Furman senior Anna Morgan from Spartanburg didn’t waste any time returning her invitation to play in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

“I got the invitation in January and didn’t hesitate to accept,” she said. “I’m looking forward to playing in the tournament again this year,” she said.

Last year Morgan was selected for the first time to join a field of top women amateurs from around the world. She made the cut to play the final round on the famed Augusta National course.

“I hoped I would get an opportunity to play in the tournament again, and obviously I’m just as excited to be going back as I was to go to Augusta the first time,” she said.

The Augusta experience was part of a fantastic year for the Lady Paladin golfer.

Qualifying for the US Open, playing on the Palmer Cup team and finishing in the top-10 at the NCAA Championship while being named an All-American and SoCon Player of the Year placed Morgan among the top players in the country.

“I think last year I was so excited just to be there. This year I will have a better feel for the tournament and hopefully be able to play better,” she said.

All rounds of the tournament will be televised this year.

The first two rounds are played at Champions Retreat on March 29th and 30th.

The entire field then plays the Augusta National Course on March 31st with the golfers who made the cut playing the final round on the course on Saturday.

Last year Morgan got some time on TV when the cameras caught her making a birdie on 18 to finish in a tie for 21st.

“It was such a surreal experience last year I know I will be able to control my nerves better this year,” she said.

While challenging for the win or playing into the top of the field would be great, being invited to join the group of the best amateurs in the world is recognition of Morgan’s standing.

The Lady Paladins will be playing their regular schedule this spring which begins in Las Vegas at “The Show”on February 20th

The Augusta tournament comes after Furman plays in the Clemson Invitational and before the SoCon tournament which returns to the Moss Creek Plantation at Hilton Head.

“This year I don’t think I have to prove myself and I can just go out and play my game. I know I’m a better player now, and it is very exciting to know I have the chance to play in the tournament again,” she concluded.