Colombia’s Maria Jose Marin and South Korea’s Soomin Oh share the lead after the opening round at Champions Retreat, with 30 players advancing to Augusta National.
The 2026 Augusta National Women’s Amateur got underway at Champions Retreat Golf Club with a stellar opening round on Wednesday. Colombia’s Maria Jose Marin and South Korea’s Soomin Oh share the lead at 7-under 65, setting the pace for the field of 72 elite amateur women golfers from 25 countries.
The opening day saw several impressive performances across the leaderboard. Spain’s Andrea Revuelta fired a 6-under 66 to sit in a tie for third place, while Sweden’s Meja Örtengren posted a 5-under 67 for a tie for sixth. Canada’s Vanessa Borovilos and American Asterisk Talley both carded rounds of 66, joining Revuelta in the third-place tie.
Format and Path to Augusta National
The tournament features a unique three-round format, with the opening two rounds contested at Champions Retreat. The top 30 players and ties after 36 holes will advance to Saturday’s final round at Augusta National Golf Club itself—a distinction that makes this the only amateur event played on the hallowed grounds of golf’s most famous venue.
The second round is currently underway on Thursday, April 2, as the field battles for position heading into the weekend. The advancement criteria means that only the top performers will have the opportunity to compete at Augusta National, adding significant pressure to every stroke in the early rounds.
Elite International Field
This year’s championship draws the world’s best amateur women golfers, with representation from 25 countries across the globe. The competition level reflects the prestige of the event, which serves as one of the premier testing grounds for the next generation of professional talent. Winners of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur have gone on to distinguished careers in professional golf, making the tournament a launching pad for future stars.
The field’s international composition underscores the global nature of modern golf and the depth of talent emerging from amateur ranks worldwide. With leaders from Colombia, South Korea, and Spain establishing early markers, the tournament is shaping up to deliver compelling competition through the weekend.