In the bustling capital of Peru, anticipation is mounting as the prestigious 2026 Latin America Amateur Championship (LAAC) is set to tee off at the historic Lima Golf Club. This significant event, opening on Thursday, January 15th, offers more than just the thrill of competition; it presents a golden opportunity. At stake is an invitation to the revered 2026 Masters Tournament, along with coveted spots in the 154th Open Championship and the 126th U.S. Open.

This year, the championship boasts a diverse group of 108 players from 29 countries and territories, each vying for these elite invitations. Among the notable contenders are Guatemala’s Gabriel Palacios, ranked 26th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, and Bolivia’s rising star, Jose Luis Montano, ranked 62nd. Returning to the field is Aaron Jarvis from the Cayman Islands, the 2022 champion who made history as the first golfer from his nation to compete at Augusta National Golf Club. The competitors, ranging in age from 13 to 54, bring a rich tapestry of talent and aspiration to the tournament.

Expressing his excitement, Palacios, who clinched a tie for third place last year, reflected on the magnitude of the opportunity: “Trying to get a chance to play in three of my favorite events since I was a little kid is awesome,” he said. “There’s an opportunity for us to play such three such great events. It’s great. I mean, it’s just part of it. It’s part of this tournament. I think all of us know what we’re playing for.”

The LAAC was established in 2014 through a collaboration between the Masters Tournament, The R&A, and the USGA, aiming to nurture and expand amateur golf across South America, Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Each year, the championship attracts the top male amateurs from the 29 IOC-recognized countries and territories within this vibrant region. The tournament has seen many talented players, including Colombia’s Nicolas Echavarria and Sebastian Muñoz, Argentina’s Alejandro Tosti, and Chile’s accomplished golfers Cristobal Del Solar, Mito Pereira, and Joaquin Niemann, the latter having secured victory in the 2018 Championship.

For golf enthusiasts eager to witness the unfolding drama, the first two rounds will be broadcast live on ESPN2 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern on January 15th and 16th. The excitement continues as the final rounds are aired live on ESPNNews from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern on January 17th and 18th. As players set their sights on glory, audiences can expect a thrilling showcase of skill and determination from the heart of Lima.

Follow the 2026 Latin America Amateur Championship online at LAACgolf.com and on social media @LAAC_Golf.