Segundo Oliva Pinto Takes the Lead at Latin America Amateur Championship
LIMA, Peru - January 17, 2026 – ArgentinaS Segundo Oliva Pinto surged into the lead at the Latin America Amateur Championship today, carding a remarkable 6-under 64 at Lima Golf Club. His performance sets the stage for a thrilling final round as players compete for coveted invitations too the Masters Tournament, the U.S. Open, and The Open Championship [[2]].
A Dramatic Third Round
Oliva Pinto’s round was highlighted by seven birdies, propelling him from seven strokes behind to a one-shot lead with a 54-hole total of 5-under 205. He navigated a challenging course with precision and aggressive play, notably excelling around the turn with five birdies in an eight-hole stretch.
The Contenders
Close on Oliva Pinto’s heels is Brazil’s Eduardo Matarazzo, who also posted a 66 today.Andy Schonbaum, a seasoned competitor in the LAAC with appearances in all but one of the tournament’s eleven editions, remains in contention despite a 72 after leading through the first 36 holes. The 34-year-old Argentine experienced two double bogeys on the back nine, impacting his position.
Virgilio Paz Valdes of Venezuela matched the day’s low score with a 64, placing him two shots behind the leader. He is tied with Eduardo Derbez of Mexico (66), Mateo Pulcini of Argentina (70), and Erich Fortlage of Paraguay (70). A tight leaderboard sees seven players within two strokes of the lead, promising a captivating final round.
The Latin America Amateur Championship: A Pathway to Golf’s Biggest Stages
The Latin America Amateur Championship, co-organized by the Masters Tournament, The R&A, and the USGA, is a prestigious event that provides a unique prospect for the region’s top amateur golfers. The winner receives automatic invitations to compete in three of golf’s most iconic major championships [[3]]. This exposure can substantially boost a player’s career and profile on the international stage.
Looking Ahead to the Final Round
With such a closely contested leaderboard, the final round promises to be a thrilling display of skill and determination. Golf fans can anticipate a fierce battle as players vie for the title and the chance to compete amongst the world’s elite at the Masters,U.S. Open, and The Open Championship. The competition will be held at the Lima Golf Club, and the winner will be crowned tomorrow.
