Now and then, a young golfer enters with effortless grace, competes with ice in their veins, and racks up accolades before they can even legally rent a car. Meet Kiara Romero, a name that’s quickly becoming impossible to ignore. If you don’t know her yet, you will soon.

At just 19 years old, Romero has already carved out an astonishing amateur career, blending raw talent with a relentless work ethic. She’s currently a sophomore at the University of Oregon, where she’s making history as one of the most decorated young players in the program’s history. Her freshman season? Unreal. She became the first Oregon golfer ever to be named the national freshman of the year, earned first-team All-America honors, and set records left and right. A 70.84 scoring average across 31 rounds, the most birdies in a single season (118), and an eye-popping performance at the NCAA Championships, where she tied for sixth in stroke play at 4-under par. All of this in her first year of college golf.

From junior golf standout to collegiate superstar and beyond

This kind of dominance didn’t just happen overnight. From the Dominican Republic, Romero’s been a force in junior golf for years. She was ranked as the No. 1 player in the class of 2023 by Golfweek, earned three Rolex Junior All-America selections, and claimed one of the biggest prizes in amateur golf—the 2023 U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship, joining the likes of Lexi Thompson, Inbee Park, and Rose Zhang as a winner. If that wasn’t enough, she never finished outside the top 10 in any event she played in 2022. That level of consistency is rare, and it’s exactly why she was one of the most sought-after recruits in the country before committing to Oregon.

Poll of the day

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Is Kiara Romero the next big thing in women's golf?

Absolutely, she's destined for greatness

Maybe, but she needs to prove herself at Augusta

Too early to tell, let's see her on the LPGA Tour

No, there are other rising stars to watch

When did you watch your first golf tournament?

Before 1990 (Age 45+)

1990s (Age 35-45)

2000s (Age 25-35)

2010s (Age 18-25)

2020s (Under 18)

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It’s Sunday, and The Masters is on. What’s your home setup?

Just me, locked in

Me and my spouse

Spouse is around, I watch solo

Whole family, loud and proud!

Do you think Gary Player's antics at Augusta National are a testament to his passion for golf or just a publicity stunt?

Pure passion, he's a true legend

Just a publicity stunt to stay relevant

A bit of both, but who cares? It's entertaining

I don't follow golf, but he sounds interesting

At 89, Gary Player is still finding love and living life to the fullest. Does his lifestyle inspire you to embrace life more fully?

Absolutely, he's a role model for all ages

Somewhat, but it's not for everyone

Not really, I prefer a quieter life

I admire his energy, but it's not my style

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Romero’s transition to college golf was seamless. She burst onto the scene in her very first event, winning the Annika Intercollegiate with an 8-under-par total. She followed that up with another win at the San Diego State Classic and kept piling on the accolades—two-time Pac-12 Golfer of the Week, an invitation to the 2024 Arnold Palmer Cup Team USA, and a top-10 finish at the Pac-12 Championships, where she shot an incredible final-round 65.

She’s not just a one-tournament wonder, either. Romero has consistently performed at an elite level, racking up nine top-20 finishes in her first 10 collegiate stroke-play events. Her ability to go low in big moments has been a defining trait—she shot under par in 24 of her 31 rounds as a freshman, including eight rounds in the 60s. At the NCAA Championships, she went toe-to-toe with the best players in the country and helped lead Oregon into match play, where she took down two elite opponents in head-to-head battles.

Off the course, Romero keeps things just as lively. She’s active on Instagram, where she gives fans a glimpse into her life beyond the fairways.

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She’s also been posting on YouTube since 2017, and her content usually involves fitness routines. So, what’s her origin? Born and raised in New York, Kiara trained at the Joffrey Ballet School in Jazz and Contemporary dance. From a young age, the golfer was passionate about different forms of art. Apart from golf and arts, she cares for social sensitivities and has participated and has participated in mental health summits with recognized speakers.

With ample goodness on her plate, where is she headed next?

The next big test: Augusta National Women’s Amateur 2025

That would be the Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA) in 2025, arguably the most prestigious event in women’s amateur golf. It’s held at that Augusta National—the one with the azaleas, the Green Jacket, and Amen Corner. The course has a way of identifying the next big stars, and Romero has already proven she can handle the pressure. She played in the 2024 edition of the tournament and made a strong impression, shooting a 1-under 71 in the opening round. With another year of experience under her belt, she’ll be looking to make an even bigger statement in 2025.

For now, she remains one of the most exciting prospects in the amateur ranks, a player with all the tools to make it on the LPGA Tour one day. She’s got the distance, the precision, the short game, and—most importantly—the mental toughness to win at any level. What do you think about this golf sensation? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!