Justin Hastings lifts the Latin America Amateur Championship trophy on Saturday night. Photo: LAAC.
Cayman’s Justin Hastings has set his sights on turning professional this year after booking a place at three of golf’s four major tournaments.
Hastings said he was “so proud to be Caymanian” after matching team-mate Aaron Jarvis’ history-making feat to win the Latin America Amateur Golf Championship in Argentina on Saturday, earning himself a golden ticket to the big time.
The 21-year-old held on by his fingertips to win by a single stroke at the prestigious regional tournament, shooting 16 under-par.
He follows in the footsteps of Jarvis who made history in 2022 by winning the tournament and becoming the first Caymanian ever to compete at the US Masters and the Open Championship.
Hastings’ victory means he will line up against greats of the game, including Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods in the US Masters and the Open Championship later this year.
Since Jarvis’ victory in 2022, a place in the US Open has been added to the prize list for the Latin America tournament, meaning Hastings will make his own little piece of history as the first golfer from these islands to compete on that stage.
Justin Hastings celebrates winning the 2025 Latin America Amateur Championship on the No. 18 green with his father and caddie. – Photo: LAAC
With bad weather at the Pilar Golf Club in Buenos Aires meaning the final two rounds were condensed into a single day, Hastings produced a memorable 36 holes to claim a famous win.
He made eight birdies in his opening round of the day to lead by four shots going into the final round. And he held his nerve amid an impressive fight back from Peru’s Patrick Sparks to claim the title in a battle that went to the final hole in the declining light.
The impact of the moment was still sinking in when Hastings, who embraced his father on the final green before being mobbed by his team-mates Aaron and Andrew Jarvis, addressed the media in a post-tournament press conference.
Justin Hastings catches the ball during the final round of the 2025 Latin America Amateur Championship. Photo: LAAC.
He said Jarvis, who took the title three years ago in the Dominican Republic, had shown him and others just what was possible.
“To have two champions from the Cayman Islands, when we have only 27 holes down there and limited competitive golf [is amazing]. To see him do what he did a few years ago really inspired the whole island and inspired me and taught us that we can compete out here and we can do these great things.
“To be able to follow in his footsteps a few years later and get it done is amazing. I am so proud to be Caymanian.”
Hastings, who first competed in this tournament as a 14-year-old and finished in the top five last year, was one of three Caymanian golfers, along with the Jarvis brothers, to compete at the event this weekend.
Hastings celebrates with the Jarvis brothers in Buenos Aires after holding on to secure the win by a single stroke. – Photo: LAAC
The regional championship has provided a platform to propel some of the best amateur golfers to the big time. Aaron Jarvis was just 19 when he put the islands on the golfing map with his win in 2022, going on to make the cut at the Open Championship.
Now Hastings’ victory cements Cayman as one of the dominant forces in the sport in the region.
A senior at San Diego State University, Hastings had been aiming to go professional after graduation. With three major tournaments ahead of him, he acknowledged he may end up in the big leagues sooner than expected.
“I realize this may have thrown a wrench in those plans but that’s a pretty good wrench and problem to have. I think I’ll deal with it,” he said.
Justin Hastings on his way to victory in Buenos Aires. Photo: LAAC.
Asked about the three major tournaments, Hastings said he was most excited to compete at the Augusta National.
“I grew up a huge Masters nut. Every Thursday when the Masters was on, I’d be sick from school to watch the first day.
“Just to be sitting here in this position and think that I’m going to be in that field is something I don’t think has quite hit me, but man, am I excited for it.”
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Publish date : 2025-01-18 11:17:00
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