The Latin America Amateur Championship, which catapulted Caymanian golfer Aaron Jarvis to an historic 2022, is set to start on Thursday, 12 Jan., at the Grand Reserve Golf Club in Puerto Rico.
Speaking with the Cayman Compass, Jarvis, who won the prestigious event last year in the Dominican Republic, said he is focused and ready to defend his title.
“It’s about keeping things simple and just going there with the same mindset that I have every tournament,” he said.
The eighth edition of the LAAC will also feature Cayman golfers Justin Hastings, Payten Wight and Aaron’s older brother, Andrew Jarvis, all competing against over 100 others from 12-15 Jan.
The winner of the 2023 LAAC will qualify for this year’s Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club and an exemption into the 151st Open at Royal Liverpool.
They will also have full exemptions into The Amateur Championship, US Amateur Championship and any other USGA amateur championship for which he is eligible.
With all the additional opportunities that come with winning the LAAC event, Wight said he wants to seize his place among the top golfers this year and draws inspiration from Jarvis, who proved that Cayman can win.
“It’s going to be huge because this tournament is an opportunity unlike any other,” Wight told the Compass. It would be great to obviously follow up what Aaron did.
“I’ve always looked up to him, he’s been a good talent and he’s worked really hard, so to see it pay off, it’s good to watch. I know it’s possible now, after seeing one of my good friends win that tournament.”
The four Cayman golfers will no doubt face tough opposition during the event, but Wight said he and his teammates have prepared well for the competition.
“We worked really hard to get these four spots,” he said.
Jarvis also believes his training will see him through for the second straight year and, with the climate being similar to home, he feels the advantage is on his side.
“Preparation wise, I’ve just been working with my coach and seeing what I need to work on, trying to find that area that needs the most improvement,” he said. “We’re going to another Caribbean Island. So, it’s not like we are going to abnormal conditions.”
Jarvis added that having his teammates around him for the trip is special but once it’s time to putt, nothing else matters at that moment.
“When I start playing it’s obviously more blocked out because I’m just focusing on my own game,” he explained. “But I think traveling and being with the guys…will make the trip better- it’ll be fun.”
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