Maria Jose Marin 1 Shot Off Lead Heading Into Final Round of Augusta National Women's Amateur

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Heading into the final round of the Augusta National Women's Amateur, California golfer Asterisk Talley holds a 1-shot lead over Arkansas junior Maria Jose Marin and Stanford's Meja Ortengren. Talley, the runner-up last year, shot a bogey-free 5-under 67 on Thursday at Champions Retreat Golf Club. Marin, playing in her fourth ANWA, had a 1-shot lead after the first round but shot a 2-under 70 on Thursday. Ortengren, making her fifth ANWA appearance, had an eagle on the par-5 No. 3 and shot a 5-under 67 for the second straight round.

Why it matters

The Augusta National Women's Amateur is one of the most prestigious amateur golf tournaments, with the final round taking place at the iconic Augusta National course, home of the Masters. This year's event is shaping up to be a tight race, with several top collegiate and junior golfers in contention for the title.

The details

Talley opened Thursday's round with three straight birdies and did not relinquish the lead. Last year's runner-up at this event, the 17-year-old Talley is playing in her third ANWA event and is committed to Stanford. Marin, playing in her fourth ANWA and third as an Arkansas Razorback, had a bogey at the par-4 No. 4 hole but birdied 3, 9, 14, and 18 – all par 5s. Ortengren, a 21-year-old from Sweden who plays at Stanford, had an eagle on the par-5 No. 3 to put a charge into her round.

• On Wednesday, Maria Jose Marin had a 1-shot lead after the first round.
• On Thursday, Asterisk Talley shot a bogey-free 5-under 67 to take a 1-shot lead heading into the final round on Saturday.

What’s next

The entire field of golfers will get to play a practice round on Friday on the Augusta National course, which will host the 90th Masters next week. On Saturday, the reduced field will take center stage in the chase for the coveted ANWA championship.