LSU Golf Signee Raegan Denton Off To Great Start In Augusta National Women's Amateur

Denton fires bogey-free 67 to sit two shots off the lead after first round

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:23pm

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LSU's Australian golf signee Raegan Denton put herself in a great spot after one round of the Augusta National Women's Amateur on Wednesday, firing a bogey-free round of 5-under 67. Denton, 18, making her first appearance in the tournament, posted five birdies over the 6,450-yards par 72 layout of Champions Retreat, in the Augusta suburb of Evans, Georgia, where the first two rounds are contested. She is T6 after the first round, two shots out of the lead held by Maria Jose Marin of Arkansas and Soomin Oh of Korea, who both posted 7-under rounds of 65.

Why it matters

The Augusta National Women's Amateur is one of the most prestigious amateur golf tournaments, and Denton's strong start as a first-time competitor is an impressive accomplishment. As an LSU signee, her performance could help raise the profile of the Tigers' women's golf program.

The details

Denton birdied both par 5 holes on the first nine holes (the third and ninth holes) and posted a birdie 3 on the par 4 seventh. She then moved to the second nine and posted back-to-back birdies on the par 4 10th and par 3 11th. She then finished with seven pars to conclude her round. Denton was T2 in the field in Greens in Regulation, hitting 16-of-18, while driving in the fairway on 10-of-the-14 non-par 3 holes. She was T8 in the field with five birdies.

  • Denton will go off the 10th tee on Thursday at 8:21 a.m. CT.
  • Tejedo is at 8:55 a.m. off the 10th tee as well.
  • Golf Channel television coverage is again scheduled from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. CDT.

The players

Raegan Denton

An 18-year-old Australian golfer who is a signee for the LSU women's golf team. She is making her first appearance in the Augusta National Women's Amateur and is currently tied for sixth place after the first round.

Maria Jose Marin

A golfer from Arkansas who is currently tied for the lead after the first round with a 7-under 65.

Soomin Oh

A Korean golfer who is also tied for the lead after the first round with a 7-under 65.

Vanessa Borovilos

A golfer who posted a 6-under 66 in the first round, putting her in a tie for third place.

Asterisk Talley

A golfer who posted a 6-under 66 in the first round, putting her in a tie for third place.

Andrea Revuelta

A golfer who posted a 6-under 66 in the first round, putting her in a tie for third place.

Rocio Tejedo

An LSU sophomore who shot a 4-over 76 in the first round and is tied for 59th place.

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What they’re saying

“I think I just kept really composed. I didn't put too many expectations on myself and didn't freak out if I had a poor shot or anything. Just sort of tried to focus on what was ahead, and I just think I just kept my cool really well.”

— Raegan Denton

“College golf in Australia has definitely become more popular over the last couple years. And it was sort of a pathway that I'd always considered. When I visited LSU, I just sort of fell in love with the campus and the coaches and just sort of everything about it. I loved the feel that I got. It felt like this could be my new home for the next four years.”

— Raegan Denton

What’s next

Denton will look to continue her strong play in the second round on Thursday, with the goal of making the cut to advance to the final round at Augusta National on Saturday. Tejedo will also need a strong second round to have a chance to make the cut.

The takeaway

Raegan Denton's impressive debut at the prestigious Augusta National Women's Amateur has put her in contention early, showcasing the talent that led her to sign with the LSU women's golf program. Her poise and composure on a big stage bode well for her future success both in college and as an amateur golfer.