Three amateurs fired sizzling 66s in scorching conditions to share the lead at the Latin America Amateur Championship in Buenos Aires.
Manuel Merizalde’s performance was particularly eye-catching. At 45, the Colombian security firm worker and former pro showed the youngsters how it’s done, dropping just one shot while racking up seven birdies.
“I wasn’t expecting much to tell you the truth,” Merizalde said with a laugh. “I don’t get to practice too much these days. But sometimes that helps – when your expectations are low, you can just play freely.”
Patrick Sparks from Peru matched that score with a wild round featuring seven birdies and an eagle.
Guatemala’s Gabriel Palacios completed the trio at the top, finishing in the day’s final group to join them at six-under par.
The home crowd had plenty to cheer about. Two Argentinians – Franco Ricciardelli and 24-year-old Mateo Pulcini – sit just one shot back after posting impressive 67s.
The shot of the day belonged to Puerto Rico’s Jeronimo Esteve. The 43-year-old veteran lit up the course with a hole-in-one at the 6th hole on his way to a solid 68.
But there’s way more than just a trophy at stake this week. The winner gets a life-changing invitation to play in next year’s Masters at Augusta National. They’ll also earn spots in both The Open Championship at Royal Portrush and the U.S. Open at Oakmont.
The tournament has already launched some impressive careers since it started in 2015. Chile’s Joaquin Niemann, who won it in 2018, has gone on to become one of golf’s rising stars.
Other notable players who’ve come through the LAAC include Nico Echavarria, Sebastian Munoz, and Mito Pereira – all now making their mark in professional golf.
The pressure will only build as the week goes on. With such massive opportunities on the line, these amateurs are playing for the chance to turn their golfing dreams into reality.
