Panama and fond memories of hosting LAAC

Santa María Golf Club has started the countdown to host the ninth editionl Latin American Championship for amateurswhich will be held from January 18 to 21, 2024.

Returning to the country of the main amateur golf tournament of the region brings back fond memories of the local sport. In 2017, when Panama Golf Club was the host, Miguel Ordóñez managed to enter the top 10 of the tournament. That eighth place is the best result of a Panamanian at the amateur championship of Latin America.

Among the experienced names that will represent Panama are Omar Tejeira (143rd in WAGR) and Miguel Ordoñez (259th), who has appeared in all editions of the championship. There are also young promises such as Jean Paul Ducruet (641) and Samuel Durán (953), who dream of being able to surprise in this new edition of the LAAC.

“Playing LAAC is always a big dream, and in my country, on my field, in a place where I have been involved since its beginnings, such as Santa María Golf, That makes it even more special. This tournament represents a great motivation for me, it is the most important in the region and I am honored to have the opportunity to play in all editions,” commented Ordónez.

The veteran points out that there is also a share of gratitude to the most important institutions of world golf that joined in creating this championship.

For his part, Tejeira stated that this will be his third LAAC for which he plays. He added that the tournament meets and exceeds all expectations of what an amateur event of this level should be.

The Latin American Amateur Championship, founded by the Masters Tournament, R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA) in 2014, was established to further develop amateur golf in South America, Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Every year, the event moves to the best golf courses where the most prominent fans of this sport in the region compete.

The LAAC champion will receive an invitation to play in the 2024 Masters tournament Augusta National Golf ClubThe 152nd Open at Royal Troon and the 124th US Open to be played at Pinehurst no. 2.

In addition, the winner will receive full exemptions to compete in the Amateur Championship, the US Amateur Championship and any other USGA Amateur Championship for which he is eligible. Likewise, the player or players who finish second will directly enter the final qualifying stages for entry into the Open Championship and the 2024 US Open Championship.