Unthinkable Chaos Before Tee Time
Amari Avery’s debut at the U.S. Women’s Open could have ended in heartbreak before it even began. A terrifying break-in at her rental house forced a last-minute move to a hotel. But things went from bad to worse when her boyfriend, Gavin Aurilia, accidentally took her golf clubs—leaving her without equipment just hours before her tee time.
Teammate Turned Lifesaver
Enter Gabriela Ruffels—Avery’s former University of South Carolina teammate and fellow competitor at Erin Hills. After finishing her early-morning round, Ruffels lent her entire set of TaylorMade clubs to Avery, allowing her to compete that afternoon. Both players use the same brand, making the transition smoother but no less heroic.
Golf World Reacts
The gesture has taken social media by storm. Fans praised Ruffels for her sportsmanship, calling it a “level 100” act of class. “Props to Ruffels for letting her use her clubs,” one user wrote, while others expressed admiration for Avery’s mental strength: “The fact she’s even on the field is some solid mental fortitude.”
Still in Contention
Despite the off-course chaos, Avery is currently tied for 29th at 1-under-par. With her clubs now en route—thanks to Aurilia’s mom—she’s poised to finish strong. Ruffels, unfortunately, did not make the cut, but her contribution to the tournament’s most touching storyline won’t be forgotten.
True Grit and Grace
Whether it’s Avery’s resilience or Ruffels’s selflessness that fans admire more, one thing is clear: this year’s U.S. Women’s Open has already produced a story bigger than golf.