Special week for Hastings in Argentina

A unique Saturday finish to the 10th annual Latin American Amateur Championship (“LAAC”) at Pilar Golf Club in Buenos Aires, Argentina saw Justin Hastings claim the title of champion after a dramatic day of 36 holes of golf to provide the Cayman Islands with its second victor in four editions following Aaron Jarvis’ win in 2022.

Due to the forecast of bad weather for Sunday, play in the third round on Saturday started earlier than usual in an attempt to get both the third and fourth rounds completed in the one day leading to a mammoth day of golf for all competitors.

Hastings entered Saturday tied for the lead after two rounds having posted a tournament low round of 65 and was joined there by Peru’s Patrick Sparks. Hastings kept the foot down in round three as birdies were being poured in all over the course to further lower the tournament low round by shooting a 64 on Saturday morning which left him with a four shot lead heading into the final round which got underway in the afternoon.

A brief suspension of play for bad weather ahead of the start of round 4 added to the drama as the players finished under the lights with the daylight fading fast. Round 4 was a gritty performance from Hastings who saw his lead fluctuate up and down including a tee shot out of bounds on the par-5 thirteenth hole giving his competitors hope. Entering the par 3 17th hole, the tournament was between Hastings and playing partner Sparks who were tied at 16 under par. A short missed putt from Sparks led to bogey and like the daylight, a dimming of his hopes. Hastings was left to lag his birdie putt on the 18th to 10 inches and tap in for par to win by one stroke.

Cayman Islands Golf Association (“CIGA”) President, Daniel Fortune commented on the phenomenal performance from Hastings. “The whole of Cayman, not just the golf community is incredibly proud of Justin. He has threatened to win this before with his fourth place in Panama last year and to get it done this year is a great achievement. The 36 holes of golf on Saturday and the weather delay would have been a huge challenge both physically and mentally but the beautiful tee shot he hit on the final hole showed just how dialed in he still was after everything that had gone on. It is also a special win to have done it with his father, Rich, caddying for him. Cayman has been punching above its weight in terms of golf and this is further evidence of it. Everything that has been put in place is with the help of our title sponsor Grant Thornton and the support received from the R&A.”

“We are incredibly proud of what Justin has accomplished and are honored to continue supporting him as he prepares for these exciting opportunities in the coming year and for many years to come,” says Greg O’Driscoll, Partner, Head of Asset Management and Business Development at Grant Thornton (Cayman) LLP. “Justin has already accomplished so much, but it’s important for everyone to remember he is just 21 — he’s just getting started. It’s an exciting time for the Hastings family. Huge congratulations to Niki and Rich as well. Their commitment to Justin’s golf development has been a huge factor in his success to date and will continue to be going forward. We are extremely fortunate to have Justin as part of Team GT, and we are behind him all the way.”