Top Contenders Poised for Thrilling 2026 Augusta National Women's Amateur

A star-studded field of amateur golfers set to take on Augusta National in this year's ANWA

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:34pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the 2026 Augusta National Women's Amateur golf tournament, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of green, white, and gold representing the lush fairways and iconic clubhouse of Augusta National.The 2026 Augusta National Women's Amateur promises a thrilling showdown as the next generation of golfing talent takes on the legendary course.Augusta Today

The 2026 Augusta National Women's Amateur (ANWA) is shaping up to be a thrilling showdown, with a talented field of amateur golfers ready to take on the iconic Augusta National course. From rising stars like Asterisk Talley to top-ranked contenders like Kiara Romero and the powerhouse Stanford Five, this year's tournament promises to showcase the best of women's amateur golf.

Why it matters

The ANWA has quickly become one of the most prestigious events in women's golf, providing amateur players a rare opportunity to compete on the hallowed grounds of Augusta National. This year's field is stacked with players who have already made waves in the amateur ranks, making the 2026 edition a must-watch event for golf fans.

The details

Asterisk Talley, a 17-year-old prodigy, is making her third ANWA appearance after a spectacular performance in last year's final round, where she eagled the first hole and shot a 68. Despite finishing one stroke behind the winner, Talley's skill and composure have propelled her into the top 10 of the world amateur rankings. Kiara Romero, the current world No. 1 amateur, is also a serious contender, having won five times since July 2025 and claiming the prestigious McCormack Medal. The Stanford Five, a group of five top-5 ranked amateurs all on the same college team, are another force to be reckoned with, led by Spain's Paula Martin Sampedro and Andrea Revuelta. Freshman Rianne Malixi, who had to withdraw from last year's ANWA due to injury, is also a dark horse contender after winning the U.S. Girls' Junior and U.S. Women's Amateur in the same year. Elia Galitsky, the eighth-ranked amateur, is another player to watch after shooting a course-record 66 in the championship final round at Augusta National.

  • The 2026 Augusta National Women's Amateur will take place in early April 2026.

The players

Asterisk Talley

A 17-year-old prodigy making her third ANWA appearance, Talley has already cracked the top 10 of the world amateur rankings thanks to her impressive performance in last year's final round, where she eagled the first hole and shot a 68.

Kiara Romero

The current world No. 1 amateur, Romero has won five times since July 2025 and claimed the McCormack Medal. She's looking to bounce back from a missed cut in 2024 and a T-7 finish the previous year.

Paula Martin Sampedro

The No. 2 ranked amateur, Sampedro won the 2025 British Women's Amateur and is part of the formidable Stanford Five team.

Andrea Revuelta

Ranked No. 3 in the world, Revuelta has three wins to her name and is another member of the Stanford Five.

Rianne Malixi

A talented freshman at Duke, Malixi had to withdraw from last year's ANWA due to injury but is now healthy and ready to take on Augusta National after historic wins in the U.S. Girls' Junior and U.S. Women's Amateur.

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What they’re saying

“Asterisk Talley's performance in last year's final round was nothing short of spectacular. Her potential is undeniable.”

— Annika Sorenstam, LPGA Legend

“Kiara Romero is primed to make her mark at the ANWA. Her resume and current form make her a serious threat to win this year.”

— Mel Reid, LPGA Tour Player

What’s next

The 2026 Augusta National Women's Amateur will take place in early April 2026, with the final round scheduled for Saturday, April 5th.

The takeaway

This year's ANWA field is stacked with talented amateurs who have already proven their mettle on the biggest stages. From rising stars to seasoned veterans, the tournament promises to be a thrilling showdown that will showcase the bright future of women's golf.