ESPN Golf: Colombian Marín Negrete is the new leader of the Women's Amateur Latin America in Pilar ESPN on Star+ arrives in Latin America!

Nov 19, 2021

The Colombian María José Marín Negrete dominates the scene after the second round of the Women's Amateur Latin America (WALA) that takes place in Pilar Golf, Buenos Aires, Argentina. With an extraordinary card of 66 strokes (-6) and a total of 136 (-8), he is slightly ahead of his compatriot Valery Plata, one of the favorites in the championship preview, which is presented by The R&A and the ANNIKA Foundation.

“I played really well, I feel very comfortable with my golf. The eagle in number 2 was important for confidence and I remained very positive throughout the round,” said the champion of the 2021 South American Youth in Arrayanes CC, Ecuador, a couple of weeks ago. At only 15 years old, the winner of the Optimist International 2021 is one of the youngest in the field, although her performance on the court was much more like that of an experienced player with several titles above her. “The fact of having confirmed my university future boosted the commitment and love that I have for this sport much more. Going from playing youth golf to university is to be at another level and that forces me to continue working very hard for that”, added the Caleña from the Farallones Country Club, who is aiming at Arkansas University to continue her academic and sports development in 2023. Born in León, Guanajuato, Mexico, “Majo” arrived in Colombia when he was only 3 years old.

An enormous closing of the round (two birdies in the last three holes) allowed Valery Plata to be only one stroke behind her compatriot and put pressure on for the weekend. “I started the lap very well, fundamentally solid with the driver like all week. I am very confident with my game, I only made two bogeys in 36 holes. I like the course, it's in good condition and especially in the first leg you can attack”, said the Michigan State University player who appeared at the Club Campestre de Bucaramanga after signing a card of 68 strokes (-4).

In a press conference, both agreed to point out the importance of representing Colombia, beyond being an individual tournament. “It is the first time that we are going to play together, but it will be very special because being from the same country, the union that is generated is very good and we like to wear the colors of Colombia at the top”, explained Plata, who is located in the 60th position of the WAGR (the second best in that list among the WALA participants).

Despite a promising start (two under par in the first leg), Alexandra Swayne of US Virgin Islands, leader after the first 18 holes, suffered the most difficult stretch of the course and with 41 in the last 9 gave up several positions by signing 75 hits (+3) and total 141 (-3). Next to Swayne in third place is the Mexican Ana Isabel González Cantu, who, like the leader, rounded off a great 66 (-6) to climb 25 positions.

This Friday, in addition, a press conference was held with Mark Lawrie, Director of The R&A for Latin America and the Caribbean, in the presence of local and international media via zoom.

A great expectation is lived in Pilar Golf not only among the 58 participants but in each one of those who are part of the event. Annika Sörenstam, the best golf player of all time, will arrive in the country very early. The Swede will give a press conference at 3:00 p.m. (ARG) and later a golf clinic at 4:30 p.m. (ARG).

Source:GMMG