Maria Jose Marin Sets 14-Under Record to Win Augusta National Women's Amateur

Arkansas junior Maria Jose Marin carded a final-round 68 to finish at 202 total, securing a victory over runner-up Andrea Revuelta.

Maria Jose Marin of Colombia secured the Augusta National Women's Amateur title on Saturday, finishing with a 4-under-par 68 to set a tournament record total of 14-under 202. The 19-year-old Arkansas junior began the final round one stroke behind the lead but surged ahead as 17-year-old Asterisk Talley struggled on the inward half. Marin’s victory marks the third time an NCAA champion has won this event, following the precedents set by Jennifer Kupcho and Rose Zhang. While Marin celebrated a bogey-free stretch through the middle of her round, Talley, who once held a three-shot advantage, carded a 75 to finish in a tie for fourth place, six strokes back.

The Back-Nine Collapse at Amen Corner

The leaderboard shifted dramatically during the final round at Augusta National. Asterisk Talley entered the back nine without a single bogey for the entire tournament until reaching the par-4 11th hole. After dropping a shot there, she fell into a tie with Maria Jose Marin. The situation worsened for the California teenager on the par-3 12th. Talley’s initial tee shot flew long into the back bunker. Her subsequent recovery attempt toward the right pin carried too much speed, rolling off the front slope and into the water hazard. Choosing to drop again in the sand, she repeated the mistake, finding the water a second time. After taking a penalty drop on the opposite side of the hazard, she pitched to 8 feet and converted the putt for a quadruple-bogey 7.

While Talley faltered, Maria Jose Marin capitalized on the par-5 13th hole. She reached the green and two-putted for a birdie, moving to 14-under par. This sequence created a five-shot swing in the standings. Talley’s difficulties continued on the par-3s, as she played the short holes on the back nine in 6-over par, including a double bogey on the 16th. Meja Örtengren of Sweden, who rounded out the final pairing with Talley, posted a 74 to fall out of contention.

Holding Off Andrea Revuelta’s Late Charge

Spain’s Andrea Revuelta emerged as the primary challenger during the closing holes, recording birdies through Amen Corner to remain on the fringes of the lead. On the par-5 15th, Marin held a four-stroke cushion and elected to play conservatively by laying up. However, her third shot flew long, and her fourth failed to reach the hole, stopping on the front of the green. Marin was left with a 5-foot putt for bogey. Simultaneously, Revuelta, who had reached the back collar of the green in two shots, faced an 8-foot birdie attempt. Revuelta missed her chance, settling for par, while Marin successfully sank her bogey putt to maintain a three-shot lead.

Marin effectively ended the contest on the par-3 16th hole. She struck her tee shot to within 6 feet of the cup and converted the birdie putt. Revuelta finished the day with a 68 to claim the runner-up spot alone. Marin’s final act was a tap-in par on the 18th green, where she raised her right hand in celebration. Masters chairman Fred Ridley later presented her with the trophy in Butler Cabin, where she described the hardware as "so pretty."

Statistical Milestones and Major Implications

Maria Jose Marin's path to the 202 total was not without early adversity. After starting the day one shot back, she fell three strokes behind following a bogey on the third hole. She recovered by making several critical par saves to stay within striking distance before the lead changed hands. This victory serves as redemption for the Colombian star, who failed to make the 36-hole cut a year ago and missed the opportunity to play the final round at Augusta National. Among those greeting her on the 18th green was Maria Fassi of Mexico, a fellow Arkansas standout and the runner-up of the inaugural 2019 tournament.

This win adds to a resume that includes the Women's Amateur Latin America title and an NCAA individual championship. By winning at Augusta, Marin earns exemptions into three of the LPGA Tour’s major championships scheduled for later this year. Her performance surpassed the previous scoring benchmarks of the tournament, solidifying her status as the first Colombian winner of the prestigious amateur event.