The Latin America Amateur Championship (LAAC) has announced that Lima Golf Club in Peru will host the 2026 tournament, marking the first time the event will be held in Peru. The announcement was made at a press conference in Buenos Aires, featuring representatives from The R&A, Augusta National, and the USGA. Lima Golf Club was originally set to host the event in 2021 but was canceled due to the Covid pandemic. The club is excited to have another chance to host the championship and is eagerly looking forward to welcoming the competitors for the 11th instalment of the LAAC in January 2026.
Lima Golf Club, established in 1924, is located in the San Isidro district of southern Lima and is known for its parkland-style course surrounded by high-rise buildings. The venue has hosted prestigious events such as the Copa Los Andes and the Pan American Games, showcasing its ability to challenge some of the best players in Latin America. The course underwent a redesign in 2018 by the renowned architecture firm Mackenzie & Ebert, further enhancing its reputation as one of the oldest and most respected courses in Peru.
The 2025 LAAC is currently underway at Pilar Golf Club in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with players teeing off in the first round of the championship. The winner of the LAAC receives an invitation to compete in the following year’s Masters at Augusta National Golf Club, as well as automatic qualification for The Open Championship and the US Open. Additionally, the champion receives exemptions into other top amateur championships, further elevating the tournament’s prestige and providing opportunities for emerging talent in the region.
Founded by The R&A, The Masters, and The USGA, the LAAC aims to promote the development of golf in Central and South America and the Caribbean. Since its inception in 2015, the tournament has produced notable champions such as Joaquin Niemann of Chile, who won the LAAC in 2018. Other notable players who have competed in the event include Nico Echavarria, Sebastian Munoz, Mito Pereira, and Alvaro Ortiz, highlighting the tournament’s role in showcasing top talent from the region on an international stage.
The significance of hosting the LAAC at Lima Golf Club extends beyond the tournament itself, as it provides an opportunity to showcase the rich history and tradition of golf in Peru. The club’s president, Michael DeBakey, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to host the championship and emphasized the club’s commitment to providing a challenging and memorable experience for all participants. The event is expected to draw top talent from across Latin America, further raising the profile of the sport in the region and inspiring future generations of golfers.
In addition to the competitive aspect of the LAAC, the tournament also offers valuable opportunities for networking and collaboration among industry professionals, sponsors, and fans. The event serves as a platform for showcasing the latest advancements in golf technology, equipment, and training methods, with participants and attendees having the opportunity to interact with industry experts and learn from their experiences. The LAAC also provides a forum for discussions on the future of the sport and strategies for promoting golf as a sustainable and inclusive activity for all ages and skill levels.
As the 2026 LAAC approaches, excitement continues to build within the golf community in Peru and beyond. With Lima Golf Club set to host the championship for the first time, expectations are high for a memorable and competitive event that will further enhance the club’s reputation as a premier destination for top-level golf competitions. The tournament’s impact extends beyond the course, leaving a lasting legacy that will inspire future generations of golfers and contribute to the growth and development of the sport in Latin America and the Caribbean.
