Augusta National welcomes top amateur golfers for 2026 women’s tournament
The world’s leading female amateur golfers have gathered in Georgia this week to compete for the 2026 Augusta National Women’s Amateur title ahead of The Masters.
Forty-eight of the top 50 players in the global rankings are scheduled to feature in the elite 72-player field.
Amateur world number one Kiara Romero headlines an international line-up representing 23 different countries.
Nearly half of the participants will be making their maiden appearance at the highly anticipated event.
Tournament format and prestigious venues
The opening 36 holes will be contested across the Island and Bluff nines at Champions Retreat Golf Club on Wednesday and Thursday.
Following the initial two rounds, the entire field is invited to play a practice round at Augusta National on Friday.
Only the top 30 competitors and ties will advance to Saturday’s final round, which takes place on the iconic course that hosts The Masters.
If players are tied after 54 holes, the champion will be crowned via a sudden-death playoff.
International contenders and past champions
Last year’s runner-up Asterisk Talley enters the tournament as a strong favourite after an impressive showing on the professional circuit at the Ford Championship.
Patience Rhodes is the sole English representative in the 2026 edition, looking to follow in the footsteps of previous British winner Lottie Woad.
European interest is also bolstered by Ireland’s Beth Coulter and Spain’s Paula Martin Sampedro, who previously secured a top-10 finish at the AIG Women’s Open.
Former champions Rose Zhang and Jennifer Kupcho have successfully transitioned to the LPGA Tour since lifting this prestigious trophy.
The tournament was launched with the intention of having a significant and lasting impact on the future of the women’s game.
Rigorous qualification pathways
Entry to the esteemed competition is strictly limited to players who meet stringent criteria and maintain their amateur status.
Reigning champions of major amateur tournaments, including the US Women’s Amateur and the Women’s Amateur Championship, receive automatic invitations.
The top 30 American players in the World Amateur Golf Ranking at the close of 2025 were also guaranteed a place.
A further 30 spots are allocated to the highest-ranked international players, with special committee selections completing the line-up.
