Carla Bernat Escuder, the 21-year-old Spanish golfer who triumphed at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, was greeted with an outpouring of congratulations upon returning to her hotel Saturday evening. Spanish players in the field gathered in the hall, clapping and singing “Olé, Olé, Olé” to celebrate her victory. When Escuder called her swing coach, Victor Garcia, he responded by serenading her with “We Are the Champions.”
Escuder also received messages from notable figures including Garcia’s son, Sergio—winner of the 2017 Masters—LPGA player Carlota Ciganda, and former NBA star Pau Gasol. Overwhelmed with support, she found herself with more than 200 WhatsApp messages, over 100 iMessages, and numerous Instagram direct messages.
After the event, Escuder celebrated with a meal at a local steakhouse, indulging in both a ribeye and T-bone steak paired with wine. She and a friend stayed up until 2 a.m. reliving the thrilling back nine of the final round.
“I’m still like, that’s not me on the TV,” Escuder said, smiling with disbelief.
The following day, Escuder returned to Augusta National to present awards at the Drive, Chip, and Putt National Finals. She plans to fly back to Kansas on Tuesday to resume her studies and prepare for the Big 12 Championship. Soon after, she will make her LPGA debut at the Chevron Championship, scheduled for April 24-27.
Last December, Escuder competed in the Women’s Spanish Open on the Ladies European Tour, where she tied for 14th place.
Escuder, who already has a lightning bolt tattoo on her forearm, is planning to commemorate her Augusta victory with a new tattoo of an azalea—a symbol tied to her unforgettable achievement on the historic course.
Her victory at Augusta National will forever be remembered as a moment of brilliance, solidifying her place in golfing history.
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