María José Marín Wins Augusta Nat. Women's Amateur! Record!

María José Marín, just 19 and still a junior at the University of Arkansas, captured the coveted title at the Augusta National Women's Amateur on April 5, 2026! With an incredible total score of 14-under par, she not only dominated the field but also set a new tournament record. Folks, what an epic round!

What a statement! Marín made history as the first Colombian winner of this prestigious event, and thus also the first champion from Latin America. In the legendary Butler Cabin interview with Chairman Fred S. Ridley, she could barely contain her emotions: “Representing Colombia is always the greatest pride for me... This just means everything to me!” Her parents and younger brother Emilio were, of course, on hand to celebrate this incredible triumph with her.

The Unsung Hero on the Bag

But behind every stellar round, there's often an unsung hero. For Marín, that was her caddie Darren Woo, a firefighter whom she had only met two weeks prior at Champions Retreat. After a 14-hour shift, he kept her cool under pressure on the greens of Augusta National – “my biggest support and key to victory,” Marín stated. It really came down to the wire on the greens, but Woo kept his nerve.

Future in Sight: LPGA Beckons

This young woman is simply incredibly strong! Following her 2025 NCAA individual title, she now solidifies her dominance in the amateur circuit. The two points in the LPGA Elite Amateur Pathway (LEAP) program are just the next logical step on her path to a promising professional career. Things are certainly going well for María José Marín, and we're excited to see what else is in store!