BANDON, Ore. — Megha Ganne reached a career milestone on Sunday at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, clinching her first U.S. Women’s Amateur title after defeating Brooke Biermann 4 and 3 in the 36-hole final.
The victory marks a monumental step for the 21-year-old rising star from Stanford, who has been building a reputation as one of golf’s brightest young talents.
From Early Promise to Championship Glory
Ganne’s journey to this victory began long before Sunday’s win. It all started when Katie Rudolph, her coach, first saw Ganne at just 7 years old at a driving range in Union, New Jersey.
Ganne’s natural talent immediately stood out, prompting Rudolph to ask Ganne’s parents if she could coach the young prodigy. Ganne’s undeniable potential, even as a child, was apparent. “She was basically a miniature version of who she is right now,” Rudolph recalled.
From that moment, Ganne was set on a path to greatness, with her coach telling her, “Let’s go be the best in the world.” On Sunday, Ganne took a huge step toward that goal, capturing her first U.S. Women’s Amateur title after a series of impressive performances.
The Road to Victory
Despite being a veteran of 15 USGA championship starts, Ganne had yet to win the prestigious Robert Cox Trophy. The win was long overdue, as she had finished in the runner-up position multiple times, including a memorable semifinal loss in 2019. However, this time was different.
“It’s so much harder than it seems to win one of these,” Ganne admitted, describing the victory as a combination of patience, good fortune, and timing.
Ganne’s triumph is the result of years of hard work, and her career résumé is already impressive, having qualified for multiple national championships since she was just 13.
Her breakthrough came in 2021 at the U.S. Women’s Open, where she led after the first round and finished T-14, earning Low Amateur honors and capturing the attention of the golf world.
Overcoming Adversity
This victory also marks a triumphant return after a series of setbacks. Ganne faced significant challenges last year, including a disqualification from her final U.S. Girls’ Junior for an incorrect score, food poisoning that forced her withdrawal from the U.S. Women’s Amateur, and injuries that sidelined her for part of the season.
But with determination, Ganne returned stronger and healthier, navigating 119 holes this week to win four consecutive matches without needing to play the par-5 18th.
In the semifinal, she found herself 4 down with seven holes to play against Ella Scaysbrook, but she staged a remarkable comeback, eventually winning in 19 holes. Ganne’s resilience was a testament to her growth as a player and her evolving mental and physical game.
A Historic Final
In the final, Ganne never trailed against Brooke Biermann, a Michigan State graduate. Ganne jumped to a 2-up lead early, and despite Biermann’s efforts, including a birdie on the 13th hole in the afternoon session, Ganne maintained her advantage.
Biermann struggled with the putter, missing key opportunities on short putts, and Ganne capitalized on those moments, showing her elite ball-striking and consistency.
When Ganne sunk a two-putt on the par-3 15th, Biermann’s defeat was sealed, and Ganne was crowned champion. “To actually have that putt is surreal,” she said, overwhelmed with emotion. As the sun set over the Oregon coastline, Ganne was surrounded by her family, friends, and coach, who all witnessed the culmination of years of hard work.
A Champion’s Future
With the victory, Ganne not only secures her place in USGA history but also takes another major step toward a successful professional career. She will turn pro after her senior year at Stanford, and Rudolph believes this victory will be a turning point. “I hope this helps her take the lid off things and she just starts winning everything,” Rudolph said.
For Ganne, the victory is the beginning of a promising future in golf. As she continues to develop her game, there is no doubt that her journey is far from over—this is just the start of a career that promises to bring many more titles and accolades.
From the 7-year-old girl with big dreams to the U.S. Women’s Amateur champion, Megha Ganne is officially on the world stage.
