Maria Jose Marin is a name forever etched in Augusta National’s history. After shooting 4-under in the final round of the 2026 Augusta National Women’s Amateur, Marin cemented her place in history. After shooting 14-under overall, Marin set a new championship scoring record.
When Fairway to Green’s Kelly Okun asked Marin to sum up how she’s feeling, Marin said, “I would say extreme happiness and just extremely proud of myself and all of the hard work and the ability that I had out there to overcome all the pressure because winning in this place, I don’t think there’s ever going to be a feeling to describe it. It’s just magical. This is the temple of golf, and just getting this win, it’s amazing for me.”
Marin was tied with Soomin Oh in the first round before falling behind Asterisk Talley and Meja Örtengren in the second. She began the final round today four shots back of leader Talley.
On hole 11, the tides began to change. A bogey from Talley and a previous birdie on hole 9 from Marin had them tied at 13-under. While Marin was able to stay strong till the end despite a bogey on the 15th, Talley encountered some trouble on the back nine’s par 3s that ultimately had her finish tied for fourth at 8-under.
Marin has been vocal about wanting to be an inspiration for Latino kids, especially those at home in Colombia. Maria Fassi was a role model for her, and she wants to fill those shoes, too.
“This [win] is only going to help me boost my confidence,” said Marin. “I think every time I’m having a hard time or kind of a low in my golf, just remind that I was able to do this and I was able to overcome all the pressure. That means winning at Augusta. And just using it in my favor to just keep working hard and never giving up. As I said yesterday, inspiring younger generations for me is always going to be my main goal, and all of the little girls and little boys watching me back home, it’s great to have them watching because that’s what I wanted to accomplish one day.”
After Marin’s individual win at the 2025 NCAA Championship and her 2025 Women’s Amateur Latin America (WALA) victory, she’s well on her way to inspiring the next generation of Latino golfers.
Andrea Revuelta, who began the day at 6-under and was in Marin’s pairing, also shot 68 (-4) and ended the event in solo second.
“I’m really proud of myself,” said Revuelta. “It was a very nice round. I had a lot of fun. I’m really happy. Words can’t describe today’s round actually. I’m losing the words. But I’m just really proud of myself and everything I did, everything I did to get to here, this tournament. I’m so happy to have enjoyed the round, ups and downs. I did three birdies at Amen Corner today; that was amazing. Having to get a front-row seat for Maria’s win, she’s an amazing player and an amazing golfer, and I’m really happy for her.”
Örtengren, who was one back like Marin to start the day, made some headway on the front nine to get to 12-under but fizzled out as the round continued. She finished with Talley at T4.
With all the amazing play at Augusta National, someone will have one of the most cherished moments of her career here, and others will leave with broken hearts that transform into motivation.
However, Talley needs to be praised for her resilience. Not only did she make a birdie after each par three error, she also didn’t let the loss beat her up.
“I’m just a little emotional, not only because I didn’t get it done today, but also just everyone is so supportive,” said Talley. “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. Other than that, it doesn’t define me as a golfer. I know what kind of player I am.”
Having Annika Sorenstam remind her she’s the best player out here doesn’t hurt the confidence either.
Marin felt the love, too. ” I think just hearing the galleries scream and clap and giving us, all of the players, just unconditional support, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience here. This is the last traditional tournament that exists without
any type of phones, and I think that plays a big role because it lets people to stay in the present and to be in the moment.
“For everyone that plans to attend the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, I would just say do it,” continued Marin. “I think it’s getting as big as the Masters, and the impact that this tournament has had on all of the players is just amazing.”
