Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, in the Dominican Republic, was the venue for the first edition of the Latin America Amateur Championship Academy—an innovative golf development initiative driven by the Founding Partners of the Latin America Amateur Championship: the Masters Tournament, The R&A, and the USGA.
Over a week of intensive training, 12 young golfers from various Latin American countries enjoyed a transformative experience at one of the region’s most iconic golf destinations. From August 3 to 9, Casa de Campo provided the perfect setting to combine sport, education, and camaraderie.
“This is something we’re truly excited about. I’ve been asked many times, and I’ve had the privilege of attending all 10 editions of the Latin America Amateur Championship and being a part of each one. Now it’s time to think about what we’re going to do in the next decade. I believe starting with these academies will be key to everything we can achieve over the next 10 years,” said Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, at the January press conference.
The LAAC Academy program featured specialized sessions in key areas of high performance, such as the short game, sports psychology, physical training, and technical swing analysis. Activities took place in Casa de Campo’s world-class facilities, including the Golf Learning Center—recognized as one of the best in the Caribbean and Latin America.
“It is an honor that the LAAC chose Casa de Campo as the host venue for the first edition of its LAAC Academy. We have an excellent relationship that dates back to 2016, when we first hosted the championship. One of our pillars is the promotion of golf, and we believe that having top-level facilities for teaching and training is essential to achieving that goal,” said Jason Kycek, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Casa de Campo Resort & Villas.
In addition to internationally experienced coaches such as Hernán Rey, Andrés Echavarría, Miguel Ordóñez, and Santiago Garat, players participated in group activities and motivational talks that reinforced team spirit and a commitment to excellence.
“It was a week of intensive, top-level training, supported by cutting-edge technology that enhanced the learning process. Casa de Campo provided exceptional infrastructure, both at the Learning Center and on the practice areas for all aspects of the game. This platform is the starting point for many players to take a leap in quality. They all leave with solid technical knowledge and great motivation,” said Garat.
The event marked a milestone in the evolution of the Latin America Amateur Championship—not only for the quality of the program, but also for the decision to begin this new chapter in a place with such significance for regional golf. Casa de Campo has hosted the LAAC on three occasions and continues to demonstrate its commitment to developing the sport in the region.
Participants in this first edition were: Vicente Quiroga (Bolivia), Waldo Aguasvivas and Rodrigo Huerta (Dominican Republic), Santiago Villegas (Ecuador), Matías Calderón (Guatemala), Carlos Álvarez (Honduras), Pablo Lacayo (Nicaragua), Pablo del Grosso (Panama), Ezequiel Cabrera (Paraguay), Mauricio Tello (Peru), Evan Peña (Puerto Rico), and Andrés Martínez (Venezuela).
“This has been an unforgettable experience. Spending a week working in such a spectacular place as Casa de Campo, and with top-tier coaches, is of immense value to us. The resort’s facilities, along with access to three of the best courses in the region and staff who make you feel at home, are aspects that truly stand out, because not all places offer that level of warmth and hospitality,” said Huerta.
With this first edition successfully completed, the LAAC Academy has established itself as a new step in the growth of amateur golf in Latin America. The goal: to continue supporting the region’s young talents on their journey toward the highest levels of world golf.
For more information on the LAAC, please visit LAACgolf.com and follow @LAAC_Golf on Instagram and Twitter.