Maybe it was that moment under the Georgia pines when she passed the needle the trees at Augusta National en route to a second solo finish. Perhaps it came earlier, when, at just 15 years old, she competed in the 2024 US Women’s Open. Regardless of when you first met Asterisk Talleyone thing’s for sure: it should be on your radar.
These days, golf stars aren’t just born—they’re made. Natural talent is not enough to propel you to the highest level. To get there, you need dedication, drive and thousands of hours of practice, which is exactly what Talley did.
Like many elite athletes, she was introduced to the game early, picking up her first set of clubs around age 3. Sure, they were plastic and her practice sessions were limited to the living room or backyard, but even then, the spark was on.
By the time she was 5, she was ready to compete. While searching for junior golf events, Talley’s father came across Young people in the course — a nonprofit that provides young people with affordable access to life-changing opportunities through golf — and signed him up.
She started playing in their tournaments and found that the program opened doors for her: new courses, new people and a deeper understanding of the game.
Now? The 17-year-old is the best player for young girls in the world.
“It’s amazing how many courses you can play with Youth on Course for such an affordable fee,” says Talley. “I think it helps you learn more about the game and it helps you get into tournaments. Where I live there aren’t a lot of golfers my age, so I think it was great to get out on other courses and see other kids play.”
This type of access has become the backbone of Youth on Course — and it’s easy to see why. Young players like Talley want to do only one thing: play. With the access that Youth on Course offers, every player is given the opportunity to not only play, but to compete. As her game developed, Talley soon found herself competing against some of the best players in the country, a challenge she was ready for because of her experiences with Youth on Course.
“Getting that tour experience when I was so young was great. And then as I grew from that, I grew as a golfer,” Talley says. “I grew up playing a lot of courses and playing in so many tournaments, and it just prepares you for the bigger stages.”
A statement that is especially true when you look at the players competing alongside Talley in the 2026 Augusta Women’s Amateur National. This year, Youth on Course members and alumni make up nearly 30 percent of the field.
But this is more than an impressive statistic. It’s proof that early access and opportunity are key to shaping the next generation of elite players – and that programs like Young people in the course not only do you introduce kids to the game, they prepare them to compete at the highest level.
