

AVA MERRILL: Yeah, so my front nine I shot 1-over and couldn't really get anything going. Back nine, yep, some putts fell and that was really awesome.

Q. How does it feel when you get some going for you at a big course like this?

AVA MERRILL: Yeah, I feel like if your speeds are good you just have to be patient. I think I did a good job doing that today.

They didn't fall on the front and they fell on the back, so sometimes that's just what happens.

Q. Talk about the community support. Seems like several people were out here rooting for you.

AVA MERRILL: Yeah, absolutely. I had bunch of my parents' friends and my grandparents were here, parents were here. Brother is coming later in the week. Just so many people out here supporting me.

The fans are amazing. I was a little frustrated after my 9th hole. Just missed a short putt for birdie and some little kids came up to me and didn't care at all that I just missed short putt. They were just happy and wanted any signature and it's really cool.