Mexicans Omar Morales and Santiago de la Fuente and Guatemala's Jose Arzu fired excellent opening rounds of 69 in testing, windy conditions to lead the Latin America Amateur Championship (LAAC) at the Santa Maria Golf Club in Panama.
Omar Morales posted the best score of the morning starters – a one-under-par 69. The 20-year-old reached three-under at one point during his round but he suffered a double bogey on his 16th hole, the 7th at Santa Maria GC.
“I think my putting was really good. My driving was really good. I guess my irons a little bit, especially distance control, but it's also hard because the wind is in a different direction and it's blowing pretty hard,” he said. “But, I sunk a lot of putts and that really helps.”
Morales is the highest ranked player in the field this week. He competed in last year’s US Open at Los Angeles Country Club and is a member of the University of Los Angeles golf team.
Morales' countryman Santiago de la Fuente, finished with a birdie to match his fellow Mexican's 69 and Guatemala's Jose Arzu also shot one-under with a round that contained four birdies and three bogeys. Both players were amongst the last finishers on day one.
“I think just being in contention, being there at the last nine holes for the tournament with a chance, it's all I can ask for. These kids are good,” he said.” But I think par each day is going to be really good.”
The LAAC champion receives an invitation to compete in the 2024 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club and will automatically qualify for The 152nd Open at Royal Troon and, for the second time, will earn a spot in the US Open - the 124th instalment of which will take place at Pinehurst.
