For Asterisk Talley, access has always been part of her journey.
The Chowchilla, California, native first picked up a golf club at just 3 years old. By age 5, she was competing, and when her family was looking for opportunities to help her play more golf, they found Youth on Course. More than a decade later, Asterisk has become one of the most accomplished young golfers in the country.
And now, she’s a U.S. Women’s Amateur champion.
Asterisk captured the 126th U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship at The Honors Course in Ooltewah, Tennessee, defeating Anna Iwanaga 8 and 6 in the 36-hole championship match. She closed out the title after 30 holes, with six holes remaining.
For Youth on Course, the victory is especially meaningful. Asterisk is a longtime member who has played more than 140 rounds through Youth on Course, taking advantage of affordable access to courses and competition as her game developed.
Photo Credit: Colin Hubbard/Getty Images
Asterisk’s résumé was already remarkable before this victory.
She is a 2024 U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball champion, a 2023 Rolex Girls Junior Championship winner, and a two-time Junior Invitational at Sage Valley champion. She has also represented Team USA and competed on some of golf’s biggest stages, including the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and U.S. Women’s Open.
In 2024, Asterisk reached the U.S. Women’s Amateur final, ultimately finishing runner-up to Rianne Malixi. Two years later, she returned to the championship with another opportunity to claim the title and this time, she finished the job.
Earlier this summer, Asterisk also made history at the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open, shooting a bogey-free 5-under-par 66 in the third round at Riviera. The 66 was the lowest weekend score ever recorded by an amateur in the championship.
Her success didn’t happen overnight. It came from years of practice, competition, family support, coaching and access.
Earlier this year, Asterisk spoke about how Youth on Course helped shape her development, noting that affordable access allowed her to play more courses, meet other young golfers and gain tournament experience at an early age.
“Getting that tournament experience when I was so young was great. And then as I built off of that, I grew as a golfer.”
Photo Credit: Colin Hubbard/Getty Images
Today, Asterisk’s story is a reminder that talent can come from anywhere but opportunity is what helps talent grow. Every affordable round creates another chance to learn, compete, build confidence and discover what might be possible.
We’re incredibly proud to be a part of Asterisk’s journey and even prouder to celebrate her as the 2026 U.S. Women’s Amateur Champion.