Taya Buxton, a sophomore from Augusta’s Paine College, had the opportunity to be a marker in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur final round for the second consecutive year. This time, she had a much better experience and showcased her skills on the iconic Augusta National Golf Club.
Buxton, at just 19 years old, performed admirably during the round. Although she picked up her ball on a few holes to maintain pace of play, she hit some impressive shots and even parred the formidable 12th hole. Her birdie attempt on the challenging 14th hole narrowly missed the cup.
As a marker at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA), Buxton played alongside Lauren Kim, a talented freshman from Texas. The two golfers had a great rapport and Kim delivered a stellar performance, carding an impressive 1-under 71 on the day. It was one of only eight under-par scores recorded during the final round, and it propelled Kim from a six-way tie for 30th place to a tie for 14th.
Despite not being a competitor in the tournament, Buxton drew attention from spectators due to her name being displayed on her caddie’s jumpsuit like the other participants. However, her role as a marker helped ensure that the first player off the tee, in this case, Kim, didn’t have to play alone.
The Augusta National Women’s Amateur typically takes place at Evans’ Champions Retreat, with the final round being played at Augusta National. Buxton had advanced to the final round after qualifying in a field of 72 competitors. However, since there was an odd number of players in the final round, Buxton had the honor of being the marker, keeping Kim’s scorecard.
The news of Buxton’s selection as a marker came as a pleasant surprise. She had been keeping an eye on the scores and was informed of her assignment by her father. Buxton’s family, including her father, grandparents, made a 10-hour drive from their home in Columbus, Ohio, just to watch her play. They had also been present last year and enjoyed the privilege of driving down Magnolia Lane with Buxton.
Augusta National’s decision to involve a player from Paine College as a marker stems from the club’s connection with the school. Two years ago, the Augusta National announced its support for the creation of a women’s golf team at Paine College, and it also established the Lee Elder Scholarships for both men and women at Augusta’s historically Black college. Buxton had the distinction of being the first female recipient of the Lee Elder Scholarship.
The scholarships are named after Lee Elder, who broke barriers as the first Black player to compete in the Masters Tournament in 1975. Elder, who served as an honorary starter for the 2021 Masters Tournament alongside Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, sadly passed away in November 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is the role of a marker in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur?
A marker is used in the final round of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur when there is an uneven number of players. The marker plays alongside the first player off the tee and keeps her scorecard, ensuring that she doesn’t have to play alone.
Why was Taya Buxton chosen as a marker?
Taya Buxton, a sophomore golfer from Augusta’s Paine College, was selected as a marker due to the college’s connection with Augusta National. The club supports Paine College’s women’s golf team and established the Lee Elder Scholarships for men and women at the historically Black college.
Who was Lee Elder?
Lee Elder was a trailblazer in golf as the first Black player to compete in the Masters Tournament in 1975. In addition to his groundbreaking achievement, Augusta National honored him by establishing the Lee Elder Scholarships and inviting him to serve as an honorary starter for the 2021 Masters Tournament.
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