Justin Suh claimed victory at the 118th edition of the VISA Open Argentina presented by Macro, held at the Jockey Club of San Isidro. The American secured the title with a championship record, finishing with a total of 257 strokes (-23).
With this triumph, the 27-year-old golfer, who set a course record of 60 strokes (-10) in the third round, earned an invitation to compete in The 153rd Open, which will take place at Royal Portrush in July 2025. The seventh-oldest championship in the world, organized by the Argentine Golf Association, marked its second year as part of the Korn Ferry Tour, the developmental tour leading to the PGA TOUR, offering a direct path to the elite level of world golf.
“It is an honor for me to win this tournament with so much history and on such a prestigious course. The weather conditions were challenging for everyone, but I believe the key was staying patient and controlling my emotions. Even though I was leading after 54 holes, there were still chances for things to change, and I couldn’t afford to lose focus in the final round,” said Suh, the California native, who secured his second title on the Korn Ferry Tour.
“Qualifying for The Open is very important to me. It’s one of the Majors I’ve always dreamed of playing, and now I’ll have the chance. I’m very happy,” added the professional, a University of Southern California graduate, who was once the No. 1-ranked amateur in the world and competed for two seasons on the PGA TOUR.
In second place, five strokes behind, were Americans Ian Holt and Cole Sherwood, along with South Korea’s S.H. Kim, all finishing with a total of 262 strokes (-18). The best Latin American performer of the tournament was Colombian Marcelo Rozo, who tied for 11th place with a total score of 266 strokes (-14).
Meanwhile, the best Argentine player in the championship was Diego Prone, who finished 16th with a total of 267 strokes (-13).
“I’m very happy with this week, especially because I didn’t falter in the final round—I had to fight for it, and I pulled through. Finishing the way I did in my country’s Open, in a Korn Ferry Tour event, is an ideal situation. Plus, having my family and the people from Los Lagartos supporting me throughout the tournament made it even more special,” said the 31-year-old from Buenos Aires, who studied in the United States at the University of North Texas.
BEHIND-THE-GREEN CURIOSITIES
- Zurich Solidarity Hole: As in previous years, Zurich supported a charity hole for every birdie (or better) recorded on hole 18 throughout the tournament. In total, 161 birdies and 3 eagles were made, leading Zurich to donate 30,000,000 Argentine pesos to the Integrar Foundation.
- The R&A and the VISA Open: For the eighth time, the champion of the 118th VISA Open Argentina presented by Macro received an exemption to compete in The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush, which will take place from July 17 to 20, 2025, in Northern Ireland.
- American Champions of the Open: With Justin Suh’s victory, 19 American players have now won the VISA Open Argentina. Notable past champions include Craig Stadler, Mark Calcavecchia, Mark O’Meara, Jim Furyk, Scott Dunlap, among others.
