Asterisk Talley Seizes Solo Lead at Augusta National Women’s Amateur

Evans, Ga. — Seventeen-year-old Asterisk Talley, a three-time junior All-American from Fresno, California, will take a one-shot cushion into Saturday’s final round of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur after carding back-to-back bogey-free rounds of 66-67 for a 36-hole total of 11-under-par 133.

Talley’s bogey-free streak reached a tournament-record 48 consecutive holes Thursday afternoon, eclipsing the previous mark and stamping her as the player to beat on the iconic course. “It’s been pretty good,” Talley said of her opening two rounds. “I had a bit of a slow stretch on both, but that’s what you need here—a little stretch of survival. I made a couple good pars, missed a few chances, but you can’t complain about two bogey-free rounds.”

Chasing Talley are Stanford sophomore Meja Örtengren and Arkansas senior Maria Jose Marin, who share second at 134. One stroke farther back on 138 are Stanford’s Andrea Revuelta and Mississippi State’s Avery Weed. The cut fell at one-under, trimming the field to 32 players for the weekend.

Talley, who finished runner-up to Spain’s Carla Bernat Escuder by a single stroke in 2025, has made no secret of her motivation this week. “Obviously, trying to win it,” she said. “Trying to play my best golf going into Augusta, and I’m excited for Saturday. Trying to up my game this time.”

Before the trophy is decided, competitors will contest a Friday practice round to fine-tune strategy and settle any lingering nerves. NBC and Peacock will provide live coverage of the final round beginning at noon on Saturday.