Jamaica endured a challenging opening day at the 11th Latin America Amateur Golf Championship (LAAC), as Zandre Roye and Oshae Haye were pushed out of rhythm by unfamiliar terrain and chilly conditions at the Lima Golf Club in Peru on Thursday.
Competing for the first time on the narrow par-70 layout, both golfers spent the round navigating tight fairways, demanding approaches, and weather conditions that complicated shot selection and execution.
Roye battles early, seeks reset
Roye’s round began unsteadily with a bogey on his opening hole, but he immediately responded with a birdie on the next. That early recovery, however, proved difficult to sustain.
His scorecard over the remainder of the day reflected persistent struggles, including seven bogeys and a double bogey. He closed with a nine-over-par 79, leaving him tied for 80th place alongside seven other competitors.
Despite the rough start, Roye remained measured and optimistic, viewing the opening round as a learning experience rather than a setback.
“Today was kind of rough. Got off to a not so great start, didn’t hit the ball pretty well, didn’t hit the ball good today. Managed to make a few pars coming in, to salvage whatever the round was. Learned a lot. Little bit further back than I wanted to be but go out again tomorrow (Friday), reset, and got it. Tomorrow is a new day. Golf course condition is scoreable. Just gotta hit their ball in the right places and take advantage of holes when it comes.”
Roye will enter the second round focused on improving his position and staying within reach of the cut line.
Haye recovers late after difficult middle stretch
Haye opened his round steadily, recording a par on the opening par-five hole. Momentum quickly shifted, however, after a double bogey on the second hole.
He briefly stabilized with pars on holes four and five, but the middle portion of his round proved punishing. His card included five bogeys and three double bogeys, placing him deep in the field. A strong finish offered some encouragement, as he closed the back nine with four pars between holes 15 and 18.
Haye completed the round at 13-over par 83, tying for 101st place with three other golfers.
Leaders set early pace
At the top of the leaderboard, Andy Schonbaum of Argentina and Andrés Martínez Benedetti of Venezuela shared the first-round lead, each posting an impressive four-under-par 66.
This year’s championship features more than 100 golfers representing 28 countries, underscoring the depth and competitiveness of the field.
Major stakes on the line
The stakes remain high as the tournament progresses. The eventual champion will earn a coveted invitation to the Masters Tournament, along with exemptions into both The Open Championship and the U.S. Open, among the most prestigious rewards in amateur golf.
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