A Rising Star Shines Bright at Augusta National
In the heart of Augusta, Georgia, a young golf prodigy is making waves at the prestigious Augusta National Women’s Amateur tournament. Asterisk Talley, a 16-year-old from Chowchilla, California, has captured the attention of fans and media alike with her exceptional talent and unwavering determination on the golf course. Despite her tender age, Talley is no stranger to the spotlight. Last year, she made headlines as the youngest player in the field at just 15 years old. Now, with another year of experience under her belt, Talley is back with a vengeance, poised to take on the competition and claim victory at one of the most significant events in women’s amateur golf.
Talley’s journey to Augusta National has been nothing short of remarkable. Following a strong performance at the 2024 ANWA, where she finished T-8, Talley went on to achieve success at the U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball and made history by reaching the finals of both the U.S. Girls’ Junior and the U.S. Women’s Amateur in the same calendar year. With a game that has only improved with time, Talley exudes confidence and maturity beyond her years. Her strategic approach to the game and unwavering focus have set her apart as a formidable contender in a field of top-ranked players from around the world.
As Talley gears up for the final round at Augusta National, she finds herself just two shots behind the leaders, setting the stage for a thrilling finish to what could be a career-defining moment for the young golfer. With her sights set on victory, Talley’s determination and skill promise an exciting conclusion to the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. In a tournament where every stroke counts, Talley’s poised demeanor and competitive spirit make her a standout competitor to watch. As the golf world turns its attention to Augusta, all eyes are on Asterisk Talley, the rising star who is ready to shine bright on one of the sport’s grandest stages.
Talley’s golf journey began as a toddler, even more interestingly, using a plastic set for children. When she won the U.S. Kids Golf Championship at the age of 7, her grandmother, Linda Doumas, remarked, “She started doing it just to be with her dad.” Fast forward to recent times, and Talley seems to be doing it all for the love of the sport. The Chowchilla native shared low amateur honors at the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open and represented her country in the Curtis Cup. Ranked 14th in the Women’s World Amateur Golf Ranking, the 16-year-old is swinging it strong at Augusta National.
Much of Talley’s success can be attributed to the incredible support system around her. Her parents, Brandii and James Talley, have been instrumental in her development as a player. Brandii, who is Greek, gave Asterisk her unique name, which means "little star" in Greek. James, a former graphic designer turned corrections officer, has also played golf himself and has been a constant presence at her tournaments. Talley credits her father for instilling a sense of calm during her games, stating, “My dad always taught me not to be nervous because if I am nervous, then I am just going to mess up anyway.”
Talley’s coach, Mike Schy, has been another key figure in her rise to prominence. He began coaching her when she was just eight and a half years old. Schy recognized her potential early on, stating, “She became very comfortable winning early. So many players skip that part.” His approach involved encouraging Talley to participate in numerous small tournaments, helping her learn how to win. This strategy paid off, as Talley became the youngest player to make the cut at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur in 2024.
In a remarkable feat, Talley became the first player in USGA history to reach the finals of three events within a single calendar year, despite losing to fellow teen Rianne Malixi in both the U.S. Girls’ Junior and the U.S. Women’s Amateur. Talley also shared low amateur honors in the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open and played for the U.S. Curtis Cup team. Her consistent performance has solidified her reputation as a rising star in the sport.
As Talley prepares for the final round of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, she reflects on her growth over the past year. “I think I’ve just kind of matured, and my game has matured in a way that I think has given me confidence in this event,” she said. Talley’s confidence is evident as she approaches the final round, where she is just two shots behind co-leaders Lottie Woad and Kiara Romero. With rounds of 71 and 66 at Champions Retreat, Talley is at seven-under 137, positioning herself as a serious contender for the title.
“It would mean everything to me, just like it is for everyone out here,” Talley said when asked about the prospect of winning the 2025 title. “It means the world to everybody. I think it would just mean a lot for my career in the future, and it would mean a lot for me now.” Unlike last year, where she was eight shots off the lead, Talley is now in a much stronger position, and her focus is clear: “I think now I'm trying to go out there and get the win and trying to play my best score out here.”
The competition at Augusta National is fierce, with 49 of the top 50 players in the Women’s World Amateur Golf Ranking competing. All 32 players who made the cut did so with under-par scores, a first for the event since its inception in 2019. This sets up a challenging environment for all contenders, including Talley, who feels comfortable on the course despite its difficulty. “I feel like I'm very comfortable around this course,” she noted. “It's a very … it's not a very forgiving course, but it's super fun to play all the time.”
As the final round approaches, the excitement builds not only for Talley but for the entire golf community watching her journey. With her impressive track record and the support of her family and coach, Asterisk Talley is poised to make a significant impact on the Augusta National Women’s Amateur. The anticipation of her performance adds another layer of intrigue to an already thrilling tournament.
Will she take home the title? The golf world waits with bated breath as Asterisk Talley steps onto the course, ready to showcase her talent and determination in pursuit of victory at Augusta National.
