19-year-old Aaron Jarvis creates history by winning Latin America Amateur Championship

By Sports Desk January 24, 2022

Cayman Islands’ Aaron Jarvis created history on Sunday when he became the first golfer from the Caribbean to win the Latin America Amateur Championship (LAAC) that concluded at the Teeth of the Dog Golf Course in the Dominican Republic.

The 19-year-old Jarvis carded rounds of 70, 69, 73, and 69 for an overall score of 281 that gave him a one-stroke victory over Santiago de la Fuente of Mexico, Fred Biondi of Brazil, Vincente Marjilio and Mateo Fernandez de Oliveira of Argentina, who all finished tied on 282 for second place.

The winner of the Latin America Amateur Championship gets an automatic qualifying spot in the Masters which will be played later this year. Jarvis said that it was every young golfer's dream to go to the Masters and he was happy to have been able to achieve that dream.

Meanwhile, Jamaica’s Justin Burrowes, who entered Sunday’s final day tied on 23rd with three other golfers, had his roughest day of the championship, posting a 78 for a combined score of 298 to finish in a five-way tie for 34th. He previously shot 74,72 and 74, respectively, over the first three days.

While not happy about his final day showing, Burrowes offered his praise for his friend, who emerged victoriously.

"Not the day that I was kind of hoping for but again another huge learning experience," he said.

"I am super proud of my very good friend Aaron Jarvis and the win. He kind of opened the door for us Caribbean guys. I grew up playing golf with him, I have beaten him, he has beaten me, it just shows that we in the Caribbean have the talent to do it and to have the guy open the door for is huge."

 

 

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