Maria Jose Marin Wins Augusta National Women's Amateur

Georgia native Ava Merrill finishes tied for 17th in ANWA debut

Apr. 5, 2026 at 12:25am

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Maria Jose Marin carded six birdies and just two bogeys in the final round to win the 2026 Augusta National Women's Amateur by four strokes. Marin, who missed the cut last year, finished the tournament at 14-under par. Georgia native Ava Merrill made her ANWA debut, posting five birdies but also four bogeys and a double bogey to finish tied for 17th.

Why it matters

The Augusta National Women's Amateur is one of the most prestigious events in women's golf, with the winner receiving an invitation to the following year's Masters Tournament. Marin's victory continues the tournament's tradition of crowning a new champion each year, while Merrill's strong debut performance highlights the growing depth of talent in women's amateur golf.

The details

Marin started the final round one shot back and tied for second, but she quickly took control with six birdies against just two bogeys. She walked up the iconic 18th fairway at Augusta National with a four-shot lead and finished the day with a 68, ending the tournament at 14-under par. Merrill, a Georgia native from Johns Creek, made her first appearance in the ANWA and posted five birdies, but also had four bogeys and a double bogey on the 11th hole to finish tied for 17th.

  • Marin missed the cut at the 2025 Augusta National Women's Amateur.
  • The 2026 Augusta National Women's Amateur was held on April 5, 2026.

The players

Maria Jose Marin

The 2026 champion of the Augusta National Women's Amateur, Marin carded six birdies and two bogeys in the final round to win the tournament by four strokes.

Ava Merrill

A Georgia native from Johns Creek, Merrill made her debut in the Augusta National Women's Amateur, finishing tied for 17th with five birdies and four bogeys plus a double bogey.

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What they’re saying

“I'm so grateful to have won this prestigious tournament. It's a dream come true to walk up the 18th fairway at Augusta National with the lead.”

— Maria Jose Marin

“Making the cut in my first ANWA was an incredible experience. I'll always remember the golf, but also all the special perks that come with playing in this tournament.”

— Ava Merrill

What’s next

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

The takeaway

Maria Jose Marin's triumph at the Augusta National Women's Amateur continues the tournament's tradition of crowning a new champion each year, while Ava Merrill's strong debut performance highlights the growing depth of talent in women's amateur golf.