LPGA players, commentators react to news of Augusta National Women's Amateur Championship

Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley announced some major news on the eve of the Masters Wednesday.

In his first turn to field questions from the media, Ridley revealed that beginning in 2018, a new, 54-hole tournament -- the Augusta National Women's Amateur Championship -- will be played, with the final round being contested at Augusta National the Saturday before the Masters.

https://twitter.com/TheMasters/status/981555064786620417

The first two rounds will be played in nearby Evans, Ga., at Champions Retreat.

The 72-player field will be based largely on the Women's Amateur Golf Ranking.

The tournament should provide a tremendous boost to the women's game and the decision has been applauded universally. 

LPGA players and commentators took to Twitter to express their excitement in the news:

https://twitter.com/suzywhaley/status/981622718901751808

https://twitter.com/Thejessicakorda/status/981556646659919877

https://twitter.com/Paige_Mackenzie/status/981581154250821638

https://twitter.com/Cheyenne_Woods/status/981555521076342787

https://twitter.com/KellyShon/status/981567646977032194

https://twitter.com/TheChristinaKim/status/981570324318781440

https://twitter.com/AmeliaLewisLPGA/status/981558744956981249

https://twitter.com/KayCockerill/status/981561986910584832