Youngest in 2026 ANWA field, Aphrodite Deng could make golf history
At only 16 years old, Aphrodite Deng is the youngest in the 2026 Augusta National Women's Amateur field. Here's how she made it to Augusta National.
EVANS — After finishing the opening round of the 2026 Augusta National Women’s Amateur, Aphrodite Deng finished T-32, a result she was less than pleased with. As soon as the 16-year-old, Canadian-born phenom finished her 18th hole, she immediately went to the practice range. While other, more veteran players went to eat lunch after five hours of golf, Deng, the youngest player in the field, opted to spend another 45 minutes tightening up on her fundamentals.
The work ethic and perfectionist mindset that had her hitting balls on an empty stomach is the same mentality that helped Deng become the No. 12 women’s golf amateur in the world. And just like her hunger after a long day of golf, she’s hungry for more success in her young career, and she won’t stop until she’s satisfied.
“It feels pretty special being the youngest here competing at ANWA,” Deng said. “I think it just keeps me more motivated knowing that I'm here and I can compete against older girls, and I have more years to come. ” The empty range that Deng practiced on after her round was reminiscent of the empty beachside golf course in Connecticut where she first started playing golf.
The family had moved to Short Hills, N. J. when she was younger, and she'd pick up the sport when she was 9 years old.
Continue to the original source for the full article.