Arkansas golfers took center stage at Augusta National, highlighted by a Razorback victory and standout performances from homegrown talent on one of the game’s biggest amateur stages.
By: Justin Jones, ASGA Director of Marketing and Communications.
AUGUSTA, Ga. — April 13, 2026 — For two weeks each spring, the golf world turns its attention to Augusta National Golf Club. There, history is written, and dreams are realized. This year, Arkansas golf was threaded throughout that story. During the Augusta National Women's Amateur, both homegrown talent and Razorback standouts left their mark on one of the game’s most prestigious stages.
Two Arkansas natives proudly represented the Natural State in the ANWA field: Mackenzie Lee and Grace Kilcrease.
For Lee, the moment was a return to familiar ground. She had visited Augusta National before through the Drive, Chip, and Putt Championship. She also competed in the ANWA last year.
Kilcrease’s journey was different. After attending once as a patron, she played for the first time this year.
“It’s a completely different feeling,” Kilcrease said. “They just do so much for the players - it’s a world-class tournament, and you can feel that in everything you do.”
That elevated experience continued at Champions Retreat and Augusta National. There, players face constant tests of exactness and composure.
“The main challenge was the greens,” Kilcrease said. “They’re so fast, and you really have to pay attention to every detail - especially on the par 3s.”
She ended her week on a high note by birdieing the final hole at Champions Retreat. Although she didn’t have her best play, she capped a years-long journey with an exclamation point.
“I’ve worked about seven years to get here,” she said. “I’m just really appreciating the fact I was able to be here.”
While Arkansas natives made their presence felt, the University of Arkansas women’s golf program was at the center of the story.
Maria Jose Marin made history with the lowest score in ANWA history to capture the title. With Marin leading, the Razorbacks were well represented. Reagan Zibilski finished in the top 10. Sara Brentcheneff also contributed to the strong showing.
Marin’s victory was more than an individual accomplishment. She competes for the University of Arkansas and trains at Blessings Golf Club. Marin represented not just Colombia but also Arkansas. Her win brought a piece of Arkansas to the top of the Augusta leaderboard.
ASGA Director of Junior Golf, Tyler Meyl, attended the championship and witnessed the level of competition firsthand.
“Attending Champions Retreat and the Augusta National finals gave me real appreciation for this championship,” Meyl said. “The greens were fast. Every shot required focus. Maria’s win is a victory for Arkansas, but even more, it reflects her work ethic. It also spotlights the Blessings facilities that prepare players at the highest level.”
The Arkansas connection reached beyond the ANWA and into the Masters Tournament as well.
Two Razorbacks, Nicolás Echavarría and amateur Mateo Pulcini, qualified for the Masters. Their participation underscores the University of Arkansas’ growing global presence.
Arkansas natives achieved lifelong goals. The Razorbacks not only competed, but they also won at Augusta. The 2026 season strongly reminded everyone of the state’s growing impact on golf.
At its core, this story is about more than results. It traces a path from junior golf in Arkansas to collegiate success, and then to the sport’s most revered grounds.
This year, that journey ended with a trophy—and a Razorback—atop Augusta National.
