Paula Martín Sampedro is the champion of the 122nd edition of the Women’s Amateur Championship. The Madrid native triumphed in the 36-hole final against the world number eight amateur, Farah O’Keefe, by a very tight 2&1. Paula thus becomes the sixth Spanish player in history to win the prestigious amateur tournament.
Marta Prieto (2001), Elisa Serramia (2003), Belén Mozo (2006), Carlota Ciganda (2007), and Azahara Muñoz (2009) were the five previous Spanish champions of the tournament. This Sunday, Paula adds her name to this list, which also includes great champions like Anna Nordqvist, Charley Hull, and Leona Maguire, among others.
The Spanish talent pool continues to accumulate victories and bring much joy. A few months ago, Carla Bernat claimed the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, and now it’s Paula’s turn. In between, Julia López shone at the US Women’s Open. This batch is simply brilliant.
The final held at Nairn was a gruelling 36-hole battle. Paula never fell behind on the scoreboard, but her maximum lead was only two holes. This speaks volumes about how demanding the final was, both in terms of play and mentally. Neither player let up at any point. The reality is that in the first 18 holes, neither player made a bogey. An incredible feat on a links course like this one, with wind that increased as the day went on. Paula only stumbled once all day.
Everything was tied after 30 holes. Absolute equality. That’s when the Spaniard brought out all her artillery. Two consecutive birdies gave her a lead she would not relinquish: “I knew it was going to be a tough challenge, Farah is a very solid player, it wasn’t easy at all. We reached the 35th hole. It was incredible, I can’t believe it, I still haven’t processed it.”
Regarding the level of play, the player herself is impressed: “It was incredible how well we both played, without bogeys in the first round and everything being so evenly matched.”
Paula also closes a nice circle as her coach, Alejandro Larrazábal, was crowned champion of the British Amateur over two decades ago: “It was very exciting to have Alex close by. I think he’ll caddie for me in the Women’s Open,” the Spaniard announced right after finishing the tournament. It was also a beautiful sight that Paula de Francisco carried the bag, especially considering Martín beat her in the quarterfinals. Two friends, after all, who have shared a unique experience.
On adding her name to an impressive list of Spanish players, she expressed: “We are very fortunate to have a great generation of golfers, and for me to add my name to such remarkable Spanish players is incredible.”
The victory comes with a slew of Major exemptions. The Madrid native, who recently debuted in the US Open in her first Major, secures four more in one fell swoop. A spot to compete in the AIG Women’s Open 2025, The Amundi Evian Championship 2025, the US Women’s Open 2026, and the Chevron Championship 2026. Additionally, Paula will be invited to participate in a Ladies European Tour event.
