2026 Augusta National Women’s Amateur: Asterisk Talley Takes a Narrow Lead Heading into Final Round

Asterisk Talley is currently on top of the leaderboard after the first two rounds of the 2026 Augusta National Women’s Amateur in Evans, Georgia. | John Jones-Imagn Images

The Augusta National Women’s Amateur is well underway with some of the nation’s best female amateur golfers set to compete for the tournament’s top prize on Saturday in Evans, Georgia.

The first two rounds of the tournament concluded Thursday, and as it stands, 17-year-old Asterisk Talley leads the group with a total score of 133—but she’s not very far ahead. Just one shot off the lead, Stanford's Meja Örtengren and Arkansas' Maria Jose Marin are tied for second with scores of 134. Stanford’s Andrea Revuelta and Mississippi State’s Avery Weed trail behind them with scores of 138.

The final cutline from Thursday came in at 1-under, sending 32 players onto the third and final round on Saturday.

Talley, a native of Fresno, Calif., was able to surge ahead for the solo lead thanks to back‑to‑back bogey‑free rounds of 66 and 67 through the first 36 holes. She also set a tournament record with 48 straight bogey-free holes. The three-time junior All-American broke out in 2024, when she became the first to compete in three USGA championship final matches in the same year.

A new record!

Make it 48 consecutive bogey-free holes for Asterisk Talley at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur as she finishes her second round at -11.#ANWAgolf pic.twitter.com/fPSiYIWNDb

— Augusta National Women's Amateur (@anwagolf) April 2, 2026

“It’s been pretty good,” Talley said of the level of golf she’s played in the last two days. “I’ve had a bit of slow stretch on both of my rounds, but I think you know that’s what you kind of need here, a little stretch of survival. I think I had that today. I made a couple good pars out there, some missed opportunities but can’t complain about two bogey-free rounds.”

“Obviously, trying to win it,” continued Talley, when asked of her expectations after finishing as a runner-up a year ago. “Trying to play my best golf going into Augusta, and I’m excited for Saturday. Trying to up my game this time.”

Prior to Saturday’s final round, the players will take the course for a practice round that could help them calm their nerves and get in any extra preparations they need.

Talley lost by just a stroke to Spain’s Carla Bernat Escuder in last year’s Augusta National Women’s Amateur but has clearly gotten this year’s tournament off to a strong start. The final round will air on NBC and Peacock at noon on Saturday.

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