Cayman Islands golfer Justin Hastings expressed both pride and a hunger for improvement after his victory at the 2025 Latin America Amateur Championship (LAAC) in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Hastings emerged victorious following a grueling 36-hole showdown at Pilar Golf Club over the weekend.

The double session, necessitated by a forecast of severe weather on Sunday, tested the physical and mental endurance of the 21-year-old, who finished with a 16-under-par total of 272. He edged Peru’s Patrick Sparks by a single stroke in the final group.

“It was a learning experience. I realized there’s still room for growth in critical moments, but I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come, especially with my mental game over the past few years,” Hastings said after his emotional win.

The victory marked Hastings as the second player from the Cayman Islands to claim the prestigious title, following in the footsteps of his close friend Aaron Jarvis, who won in 2022.

Hastings’ triumph earned him coveted spots in three major championships: the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National, the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush, and the 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club. He will be the first Caymanian to compete in the U.S. Open and the second to play in the Masters and The Open, joining Jarvis in the history books.

He said Jarvis, who took the title three years ago in the Dominican Republic, had shown him and others just what was possible.

“To have two champions from the Cayman Islands, when we have only 27 holes down there and limited competitive golf [is amazing].  To see him do what he did a few years ago really inspired the whole island and inspired me and taught us that we can compete out here and we can do these great things,” Hastings told the Cayman Compass.

“To be able to follow in his footsteps a few years later and get it done is amazing. I am so proud to be Caymanian,” he added.

The Latin America Amateur Championship is a proving ground for the region’s top amateur golfers, and Hastings’ performance underscores his potential on the global stage. His success also highlights the growing presence of Caymanian golfers in international competitions.

“It’s still surreal. I don’t think it has fully sunk in yet,” Hastings admitted as his path to victory included standout rounds of 64—the lowest of the championship—and 72.