{{ubiquityData.prevArticle.description}}
{{ubiquityData.nextArticle.description}}
Argentina’s Abel Gallegos is set to compete at The 149th Open after becoming the second-youngest winner of the Latin America Amateur Championship.
The 17-year-old was in impeccable form on the Mexican fairways, showing experience beyond his years to hold off home favourite Aaron Terrazas and secure a four-shot victory.
And the result was significant as Gallegos (above) earned exemptions to play in July's Open Championship at Royal St George’s, as well as the Masters at Augusta National in April.
The teenage star shot a majestic final round of 67 at El Camaleón Golf Club at Mayakoba Resort to repel Terrazas’ late charge, also beating Colombia’s José Vega – who finished in third – to book his place in Sandwich in six months time.
And Gallegos, who is the same age at The Open’s youngest champion – Tom Morris Jr in 1868 – was over the moon to triumph and give himself a chance of becoming the Championship’s first South American winner since compatriot Roberto De Vicenzo in 1967.
“It was an amazing day,” he said.
To continue reading visit TheOpen.com.
The R&A