By: Charlie Holder
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) – Columbian golfer Maria Jose Marin is going to the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
Marin committed to play for the University of Arkansas in November 2022. She said that the recruiting process was long.
“The final decision was between four universities, and at the end I chose the U of A,” Marin said.
Marin is the number one woman golfer in her home country, Columbia. With an 18 hole average of 69, she is one of the top five percent that gets invited to play in the ANWA.
The Augusta Amateur Tournament is the biggest golf tournament that a woman golfer can compete in. Marin said that of all the tournaments she has played in, this one is much different.
“This is the most important tournament of the amateur level that I’ve been to. I’ve been to really really good tournaments, but nothing compares to this one.”
The ANWA is a three day event where 72 women golfers will be playing 54 holes. Managing editor at HawgBeat.com, Mason Choate said that the Razorback women’s golf coach has a reputation for picking great golfers.
“She’s going to be a great addition to the Razorbacks. And if you look at Coach Shauna Taylor and her resume, she brings in these international players who perform well at Arkansas and they translate to things like the LPGA so getting a player like that is a big deal,” Choate said.
Marin said it is a an honor to be invited to play in this tournament.
“The Augusta Women’s National Amateur is one of the, if not the best tournament that we have for women’s golf. We will have the opportunity to play at the Temple of Boba in Augusta, and for me it’s a dream come true,” Marin said.
Marin will begin her college debut for the Razorbacks this fall.