Maria Jose “MJ” Barragan wins Exemption for 2026 Epson Copper Rock Championship.

Maria Jose “MJ” Barragan is a standout collegiate golfer for Brigham Young University, known for her consistency, competitiveness, and upward trajectory on the women’s golf scene. A native of Morelia, Mexico, Barragan has quickly become one of BYU’s most impactful players, combining sharp scoring with a calm mindset under pressure. She owns a career-low 18-hole score of 68 (4-under) and a lowest 54-hole score of 210 (−6), achieved at the 2024 Red Raider Invitational where she claimed her best finish with a victory. Barragan has also posted strong rounds in key events including the opening rounds of the 2025 San Diego State Classic and the 2025 Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational, and she played a pivotal role in BYU’s 2025 USF Invitational win with a 72-73-69 (214) performance.

Off the course, Barragan is equally distinguished. She’s majoring in Pre-Business and has earned recognition for her academic achievements, being named to the 2025 CSC Academic All-District team. In amateur golf, she finished runner-up at the 2025 Women’s Mexico Amateur in a dramatic playoff and represented Mexico at the Pan American Games in Paraguay, showcasing her talent on the international stage. MJ’s competitive spirit and steady play earned her Low Amateur honors at the 2026 Copper Rock Championship Qualifier, securing her an exemption into the Epson Tour’s Copper Rock Championship.

Before joining BYU, Barragan already had an impressive résumé: winning first place on the Regional Tour in 2022–23, ranking second on Mexico’s junior golf rankings, and earning academic honors in high school. She was recruited by multiple NCAA Division I programs including Iowa, Maryland, Kansas, Kansas State, Ohio State, and Nebraska, ultimately choosing the Cougar program where she continues to excel. Outside of golf, MJ loves photography, capturing moments that reflect her creative eye and adventurous spirit.