Kansas State senior Bernat Escuder—a winner of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA). With this victory, she became the first woman from Spain to win this prized title. The championship concluded at the iconic Augusta National Golf Club. Escuder capped off a strong final round with a special 4-under 68, taking her to a 54-hole total of 204. Her stellar performance landed her the crown. With this victory, she became the first player in ANWA history to post three rounds in the 60s.
Escuder went into the final round third, one shot behind leaders Woad and Kiara Romero. But she put on a show of dominance and coolness under pressure, hitting every single shot in the championship round without a miss. For 21-year-old golfer, that took great determination and focus. She caught up with the other girls and stormed to a come from behind victory, winning by one stroke over Asterisk Talley.
Escuder is originally from Castellón de la Plana, Spain. She practiced diligently, often under the watchful eye of her swing coach Victor Garcia, who is the father of world-renowned golfer Sergio Garcia. Her formative years in the game created the catalyst for change. She played for Tulane University her first two years, then transferred to Kansas State as a junior. During her time at Kansas State, she was honored as the 2023 American Athletic Conference Women’s Golfer of the Year, further solidifying her status as a rising star in women’s golf.
The meaning of Escuder’s victory goes deeper than individual accomplishment. It marks a breakthrough for Spanish golf and European golf overall.
“Hopefully, it doesn’t stay like that because I want more Spaniards to get here and keep pushing our country up and up. Yeah, hopefully I’m not the last one.” – Bernat Escuder
Her victory was widely celebrated by the biggest names in the golf community. Even two-time Masters champion José María Olazábal joined in the exultation over her record 17 birdies, including five over the tournament’s closing nine holes.
“The way Bernat played was amazing, especially the back nine. She truly didn’t miss a shot. I was talking to her, and obviously, the adrenaline and the nerves got a little bit onto her on the last few holes, but she handled the pressure really well and fantastic for Spanish golf and for women’s golf.” – José María Olazábal
Escuder strutted off the 18th green wearing a winner’s grin. She expressed on her time spent at Augusta National and dreamed about the legacy that she hopes to leave for young Spanish golfers of the future.
“I mean, obviously this place is special for us since Seve. It’s a golf course that demands a lot of distance control with the irons and a good short game. And I think, you know, Spaniards in general, we’ve managed to have good hands.” – José María Olazábal
Andrea Revuelta, a rising star in Spanish golf herself, praised Escuder’s attacking approach all week.
“She played incredible. Didn’t miss one shot. She didn’t play defensive. She played aggressively. She hit the [par-5] 13th in two and hit incredible shots all over the 18 holes.” – Andrea Revuelta
This groundbreaking success further elevates Escuder’s artistic career. It further raises the profile of women’s golf in Spain. Her victory at Augusta National draws attention to the increasing visibility of women golfers in the international arena. It equally motivates millions of budding athletes to achieve greatness themselves.
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