Talley Takes Command at Augusta National Women’s Amateur
Asterisk Talley has positioned herself perfectly for a shot at redemption. The 17-year-old California phenom fired a bogey-free 5-under 67 on Thursday at Champions Retreat, taking a one-shot lead heading into the final round of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
Talley, who opened with three straight birdies, sits at 11-under 133 after two flawless rounds. She’s the first player in tournament history to complete 36 holes at Champions Retreat without a bogey since the event began in 2019.
What makes Talley’s performance even more impressive is how she’s building on last year’s near-miss at Augusta National. She shot a final-round 68 in 2023, finishing just one stroke behind champion Carla Bernat of Spain.
“I think just always have the highest expectations for myself possible,” said Talley, who in 2024 became the first player to finish runner-up at three USGA championships. “I think if you don’t set the bar high, then you’re never going to really succeed to your full expectation.”
Talley arrives in top form after competing on the LPGA Tour last week, where she tied for 29th at the Ford Championship in Phoenix.
“Just playing against such good players, it kind of ups your game a little bit. I think that’s kind of good preparation coming into this week,” she explained.
Stanford sophomore Meja Örtengren of Sweden sits just one shot back after matching Talley’s 67. The world’s fifth-ranked amateur delivered the shot of the day with an 80-foot eagle putt from off the green at the par-5 third hole.
Also at 10-under is Arkansas junior Maria Jose Marin of Colombia, who birdied her final hole for a 69. The reigning NCAA champion converted birdies on all four par-5s at Champions Retreat.
Avery Weed of Mississippi State (70) and Stanford’s Andrea Revuelta of Spain (72) share fourth place, five shots off the pace. Revuelta currently ranks third in the world amateur rankings.
The cut fell at 1-under 143, with only the top 30 players and ties earning the chance to compete at Augusta National on Saturday. All competitors will enjoy a practice round at the iconic venue on Friday.
U.S. Women’s Amateur champion Megha Ganne missed the cut after rounds of 77-74. Thailand’s Elia Galitsky, who has two previous top-10 finishes in this event, made a valiant effort with three straight birdies but ultimately missed by a single shot after a closing par.
Örtengren, making her third appearance in the final round, understands the challenges awaiting at Augusta National.
“I think I’ve learned that you need to have a lot of patience out there and be disciplined with your approaches,” she said. “It can get away from you quite easily if you hit bad shots into the greens, but also you can get a lot of opportunities if you hit the right spots at Augusta.”
For Marin, returning to Augusta National carries special meaning after missing the cut last year.
“It means the world to me, just the fact of playing Augusta National,” Marin said. “It’s amazing. It’s incredible, and it’s just an opportunity that we all get thanks to this amazing tournament. Yeah, just going to enjoy it a lot, enjoy the walk with my family, with my friends, and all of the people that are watching me back in Colombia.”
Saturday’s final round marks the first public viewing of Augusta National before next week’s Masters, creating an extraordinary stage for these elite amateurs to showcase their talents.
