Collegiate No. 1 María José Marín is making headlines at Augusta. Her recent admission reveals who she looks up to for inspiration. The list includes her father and the current World No. 1, Scottie Scheffler.

“I've always looked up to my dad. He's always been there; he's been a role model to me. And he's the one who got me into golf. So yeah, he's been my role model," said the 2025 NCAA Division I individual champion.

"And, well, recently, Scottie Scheffler, it's amazing what he does out on the course," she told Golf Channel on Friday.

Both golfers are in the spotlight at Augusta this month. María José Marín is in contention at the Augusta National Women's Amateur. The University of Arkansas player opened with a bogey-free 65 and has remained near the top of the leaderboard through the week.

At the same time, two-time Masters winner Scottie Scheffler continues to hold the World No. 1 position and is preparing for the Masters Tournament. 

Scheffler stepped away from the Houston Open held in late March to be with his wife, Meredith, as they await their second child. And now he is expected to return at Augusta.

José Marín shaped María José Marín’s path

María José Marín’s father, José Marín, introduced her to golf in Cali when she was two and has stayed involved since. She grew up watching him practice for hours, a routine she later followed herself.

He worked as the current World No. 7 Amateur Golfer's early coach and helped with decisions. At times, he even carried the bag during her LPGA debut at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship and her appearance at the Amundi Evian Championship.

For the 2026 Augusta National Women's Amateur, her father remained part of the planning before she chose local firefighter Darren Woo for course input.

Golf remains an integral part of the family's daily life. Her mother, Lorena Negrete, plays at the club level, while her younger brother Emilio is now finding his own way in the game.

Will María José Marín convert this position into a win at Augusta? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi