Carla Bernat Escuder Player Profile: A Champion's Rise from Castellón to Augusta
4/5/2025 | by AmateurGolf.com Staff
see also: Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship, Augusta National Golf Club
The Spanish golfer, who is coached by Sergio Garcia's father, recorded the biggest win of her young career at the ANWA
The roars echoed through Augusta National as Carla Bernat Escuder calmly drained a critical par putt on the 18th green. With junior phenom Asterisk Talley already in the clubhouse, Bernat Escuder stood firm, sealing her name in history as the 2025 Augusta National Women's Amateur champion. It was a crowning achievement for a player whose rise through the ranks has been steady, resilient, and inspiring.
The Callaway staffer is currently ranked No. 20 in the Golfweek/AmateurGolf.com Women's Rankings.
From Tennis Courts to Augusta's Green Cathedral
Born in Castellón de la Plana, Spain, Bernat Escuder didn't pick up golf until after an early love for tennis, which she played alongside childhood friend and fellow elite amateur Josele Ballester. The two eventually transitioned to golf and would go on to become fixtures in Spain’s elite amateur scene.
At 13 years old, she began working with Victor Garcia, the father and coach of Spanish legend Sergio Garcia. Under Garcia’s guidance, Bernat Escuder refined a powerful, technically sound swing that continues to serve her well in high-pressure moments—like Augusta’s finishing hole.
A Transatlantic Journey: From Tulane to Kansas State
Her collegiate journey began at Tulane University, where she quickly made her mark as the 2023 American Athletic Conference (AAC) Golfer of the Year, winning two tournaments, including the Jim West Challenge and Ron Moore Intercollegiate.
After her sophomore season, Bernat Escuder transferred to Kansas State University, a move that proved pivotal. There, she blossomed into the program’s top performer and became the first Wildcat in school history to earn All-America honors.
The Road to Augusta: Steady Ascent Through the Rankings
Bernat Escuder’s development is best illustrated by her year-over-year rise in the AmateurGolf.com Player-of-the-Year Rankings:
2020: World Rank 125
2021: World Rank 136 (won the Spanish International Ladies Amateur)
2022: World Rank 60 (semifinalist at the British Women’s Amateur)
2023: World Rank 34 (runner-up at the European Ladies Team Championship)
2024: World Rank 36 (wins at Liz Murphey and deep NCAA and ANWA runs)
2025: World Rank 19, currently ranked No. 20 in the WAGR
Her performances this season were especially consistent, including wins at the Mountain View Collegiate and a top-5 finish at the Westbrook Invitational, showing her ability to contend across a variety of venues and field strengths.
A Winner at Every Level
Bernat Escuder has racked up a string of collegiate victories, underscoring her dominance in stroke play:
2022 Ron Moore Intercollegiate
2022 Jim West Challenge
2023 Marilynn Smith Sunflower Invitational
2023 Liz Murphy Collegiate Classic
2024 The Powercat Invitational
2025 Mountain View Collegiate
These victories, combined with her international team success—including helping Spain win the 2023 European Ladies’ Team Championship—have solidified her place as one of the most accomplished amateurs in the world.
Augusta Breakthrough
Her third appearance at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur proved magical. Having played the event twice before, Bernat Escuder used her experience to maintain composure down the stretch, especially with the weight of Talley’s score looming over the final hole. A clutch par on 18 sealed the win and confirmed what many in the amateur golf world already suspected: Carla Bernat Escuder has the game, poise, and pedigree to thrive under the brightest lights.
Beyond the Course
Off the course, Bernat Escuder is known for her well-rounded lifestyle—enjoying time in the gym, hiking, cooking, and reading. That balance, combined with her competitive spirit, has helped shape a player as mentally strong as she is physically gifted. Her favorite men's golfer is Jon Rahm; her favorite women's golfer is Nelly Korda. Now, Spain has another golfer to provide inspiration for future generations.
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