The golf calendar's most exciting two-week stretch has officially arrived. Since its inception in 2019, the Augusta National Women's Amateur (ANWA) has evolved from a simple prelude into the premier event for amateur golfers worldwide. With the seventh edition underway, the competition features perhaps the most talented field in the tournament's history, showcasing 48 of the top 50 global players and representatives from 23 different countries.

The Ones to Watch

As we look forward to the action at Augusta National, several standout athletes are positioned to make a significant impact:

  • The World No. 1: Currently dominating the collegiate circuit with six victories, the top-ranked amateur is making her third appearance at the tournament. Having reached the final round in her previous two attempts, she enters the week with high expectations.
  • Maria Jose Marin: The reigning NCAA individual champion from Colombia is looking for a redemption arc. After a challenging performance last year, her growth and momentum make her a formidable threat this week.
  • Asterisk Talley: A rising star who has matured rapidly on the big stage. Following a runner-up finish in 2025 and an impressive performance at a recent LPGA event in Arizona, she continues to prove why she is considered one of the top contenders in the sport.
  • Rianne Malixi: The Duke standout is a strong 'dark horse' candidate. After missing last year's event due to injury, she has returned to form with a recent collegiate win and a top-three finish in the Women's Amateur Asia-Pacific.
  • Past Champions (Anna Davis & Tsubasa Kajitani): Both former winners are vying to make history as the tournament's first two-time champion. Davis, currently thriving at Auburn, and 2021 champion Kajitani bring essential veteran experience to the field.
  • Emily Odwin: Representing Barbados, Odwin is a trailblazer at this event. As she continues to develop her game at SMU, her journey and steady improvement mark her as an athlete to watch both now and in the future.

The Power of Stanford

It is impossible to overlook the strength of the Stanford University lineup. As the leading program in collegiate women's golf, it is highly probable that the eventual champion may hail from the Cardinal. Within this elite group, senior Megha Ganne stands out as a focal point. Making her sixth appearance at the championship, Ganne arrives with a bold mindset following her U.S. Women's Amateur victory last summer, looking to secure a storybook finish to her ANWA career.