A local firefighter helped guide Maria José Marín to a historic win at Augusta. Darren Woo, who had just finished a 14-hour overnight shift, was on the bag for Marín's record-breaking victory.

The 56-year-old firefighter who had spent years working at Champions Retreat after her father, José Marín, chose not to caddie for her.

“I think he [Darren Woo] was my greatest support during the whole week and a key to the victory. He kept me calm through the whole round, same as in Champions Retreat," Marín said during the press conference on Saturday.

"Of course, this round was extra special because it's a round at Augusta, and there's a lot of pressure,” she added. Yet, the duo first met just two weeks before the tournament during a practice round at Champions Retreat. Her college coach, Shauna Taylor, recommended Woo before the event.

During the tournament, Woo continued his duties as a firefighter and arrived ahead of the final round after completing a 14-hour shift at the station. However, that didn't affect his focus.

“Every time that I did a bad shot, he's like, well, breathe, calm down. You're going to work it out. It's fine. Give yourself a chance. Nothing happened. Keep your head up," said Marin.

"I think all of his words of encouragement just helped me get the win today and get my mind on the goal,” The 19-year-old added.

Maria José Marín finished the tournament with a record-breaking 14-under par, winning by four strokes over runner-up Andrea Revuelta, 10-under. She also became the first Colombian and the first player from Latin America to win the Augusta National Women's Amateur title.

José Marín Stepped Aside as a Caddie to Prioritizes Daughter’s Success

While he had been on her bag in her three previous appearances, José Marín chose to step aside this year. He felt she needed someone with local knowledge for this stage and asked her to work with another caddie.

“I think it was one of the most beautiful decisions that he could have ever made because he was totally selfless. He was like, I know that you need someone else, but I'm going to be there supporting you,” revealed Maria José Marín.

José Marín introduced her to golf at the age of three and stayed involved as she progressed. As she moved through junior events, he supported her travel and managed expenses during different phases of his work in real estate.

“He's [Maria José Marín’s dad] always been my role model. He's been by my side since I started playing golf. He was the one who taught me the love for this game,” Marin had said earlier.

So it's no surprise that when the time came, he did everything to ensure his daughter would win, rather than sharing the spotlight.

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Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi