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Casa de Campo Resort & Villas hosted the first edition of the Latin America Amateur Championship (LAAC) Academy from August 3 to 9, 2025. The program brought together 12 young golfers from across Latin America for a week of focused training and development.

A New Chapter for Latin American Golf

The LAAC Academy was created by the founders of the Latin America Amateur Championship: the Masters Tournament, The R&A and the USGA. Its goal is to equip emerging talent with the skills and guidance needed to progress in the sport, while fostering teamwork and personal growth.

“Starting these academies is key to what we can achieve over the next 10 years,” said Fred Ridley, chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, in an official statement. He emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent as the LAAC enters its next decade.

Training at the Highest Level

Participants received specialized instruction in short game techniques, sports psychology, physical conditioning and swing analysis. Sessions took place at Casa de Campo’s Golf Learning Center, widely recognized as one of the Caribbean and Latin America’s top golf facilities.

“Casa de Campo offers world-class infrastructure for training, which is fundamental to promoting golf in the region,” said Jason Kycek, senior vice president of Sales and Marketing at the resort.

International coaches, including Hernán Rey, Andrés Echavarría, Miguel Ordóñez, and Santiago Garat, guided the players. Group activities and motivational talks complemented the technical sessions, reinforcing teamwork and commitment to excellence.

“It was a week of intensive training supported by advanced technology,” said Garat. “The Learning Center and practice courses provided an exceptional platform for these golfers to elevate their skills. They leave with strong technical knowledge and motivation.”

Participants Represent the Region

The inaugural cohort included 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).

“For us, it was unforgettable,” said Huerta. “Training in such a spectacular location with top-level coaches and having access to three of the region’s best courses made the experience truly valuable. The staff made you feel at home, which not every venue offers.”

A Commitment to Growth

Casa de Campo has hosted the LAAC three times, highlighting its ongoing support for golf development in the region. The Academy marks a new step in fostering amateur talent, helping players advance toward the highest levels of international competition.

For more information about the Latin America Amateur Championship, visit LAACgolf.com.

*Photos courtesy of LAAC