Four Local Stars Head to Augusta
The Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA) may be one of golf’s newest championships, but its impact has been immediate. Announced in 2018 and first played in 2019, the tournament, organized by Augusta National Golf Club, home of The Masters, was created to give the world’s top women amateurs a stage equal in prestige and visibility to the men’s game. In 2026, the event will enter its seventh year and will feature four rising stars directly connected to Oregon.
LOCAL PLAYERS TO WATCH
The standout favorite in the 72-player field is Kiara Romero, a junior at the University of Oregon. She holds five individual titles, including the 2025 Big Ten Championship, and is currently ranked No. 1 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR). Romero has already proven herself at the professional level, tying for 7th at the Portland Classic last summer against a field of over 140 players. With plans to join the LPGA after her senior year, she enters Augusta as a clear contender.
UofO Teammate Karen Tsuru, ranked No. 31 in the WAGR, adds another strong Oregon presence. After missing the fall season due to injury, she returned with a top-10 finish at the Chevron Collegiate in February. Her rise- jumping over 1,400 spots in the rankings since joining Oregon- speaks to her resilience and competitive mindset.
Incoming UofO freshman Prim Prachnakorn, an 18-year-old from Thailand, brings international attention. With eight WAGR wins in 2025 and an LPGA appearance already under her belt, she is one of the most accomplished young players in the field. Although this will be her ANWA debut, it likely won’t be her last.
Oregon State senior Kyra Ly rounds out the local representation. A Portland native, Ly has won the Oregon Women’s Amateur twice in three years and was named West Coast Conference Player of the Year. Known for both her competitiveness and character, she represents the strength of Pacific Northwest golf on a national stage.
THE SHIFT TOWARD INCLUSION:
Beyond the players, the ANWA represents something larger. For decades, Augusta National symbolized tradition, but not always inclusion. This championship signals a shift toward a more representative future in golf. Just as important is its media impact: robust coverage has elevated women’s amateur golf, bringing visibility to players’ stories, not just their scores.
With early rounds at Champions Retreat and a final round at Augusta National, the tournament builds anticipation while showcasing emerging talent. In just a few years, the ANWA has become more than a competition. It’s a catalyst, helping redefine how women’s golf is seen and celebrated.
Click HERE to read more on how to watch the 2026 Augusta National Women's Amateur.
