Kedronová Receives Invitation to Augusta National Women’s Amateur
1/30/2026 12:00:00 PM | Women's Golf
Junior earns spot in prestigious international field
Kent State junior Veronika Kedronová has earned an invitation to the sixth annual Augusta National Women's Amateur, becoming the third Golden Flash and second golfer from Czechia to compete in the prestigious event.
"It's always been my dream to go," Kedronová said. "I've dreamed about it since I started playing golf. Augusta is the background on my computer. There's a picture hanging in my locker and one in my room, so it's been manifested."
The tournament will be held April 1–4. Kedronová's selection marks the first Augusta National Women's Amateur invitation during head coach Casey VanDamme's tenure. Previous Kent State invitees Michaela Finn and Pimnipa Panthong competed in the inaugural event in 2019.
"It's a big deal for our program and for her individually," VanDamme said. "It's been a goal of hers since she's been here, and I'm so happy she got the invite. Veronika has worked incredibly hard and her invite is well deserved. Our coaching staff and her teammates are ecstatic for her."
A third-year golfer from Rožnov pod Radhoštem, Czechia, Kedronová has recorded five career victories at Kent State, including a win at the Canadian Collegiate that earned her an invitation to the 2026 CPKC Women's Open.
Kedronová also represented Czechia at the World Amateur Team Championships, finishing 31st individually in a 108-player field while helping her team place 11th among 36 teams.
In her Kent State career, Kedronová has posted 19 top-20 finishes, including 16 top-10 results and nine top-five finishes. In her most recent outing at the UCF Challenge, she finished 18th at even par.
"It's always special to see Kent State represented at the highest level," VanDamme said. "We look forward to many more representing us in the years to come."
"Veronika's invitation to the Augusta National Women's Amateur is a tremendous honor that reflects her dedication, talent and the excellence of our women's golf program," said Vice President and Director of Athletics Randale L. Richmond. "This prestigious recognition on one of golf's most iconic stages showcases the caliber of student-athletes we have at Kent State. We're incredibly proud of Veronika and excited to watch her compete against the world's best amateur golfers this April."
During the 2018 Masters Tournament, Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley announced the creation of the Augusta National Women's Amateur, an elite championship designed to showcase the world's top female amateur golfers. The event features three competitive rounds over four days, with a scheduled break between the second and final rounds.
The first 36 holes will be played April 1–2 at Champions Retreat Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. The entire field will participate in an official practice round April 3 at Augusta National Golf Club, with the final round contested April 4 among the top 30 players, including ties.
The opening rounds will be played on the Island and Bluff nines at Champions Retreat, designed by Arnold Palmer (Island) and Jack Nicklaus (Bluff).
Live television coverage will air on Golf Channel on Wednesday, April 1, and Thursday, April 2, with the final round televised nationally on NBC on Saturday, April 4. All rounds will also be streamed live on Peacock, NBCSports.com and ANWAgolf.com.
For more information on the Augusta National Women's Amateur, visit ANWAgolf.com.
