Rachel Heck finds something she’s been missing: ‘I haven’t felt that in a long time’

OLTEWAH, Tenn. – For Rachel Heck, Thursday’s 1-up victory over Anna Davis at the 2026 U.S. Women’s Amateur was about more than advancing to the next round. This week marks Heck’s third competitive event of the year, but it wasn’t until her match against Davis, the 2022 Augusta National Women’s Amateur champion — which came down to the final hole — that she felt something she’d been missing for a long time.

“So much excitement,” Heck said after winning her match. “It was so fun to feel those emotions again, the adrenaline and the nerves. I haven’t felt that in a long time.”

The win marked Heck’s first match-play victory at the U.S. Women’s Amateur since her quarterfinal run in 2023, a meaningful milestone as she makes her return to competitive golf. A former NCAA individual champion and two-time Curtis Cup competitor, Heck showed flickers of the form that made her one of the game’s most recognizable amateurs, answering every challenge from Davis before closing out the match on the 18th green.

But it wasn’t just the thought of winning that had Heck experiencing a familiar wave of emotions. It was also the intensity and pressure that comes with battling out a close match, and it wasn’t until she was in the heat of battle that she realized it was the very thing she had been lacking.

“This is the feeling I really wanted when I decided to get back into amateur golf and play some more,” she said. “I wanted the opportunity to come down the stretch in a match and have my heart racing.”

You can follow Women’s Amateur live scoring — including Heck’s next match — here.

What is known about Rachel Heck:

• Titles: NCAA individual champion (2021), two-time Curtis Cup competitor.
• Recent Appearances: This tournament marks Heck’s third competitive event of 2026.
• Current Tournament: 2026 U.S. Women’s Amateur, held at The Honors Course.
• Match Result: Defeated Anna Davis (2022 Augusta National Women’s Amateur champion) 1UP in the Round of 32.

Context:

Rachel Heck’s return to amateur golf has garnered significant attention. After a successful college career where she achieved star status, Heck took a break to focus on other aspects of her life. Her decision to return to competition, especially at a prestigious amateur event like the U.S. Women’s Amateur, signifies her desire to test herself at the highest level again. The match against Anna Davis, another prominent young star in women's golf, proved to be a true test of her readiness.

Winning such a closely contested match, which remained suspenseful until the final hole, holds particular importance for Heck. It’s not just a statistic or advancement in the bracket; it’s confirmation that she can handle pressure and enjoy the process, even when the stakes are high. Her words about not having "felt that in a long time" highlight the significance of this moment for her mental state and self-confidence.

What's Next?

The success in a match against a strong opponent like Anna Davis provides Rachel Heck with the necessary momentum for her continued performance at the U.S. Women’s Amateur. The ability to feel and harness excitement and adrenaline is a key factor for success in match play. If Heck can maintain this level of emotional engagement and playing form, she could become a serious contender for the tournament title. Her journey in this championship will be closely watched as she continues to prove that her return to golf is not just a fleeting moment, but a conscious pursuit of new heights.