BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — The Cayman Islands' Justin Hastings had a strong performance Friday and feels nothing can stop him from competing in the Latin American Amateur Championship. Despite a two-hour storm delay, he birdied the 18th hole to shoot a 7-under 65 and share the lead with Peru's Patrick Sparks.
Sparks had two late bogeys at Pilar Golf Club for a 70.
They entered the weekend at 8-under 136, one shot ahead of Paraguay's Erich Fortracci (66) and Mexico's Jose Antonio Safa (68).
The winner will receive an invitation to the Masters in April and an exemption to this year's U.S. Open and British Open.
“It's hard not to think about it,” Sparks said. “But, I want to take my time and enjoy the next two days and we'll see what happens this weekend.”
Hastings, a senior at San Diego State University, is trying to become the second Cayman Islands player to win the Latin American Amateur Championship. Three years ago, Aaron Jarvis (UNLV) won.
He had seven birdies in 13 holes until a storm hit, delaying play for more than two hours and allowing enough rain to make the course softer and playable in calm conditions. Play longer.
Hastings' longest putt of his eight birdies was just over 10 feet, which he said speaks to how well he can hit irons and wedges.
“Honestly, when I was 7-under to 13-under, I felt like I was in the zone and nothing was going to affect me — other than sitting in there for two hours,” he said. “You try not to think about the score or anything and try to stay focused on your next shot.”
When play resumed, he bogeyed the 14th hole and made his final birdie.
The cut among the top 50 and the tie was 2-over 146.
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