Carla Bernat Escuder, 21, made history by becoming the sixth champion of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, claiming her first major title at just 21 years old. The Kansas State sophomore won by a single stroke over Spain rival Ana Talley.
Bernat Escuder’s confident and aggressive play paid off as she led from start to finish, despite a few close calls on the back nine. Her ball-striking was nearly flawless, with birdies on Nos. 8 and 9 setting her up for a strong lead. However, it was her work on her short game that proved crucial, allowing her to recover from a costly approach shot at the 10th hole.
“I was like, if there was one shot that you’re going to need the hands back to hit it higher, as he tells me,” Bernat Escuder said of the advice from close friend and caddie Josele Ballester. “It’s worked. I’m chipping better.”
The victory marks a turning point for Spanish golfers in the ANWA, breaking a streak of below-average play from players in their home country. When asked what the win means for her home country, Bernat Escuder said it shouldn’t stop with her.
“It’s pretty cool. Hopefully it doesn’t stay like that because I want more Spaniards to get here and keep pushing our country up and up,” Bernat Escuder said.
Bernat Escuder’s win has set the stage for future generations of Spanish golfers, inspiring a new wave of talent to follow in her footsteps. With this victory, she has cemented her place as one of the top young players in the game, and her name will be remembered as a symbol of Spanish golf’s growing strength.
Source: https://www.golfdigest.com/story/carla-bernat-escuder-first-spanish-winner-augusta-national-womens-amateur