Carla Bernat Escuder wasn’t focused on anyone trailing her—her sights were set on those ahead. Thanks to a newly mastered flop shot, birdies on all the par-5 holes, and a clutch 4-foot par putt to finish, the Spanish golfer emerged as the champion of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
Escuder staged an impressive comeback, overcoming a two-shot deficit against defending champion Lottie Woad and fending off a late surge from teenage prodigy Asterisk Talley. She closed with an impressive 4-under 68, adding to Spain’s growing legacy at the iconic Augusta National.
“I don’t think my brain has fully processed that I’ve won,” said Escuder, a senior at Kansas State.
Growing up in the same region as Masters legend Sergio Garcia, Escuder has been supported by his father, who continues to mentor her. She once nervously met two-time Masters champion José María Olazábal, even mistakenly calling him the wrong name.
A key factor in her victory was the advice from U.S. Amateur champion José Luis Ballester, also from Castellón. Their friendship dates back to childhood, and Escuder turned to him for guidance on her chipping. That advice paid off spectacularly during the tournament.
One pivotal moment came on the 10th hole when Escuder, faced with a tough lie right of the green, executed a flawless flop shot to set up a crucial par. “If there’s ever a shot where you need to get your hands back to hit it higher, it’s this one,” she said.
Escuder’s strategy was clear: she knew the Augusta National Women’s Amateur’s true challenge begins on the back nine. After a 33 on the front nine, she maintained her momentum, particularly after her remarkable flop shot on the 10th.
Defending champion Woad, aiming to be the first to win back-to-back titles, was in contention after birdying the first hole. However, her aggressive play on the 10th backfired when her approach shot found a bush, leading to a double bogey. Woad struggled to recover, finishing third after a 72.
Meanwhile, Talley made a strong push. The U.S. Women’s Amateur and U.S. Junior Girls runner-up eagled the first hole and added another birdie on 16 to close the gap. Her remarkable recovery shot on the 17th, from under the pines, set up another birdie. Despite a challenging 18th hole, Talley’s 68 earned her a solid finish.
Escuder, facing pressure on the 17th after a bogey, found the fairway on the final hole, sank a crucial par putt, and claimed victory with a 12-under 204.
Eila Galitsky, who started seven shots behind, fired a 66 to tie for fourth with Catherine Park, who shot 67.
As for celebrations, Escuder plans a special dinner with her coach and supporters. “Maybe a tattoo, too,” she joked. “I was thinking about the Augusta flower, but I need to think it over—it’s a big decision.”
