Arkansas Golfer Maria Jose Marin Wins Augusta National Women's Amateur

Marin overcomes late collapse by Asterisk Talley to claim victory at prestigious tournament

Apr. 5, 2026 at 5:56pm

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Maria Jose Marin, a junior at the University of Arkansas, won the 2026 Augusta National Women's Amateur on Saturday, overcoming a late collapse by Asterisk Talley to claim the title. Marin shot a final-round 68 to finish at 14-under par, four shots clear of runner-up Andrea Revuelta. Talley, who led by as many as four shots early in the round, faltered on the back nine, making a quadruple-bogey 7 on the par-3 12th hole to fall out of contention.

Why it matters

The Augusta National Women's Amateur has quickly become one of the most prestigious events in women's amateur golf, with the winner earning an invitation to the following year's Masters Tournament. Marin's victory makes her the third NCAA champion to win the event, following in the footsteps of past champions Jennifer Kupcho and Rose Zhang.

The details

Marin stuck to her game plan of staying patient throughout the round, and it paid off when Talley's collapse on the 12th hole opened the door for Marin to pull away. Talley went from the back bunker into Rae's Creek twice on the 12th, leading to a quadruple-bogey 7 that dropped her five shots behind Marin. Marin then played the final six holes in 1-under par to cruise to the victory.

  • Marin shot a final-round 68 on April 5, 2026 to win the tournament.
  • Talley's quadruple-bogey on the 12th hole occurred during the final round on April 5, 2026.

The players

Maria Jose Marin

A junior golfer at the University of Arkansas who won the 2026 Augusta National Women's Amateur.

Asterisk Talley

A 17-year-old amateur golfer from California who held the lead for much of the final round before collapsing on the back nine.

Andrea Revuelta

The runner-up in the 2026 Augusta National Women's Amateur, finishing four shots behind Marin.

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What they’re saying

“I just reminded myself that I had to stay really, really patient because anything can happen out here. When that last putt sank in, I just thought to myself, 'Well, I made it.' All of my hard work has paid off, and I'm just extremely proud of myself.”

— Maria Jose Marin, 2026 Augusta National Women's Amateur Champion

“I'm just a little emotional, not only because I didn't get it done today, but also just everyone is so supportive. It's hard when they have to watch that and see you not do well or not accomplish what you wanted. I still played fine today even though that one hole just kind of got me.”

— Asterisk Talley, 2026 Augusta National Women's Amateur Runner-Up

What’s next

Marin's victory at the Augusta National Women's Amateur earns her an invitation to compete in the 2027 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.

The takeaway

Marin's triumph at the prestigious Augusta National Women's Amateur showcases the continued growth and popularity of women's golf, as the event has quickly become one of the most coveted titles in the amateur game. Marin's poise and perseverance in the face of Talley's late collapse highlights the mental toughness required to succeed at the highest levels of the sport.