Mariel Galdiano stands as one of professional golf’s most inspiring success stories, representing the persistence and dedication needed to reach the sport’s highest level.
The Hawaiian native made her childhood dream come true when she earned her LPGA Tour card after years of grinding on developmental tours.
Her journey from being the youngest competitor at a U.S. Women’s Open to joining golf’s elite showcase demonstrates how talent combined with unwavering commitment can overcome any obstacle.
Mariel Galdiano’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mariel Lancy Galdiano |
| Date of Birth | June 25, 1998 |
| Age | 26 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | UCLA (Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, 2016-2020) |
| Height | 5’3″ (160 cm) |
| Turned Professional | 2020 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $200,000-$300,000 |
| Career Earnings | $130,173+ (LPGA and Epson Tours combined) |
| Instagram Profile | @marielgaldiano |
Early Career
Mariel Galdiano’s golf journey began at the tender age of six when her father, Rogelio, introduced her to the game at Koolau Golf Course. Her dad wasn’t a professional golfer but loved watching Tiger Woods on television and enjoyed playing recreationally.
He bought young Mariel her first set of plastic clubs, and she started practicing on the putting green after school. What started as simple fun quickly evolved into something special as Galdiano showed natural talent and genuine passion for the sport.
Growing up in Hawaii presented unique challenges and opportunities for the young golfer. She competed against older opponents throughout her junior career, which helped develop both her skills and mental toughness.
Galdiano attended Punahou School, the same institution that produced President Barack Obama and former U.S. Women’s Open champion Michelle Wie. During her high school years, she dominated Hawaii golf, winning three consecutive state championships.
Her breakthrough moment came at age 13 when she became the youngest participant in the 2011 U.S. Women’s Open. This early exposure to professional golf at such a high level fueled her determination to compete at the sport’s highest levels.
Professional Career
After completing her stellar amateur career at UCLA, Galdiano turned professional in 2020. She initially competed on the ANNIKA Women’s All-Pro Tour for two seasons before transitioning to the Epson Tour.
Her professional journey required patience and persistence as she worked to develop her game against seasoned competitors. During her time on the Epson Tour from 2022 to 2024, Galdiano earned $80,594 in official prize money. She achieved several notable finishes, including a runner-up performance at the Carlisle Arizona Women’s Golf Classic in 2024.
The defining moment of her professional career came in December 2024 when she earned her LPGA Tour card by finishing T-13 at the LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament. Galdiano shot six consecutive under-par rounds to secure her spot among golf’s elite.
Her 2025 rookie season on the LPGA Tour has shown promising signs with earnings of $49,579 through the first half of the season. She achieved her best LPGA finish with a T-15 at the JM Eagle LA Championship, earning $9,765.
Currently ranked 393rd in the Rolex Rankings, Galdiano continues working toward her first professional victory while establishing herself among the world’s best female golfers.
Caddie
Mariel Galdiano’s caddying arrangements have evolved throughout her career, with her father Rogelio (Roger) Galdiano playing a significant role during her amateur years.
Her father served as both her caddie and swing coach during major amateur tournaments, including the 2015 Canadian Women’s Amateur Championship where she celebrated her victory alongside him.
During her amateur career, her father helped her with swing adjustments and provided course management advice, as he understood her game well enough to make minor corrections rather than major swing changes.
In her professional career on the LPGA Tour, Galdiano has worked with different caddies for various tournaments.
Mariel Galdiano’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Mariel Galdiano’s estimated net worth ranges between $200,000 to $300,000.
Career Earnings
| Year | Tour | Official Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | LPGA Tour | $49,579 |
| 2024 | Epson Tour | $80,594 |
| 2023 | Epson Tour | Approximately $25,000* |
| 2022 | Epson Tour | Approximately $15,000* |
| 2021 | ANNIKA All-Pro Tour | N/A |
| 2020 | ANNIKA All-Pro Tour | N/A |
Endorsements
Galdiano’s endorsement portfolio remains limited as she builds her professional profile during her rookie LPGA season. She has partnerships with Access Golf and Driven 808 Golf, both of which support her career development and junior golf initiatives.
Her work with First Tee Central Florida provides additional income through coaching and mentoring services. As her profile grows on the LPGA Tour, she has opportunities to secure equipment sponsorships and apparel deals that typically accompany successful professional golf careers.
Her Hawaiian heritage and inspiring backstory make her an attractive candidate for brands looking to connect with diverse audiences and junior golf development initiatives.
Career Stats
| Statistic | 2025 LPGA Tour | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Official Money | $49,579 | 135 |
| Scoring Average | Not available | – |
| Drive Distance Avg | 248.48 yards | 144 |
| Drive Accuracy % | 68.03% | 101 |
| Greens in Regulation % | N/A | – |
| Strokes Gained Total | -0.70 | 118 |
| Strokes Gained Off Tee | -0.48 | 140 |
| Strokes Gained Approach | 0.38 | 44 |
| Strokes Gained Around Green | 0.39 | 12 |
| Strokes Gained Putting | -0.63 | 137 |
| Best Finish | T-15 | JM Eagle LA Championship |
| Cuts Made | 4 of 8 | – |
FAQs
1. What makes Mariel Galdiano’s golf career unique?
Galdiano became the youngest golfer to compete in the U.S. Women’s Open at age 13 in 2011, which launched her into the spotlight early. Her journey from Hawaii to UCLA to the LPGA Tour showcases remarkable persistence and dedication to achieving her childhood dreams.
2. How did Galdiano earn her LPGA Tour card?
She earned her 2025 LPGA Tour card by finishing T-13 at the LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament in December 2024. Galdiano shot six consecutive under-par rounds during the qualifying tournament to secure her spot among professional golf’s elite players.
3. What is Galdiano’s connection to other famous golfers?
She attended Punahou School, the same high school as President Barack Obama and U.S. Women’s Open champion Michelle Wie. Additionally, she played alongside Andrea Lee and Emilee Hoffman when Team USA won gold at the 2017 Summer Universiade.
4. Where does Mariel Galdiano currently live and work?
Galdiano splits her time between Orlando, Florida, and Hawaii. She works as a coach and mentor with First Tee Central Florida while also conducting junior golf camps in Hawaii. This arrangement allows her to pursue her LPGA career while giving back to junior golf development.
5. What records does Galdiano hold from her college career?
She holds the UCLA women’s golf record for the lowest single round with a score of 62, achieved during her sophomore year. This round tied for the lowest score in relation to par in UCLA history and demonstrated her exceptional talent at the collegiate level.
