Bernat Escuder Earns First Epson Tour Win at Guardian Championship

Carla Bernat Escuder closed with a bogey-free 8-under 64 on Monday morning to win the 2026 Guardian Championship, her first professional victory on the Epson Tour.

Bernat Escuder won the Augusta National Women's Amateur in 2025 before turning professional, and Monday's title is her first since making that transition.

The 2025 Augusta National Women's Amateur champion finished two shots clear of runner-up Michelle Zhang, who closed at 14 under. Kaleiya Romero, who had shared the 36-hole lead, shot a 1-over 71 in the final round to finish third at 12 under.

How did weather affect the Guardian Championship?

Rain and darkness suspended play in all three rounds at Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail's Capitol Hill Senator Course in Prattville, Alabama, and Bernat Escuder never completed 18 holes in a single sitting all week. She closed the tournament with her third straight round in the 60s.

Bernat Escuder said deleting Instagram helped her focus in the run-up to the win.

"It feels very good, very satisfying," Bernat Escuder said.

The victory is worth $37,500 and moves Bernat Escuder to fourth in the Epson Tour's Race for the Card rankings, which determine LPGA Tour cards for next season. Two events remain on the 2026 Epson Tour schedule, with the season finale set for Indian Wells, California.