Asterisk Talley is heading back to Augusta with momentum.

Just days before the start of the 2026 Augusta National Women’s Amateur, the 17-year-old rising star delivered another impressive result on a big stage, finishing T-29 at 12-under par at the LPGA Ford Championship presented by Wild Horse Pass at Whirlwind Golf Club’s Cattail Course in Phoenix.

Talley opened with rounds of 69-65-68 to put herself firmly in the mix through three rounds before closing with a 74 on Sunday to finish at 276. Even with the final-round slide, it was another meaningful result for one of the most accomplished young amateurs in the game — and another reminder that she arrives at Augusta as one of the most dangerous players in the field.

A timely statement before ANWA

The timing of the finish matters.

Talley enters the 2026 Augusta National Women’s Amateur not as a breakout candidate, but as one of the championship’s central storylines. In last year’s event, she produced one of the most memorable Saturdays of the week, eagling the par-4 first hole at Augusta National and shooting a final-round 68, only to come up one stroke short of the title.

That near-miss has lingered ever since.

Now, after a strong LPGA showing against professionals in Phoenix, Talley returns to Augusta appearing even more prepared for the moment. Her T-29 finish at the Ford Championship offered more than just another quality week on paper. It reinforced that her game continues to travel at the highest levels, whether the field is made up of elite amateurs or established LPGA players.

One of the biggest threats in the field

Talley is one of the featured names in AmateurGolf.com’s 2026 ANWA preview, and for good reason.

She enters this year’s championship as the 2025 runner-up, now firmly inside the World Amateur Golf Ranking top 10, with a résumé that already stacks up against almost anyone in the 72-player field. After coming so close a year ago, she returns with the kind of experience that cannot be replicated.

Unlike many contenders who are still learning how to manage Augusta National’s final-round pressure, Talley has already been there. She has already stared down the back nine on Saturday. She has already felt what it is like to be one hot stretch away from winning the championship.

That kind of scar tissue can become an advantage.

Form is matching the résumé

Talley’s recent run only adds to the sense that she is ready for another serious push at Augusta.

Earlier this month, she became the first junior girl to win multiple Sage Valley Junior Invitationals, another landmark achievement in a career that continues to gather momentum. In a recent USGA feature, Talley explained how her time with the U.S. National Junior Team has helped her become more intentional in practice and more aware of where her game can improve.

She also pointed to her driver as the strongest part of her game — a notable detail entering a week where driving confidence, trajectory control, and comfort on long approach shots can go a long way.

That strength was evident in Phoenix. Talley did not just survive an LPGA setup; she looked comfortable for much of the week, especially during a second-round 65 that showed the kind of scoring ability required to contend at Augusta National.