The 2026 Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA) concluded with a masterclass in perseverance and precision as Maria Jose Marin, a junior at the University of Arkansas, made history as the first Latin American to win at Augusta National.
Marin didn’t just secure a victory; she set a new Championship scoring record with a final round of 68, finishing at 14 under par and winning by four strokes.
This win marks a significant milestone for global golf, as Marin becomes the first champion to represent Latin America and the first Colombian to win any event at Augusta National Golf Club. “This is a win for my country,” Marin stated after her round.
“I am half Mexican too, so I take great pride in representing Mexico from the bottom of my heart.”
Maria Jose Marin | Courtesy ANWA
Maria Jose Marin | Courtesy ANWA
Marin’s journey to the trophy was characterized by exceptional “bogey avoidance” and a daring spirit. After missing the cut the previous year, she returned with a clear mission, leading the field with 17 birdies. The turning point came at the par-5 13th hole. Holding 190 yards from the green, Marin decided to abandon her plan to lay up. “I was feeling my momentum,” she explained. “I just told Mr. Darren, I’m going for it. It’s now or never.” This bold decision resulted in a birdie that propelled her toward victory.
Her triumph serves as an inspiration for international players. Marin reminisced about watching the ANWA on television back home and how it motivated her father to help her reach this stage. By becoming the second player in tournament history to shoot three rounds in the 60s, she has demonstrated that Latin American talent belongs on the world’s most iconic stage.
Maria Jose Marin | Courtesy ANWA
As she walked off the 18th green into the arms of her parents, her message to the next generation was clear: “Dream big,” Marin encouraged. “I would never have thought that I would be right here right now, but it’s because of all my hard work and perseverance.”
Marin’s victory marks a transformative era for the ANWA and the sport as a whole, transcending mere statistics and hardware. Her presence at the top of the leaderboard injects fresh, vibrant energy into the revered grounds of Augusta, demonstrating that the tournament’s mission to inspire the next generation is achieving global success. As the first Latin American woman to wear the champion’s brooch, Marin has not only secured her place in golf history but has also opened the door for an entire continent to follow in her footsteps, one record-breaking putt at a time.
Nike Air Zoom Victory (Azalea Edition)
Shop 19th Hole Editor’s Pick: The Sole of Maria’s Victory
When Maria Jose Marin marched into the history books at Augusta National, she did so in the limited-edition Women’s Nike Air Zoom Victory Pro 4 NRG. Part of the exclusive “Augusta Azaleas” collection, these strikes of floral brilliance are the perfect marriage of championship performance and high-fashion flair.
Designed to master Augusta’s legendary undulations, the shoe features Nike’s Fly Wing technology, providing a stable “wall” for powerful drives. The aesthetic is pure spring at the National: a crisp Summit White leather upper blooming with “Pink Bloom” and “Bright Crimson” accents that mirror the flowers of Amen Corner. For the fashionable golfer, this is the ultimate walk-off style.
Model: Women’s Nike Air Zoom Victory Pro 4 NRG (Azalea Edition)
Key Features: Fly Wing lateral stability, plush Cushlon foam, and a pro-grade nine-spike traction pattern.
Price: $180.00
Where to Buy: Shop the Collection at Nike
Editor’s Note: These “drop” releases sell out faster than a Sunday charge. If your size is gone, hunt for the “Azalea Pack” on premium resale platforms like StockX or GOAT.
