Inside the Ropes at Augusta

An Eagle Creek Member’s Unforgettable Week at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur

There are bucket list golf experiences, and then there is stepping inside the ropes at Augusta National. For one Eagle Creek Member, that dream became reality in a way few ever get to experience.

Meet Cameron Lowdon, a Major in the Royal Canadian Air Force, whose journey to one of golf’s most iconic stages started far from Georgia, at a military course in Colorado.

From Military Fairways to a Major Championship

While stationed in Colorado Springs, Cameron spent five years playing at Eisenhower Golf Club at the U.S. Air Force Academy. In 2024, the course made history as the first military layout to host a USGA event. Cameron jumped at the opportunity, organizing a group of Canadians to volunteer.

That decision changed everything.

Through a series of chance encounters, Cameron was paired with rising star Vanessa Borovilos as her caddie, a partnership that clicked instantly on a demanding course where local knowledge was everything.

That connection did not fade.

After staying in touch with Vanessa’s family and fielding near misses at events like Bandon Dunes and the Canadian Open, Cameron got the call. Her regular caddie could not make it to the Augusta National Women's Amateur.

“Needless to say,” Cameron says, “I made myself available.”

A Week Like No Other

Even for those who have attended before, Augusta National Golf Club delivers a completely different experience inside the ropes.

From wearing the iconic white caddie overalls, which are very hot, to dining in the exclusive Founders Room, Cameron experienced parts of Augusta few ever see.

The tournament week began at Champions Retreat Golf Club, where competitors played two rounds before the final stage at Augusta. Cameron even arrived early to get his own practice rounds in, leaving nothing to chance.

Fast Start, Steady Nerves

The duo came out firing.

A stunning opening round 66, six under par, marked the lowest ever first round by a debut player in the event’s history. Cameron’s role was simple. Keep things light.

“We had a great walk in the park,” Vanessa joked afterward. “My caddie and I were swearing at each other all day.”

Mission accomplished.

Day two brought more of a grind, but a composed 73 kept them firmly in contention at tied for sixth heading into Augusta. Cameron leaned on his experience as a longtime member of the Canadian Forces National Team, offering insights and even a few unexpected movie quotes that helped keep perspective intact.

Augusta Delivers

The final round at Augusta is where legends and lessons are made.

With a simple mantra, “Fast and Loose,” the pair got off to a dream start, reaching three under through four holes. Augusta, however, has a way of demanding perfection.

One small mistake turned into a momentum shift, a reminder of the course’s subtle challenge.

Still, there were unforgettable highlights, including a chip in birdie on the iconic par 3 12th. They battled to an even par 72, finishing tied for 11th. A couple of late pars could have pushed them to tied for fourth, but perspective mattered.

It was the lowest score ever recorded by a Canadian at the event.

A Family Moment and a New Perspective

Adding to the week, Cameron’s father, also a ClubLink Member, was there to watch the final rounds unfold.

“The most fun I’ve ever had on a golf course when I wasn’t playing,” Cameron reflects.

Now, like the rest of us, he will be watching The Masters Tournament, just with a completely different lens.

And yes, he managed to snag a couple of those legendary Augusta gnomes.

From Eagle Creek to Augusta

It is not every day that one of our own walks the fairways of Augusta National in competition and plays a role in setting records. For Cameron, it is a week he will never forget. And for the rest of us, it is a reminder that in golf, you never know where one round might lead.