Telugu Pride: Indian American Golfer Megha Ganne Captures Historic U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship

Against the windswept backdrop of Oregon’s rugged coastline on Aug. 10, Stanford University’s Megha Ganne finally achieved the dream she had been chasing for nearly a decade. On a blustery Sunday at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, the 21-year-old Indian-American golfer defeated Brooke Biermann of Michigan State 4&3 to claim the 125th U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship, according to reports from the LPGA and Yahoo Sports.

Ganne hoisted the prestigious Robert Cox Trophy after her commanding victory, a moment that represented the culmination of years of dedication and perseverance in amateur golf’s most challenging arena.

The final was never truly in doubt, as Ganne was never behind throughout the match. She never trailed, pushing her lead by as many as four holes as early as the 19th hole, the first of the afternoon portion of the finals. The victory was particularly impressive given the gale-force winds at Bandon Dunes that made scoring conditions exceptionally difficult.

What made Ganne’s championship run even more remarkable was her semifinal performance the day before. Ganne rallied from 4 down with seven holes left to win in 19 holes Saturday, demonstrating the mental fortitude and competitive fire that would serve her well in the final.

The Rising Star from New Jersey

Born in Long Branch, New Jersey, to Indian parents Sudha and Hari Ganne, Megha has established herself as one of American golf’s brightest young talents. The golfer is of Indian ethnicity, hailing from Long Branch, New Jersey is currently a Stanford Sophomore and grew up under the guidance of her parents, Sudha and Hari Ganne.

Her path to golf began somewhat by chance. As a youngster, Ganne played golf, tennis and practised swimming. However, a swimming coach instructor gave her an ultimatum aged 12 and she opted to pursue golf. Since the age of twelve, she has been competing in golf tournaments, making this victory the result of nearly a decade of competitive experience.

Golf runs in the family, as Megha’s sister, Sirina, also plays the game. The influence of her Indian heritage has been a source of pride throughout her career, with her parents being from India and specifically belonging to Andhra Pradesh, India.

Ganne first captured national attention as a teenager when she made headlines at the 2021 U.S. Women’s Open. She has built a reputation as one of the most promising young talents in American golf with an impressive feat as a 17-year-old, when she qualified for the U.S. Women’s Open and finished as the leading amateur. At the tournament she held a share of the lead after the opening round, and was tied for third going into the final round; she finished as the leading amateur, in a tie for 14th place.

That performance established her as a rising star, but Ganne has been chasing a USGA title for the better part of a decade. Sunday’s victory at Bandon Dunes represents the fulfillment of that long-held ambition.

Stanford Success and Future Prospects

Now in her time at Stanford University, Ganne has continued to excel at the collegiate level. Her public image has evolved from the wide-eyed teen at the 2021 Open to a seasoned competitor eyed for professional ranks. Contending for the Annika Award in 2025, Ganne’s influence extends beyond scores, promoting diversity in golf through her Indian-American background.

The U.S. Women’s Amateur victory also provides Ganne with significant benefits for her amateur career, as she earns points in the LPGA Elite Amateur Pathway after winning the 2025 U.S. Women’s Amateur, positioning her well for future opportunities in professional golf.

(Top image, courtesy of USGA/Darren Carroll)