The Retreat Of Legends: Five Champions Who Conquered Golf’s Most Exclusive 27-Hole Course
The phrase "champions at the retreat" refers almost exclusively to the elite golfers who have tested their skills at the legendary Champions Retreat Golf Club, a 27-hole masterpiece near Augusta, Georgia. This exclusive club is unique in the world, having been designed by the sport's three biggest icons—Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Gary Player—and it serves as the crucial opening venue for one of the most prestigious events in women's amateur golf, the Augusta National Women's Amateur (ANWA). As of the current date, December 23, 2025, the newest name to join this distinguished list is Lottie Woad, whose dramatic 2024 victory cemented her place in the club's storied history.
The allure of Champions Retreat is not just its proximity to Augusta National, but the sheer pedigree of its design and the caliber of competition it hosts. The course is a true test of championship golf, demanding precision and strategy across its three distinct nines. The champions who succeed here are not just great players; they are the future of the sport, having proven their mettle on a course built by the legends themselves.
Lottie Woad: The 2024 Champion at The Retreat
The most recent and electrifying victory at the Champions Retreat came during the 2024 Augusta National Women’s Amateur, where England’s Lottie Woad staged a stunning comeback to claim the title. Her performance on the Island and Bluff Nines at The Retreat set the stage for her eventual triumph at Augusta National, securing her place as the newest "Champion at the Retreat."
Lottie Woad: Biographical Profile
- Full Name: Charlotte Woad
- Nationality: English
- Born: January 17, 2004
- College: Florida State University (FSU)
- Amateur Highlights: Winner of the 2022 Girls Amateur Championship, Winner of the 2024 Augusta National Women's Amateur (ANWA)
- Awards: 2024 Mark H. McCormack Medal (World Amateur Golf Ranking No. 1)
- Turned Professional: July 2025 (Projected/Reported)
- Key Achievement: Dramatic one-stroke victory at the 2024 ANWA, securing the title with a late charge.
Woad’s win was a masterclass in composure. She is a powerful entity in the amateur ranks, and her success at Champions Retreat is a testament to the quality of players the course attracts. Her victory was not just a personal achievement but a significant moment for Florida State University golf, bringing national attention to the program and the high level of competition at The Retreat.
The Exclusive Design: The Big Three’s Only Collaboration
To truly understand the prestige of the "champions at the retreat," one must first appreciate the course itself. Champions Retreat is the only golf club in the world to feature 27 holes designed by the "Big Three" of golf: Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Gary Player. This unprecedented collaboration, conceived during the 1999 Masters Tournament, ensures that every champion who plays here is tested by three distinct, legendary design philosophies.
The club is structured around three 9-hole courses, each bearing the indelible mark of its designer. The unique blend of styles is a core reason why the club is chosen to host the opening rounds of the Augusta National Women's Amateur, demanding versatility from the world's best amateur players.
The Three Nines of Champions Retreat
- The Island Nine (Designed by Jack Nicklaus): This nine is known for its strategic bunkering and demanding tee shots, playing out to a dramatic finish along the Savannah River. Nicklaus's design philosophy emphasizes precision and challenges players to think their way around the course.
- The Bluff Nine (Designed by Arnold Palmer): Carved through tall Georgia pines, the Bluff Nine is characterized by elevated tees and sweeping views. Palmer's design is often considered more forgiving off the tee but presents challenging green complexes that require a deft touch.
- The Creek Nine (Designed by Gary Player): Player’s nine is routed through beautiful wetlands and features a more compact, traditional layout. It is a true test of iron play, with water hazards and tight fairways demanding accuracy and control.
The Legacy of Champions: ANWA Winners Who Conquered The Retreat
The Augusta National Women's Amateur (ANWA) is the premier event that links the world's best amateur golfers to Champions Retreat. The first 36 holes of this prestigious tournament are played on the Island and Bluff Nines. A player must perform exceptionally well here to even qualify for the final round at Augusta National. The list of ANWA winners is therefore a definitive list of "Champions at The Retreat" who successfully navigated this challenging course.
Notable Champions Who Played at The Retreat
The tournament, which began in 2019, has already produced a list of remarkable champions who have gone on to achieve significant professional success. These players are key entities in the history of the club, embodying the championship spirit of the venue.
- Jennifer Kupcho (2019): The inaugural ANWA champion. Kupcho’s performance at Champions Retreat set the standard for the tournament, showcasing the kind of aggressive, yet controlled, golf required to succeed. Her win was a monumental moment for women's golf.
- Tsubasa Kajitani (2021): The first international champion and the first winner from Japan. Kajitani secured her victory in a dramatic playoff, demonstrating the high-pressure environment that The Retreat prepares players for.
- Anna Davis (2022): Known for her signature bucket hat, Davis was a surprise winner at just 16 years old. Her youthful composure at Champions Retreat proved that age is no barrier to success on this challenging course.
- Rose Zhang (2023): One of the most dominant amateur golfers of her generation. Zhang’s victory was highly anticipated and solidified her status as a generational talent before she quickly turned professional. Her performance at The Retreat was clinical and masterful.
- Lottie Woad (2024): As the most recent champion, Woad’s name is now permanently etched into the history of both the ANWA and Champions Retreat. Her late-round heroics are already part of the tournament's lore.
Beyond the ANWA: Other Champions and Events
While the ANWA is the most high-profile event, Champions Retreat also hosts other significant tournaments, further cementing its reputation as a venue for champions. The club serves as a hub for various charitable and military-focused golf events, reflecting the values of its legendary designers.
The Augusta Charity Classic, held in March 2024, is one such event that brings together local business leaders and golf enthusiasts for a noble cause. These tournaments highlight the club's commitment to community and philanthropy, using the platform of championship golf to make a difference. The winners of this classic are also considered champions of the retreat, albeit in a different context.
Additionally, the Armed Forces Cup has also been hosted at Champions Retreat, including the 2024 event, which saw members of the U.S. Armed Forces compete. This event underscores the national and military significance of the venue, with players from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard competing for the coveted cup. The presence of the Veteran Golfers Association (VGA) further links the club to military service members, adding another layer of championship pedigree to the location.
The term "champions at the retreat" is a powerful identifier for a select group of athletes and teams who have proven their excellence on one of the world's most uniquely designed and challenging golf courses. From the amateur brilliance of Lottie Woad and Rose Zhang to the legacy of the Big Three designers—Palmer, Nicklaus, and Player—Champions Retreat Golf Club remains a vital and highly respected entity in the global golf landscape, a true retreat where champions are made.
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