Texas Tech University Athletics
Ramirez Finishes Fourth at Latin America Amateur Championship
January 19, 2020 | Men's Golf
MAYAKOBA, Mexico – Texas Tech alum Ivan Ramirez finished in fourth place at the Latin America Amateur Championship after posting 4-over-par during the four-round tournament that he completed by shooting a final-round 72 on Sunday at the El Camaleón Golf Club.
A December graduate of Tech, Ramirez carded a 68-76-72-72 – 288 in his final amateur tournament where declared as a professional following the event. Argentina's Abel Gallegos won the LAAC at 4-under followed by runner-up Aaron Terrazas (even-par). Ramirez, who was at 1-over with four birdies in his final round, led the tournament by two strokes after the opening round where he recorded five birdies during a seven-hole stretch to get off to the strong start.
"I loved my last tournament as an amateur. It is an unforgettable event," Ramirez said. "Being in the last group of the last day with a chance to win is what any player wants. A fourth place [finish] is not that bad, and a week doesn't mark your future."
A Bucaramanga, Columbia native, Ramirez competed for the Red Raiders from 2015-19 with a career highlighted by finishing fourth at the NCAA tournament in stroke play as a junior and four top-10 finishes last season as a senior. He finished second last year at the El Macero Classic at 2-under and was 12th overall (3-under) at the NCAA Myrtle Beach Regional to close out his collegiate career and then competed in the Arnold Palmer Cup.
Ramirez is currently at No. 74 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking after finishing 11th at the Abierto Sudamericano Amateur on Jan. 11 in Chile before the LAAC.
With the victory, the 17-year-old Gallegos becomes the second-youngest LAAC champion and earns exemptions into a pair of especially coveted tournaments: the 2020 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in April and The 149th Open at Royal St George's in July. He can also play in The Amateur Championship, the U.S. Amateur and any other USGA amateur event for which he is eligible, including the final stage of qualifying for the 120th U.S. Open at Winged Foot.
While Ramirez now turns professional, the Red Raiders will return to their collegiate season on Feb. 6 at the Amer Ari Invitational in Hawaii. Tech won three of four fall tournaments and is currently ranked No. 2 in the nation according to the Golfstat rankings.
A December graduate of Tech, Ramirez carded a 68-76-72-72 – 288 in his final amateur tournament where declared as a professional following the event. Argentina's Abel Gallegos won the LAAC at 4-under followed by runner-up Aaron Terrazas (even-par). Ramirez, who was at 1-over with four birdies in his final round, led the tournament by two strokes after the opening round where he recorded five birdies during a seven-hole stretch to get off to the strong start.
"I loved my last tournament as an amateur. It is an unforgettable event," Ramirez said. "Being in the last group of the last day with a chance to win is what any player wants. A fourth place [finish] is not that bad, and a week doesn't mark your future."
A Bucaramanga, Columbia native, Ramirez competed for the Red Raiders from 2015-19 with a career highlighted by finishing fourth at the NCAA tournament in stroke play as a junior and four top-10 finishes last season as a senior. He finished second last year at the El Macero Classic at 2-under and was 12th overall (3-under) at the NCAA Myrtle Beach Regional to close out his collegiate career and then competed in the Arnold Palmer Cup.
Ramirez is currently at No. 74 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking after finishing 11th at the Abierto Sudamericano Amateur on Jan. 11 in Chile before the LAAC.
With the victory, the 17-year-old Gallegos becomes the second-youngest LAAC champion and earns exemptions into a pair of especially coveted tournaments: the 2020 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in April and The 149th Open at Royal St George's in July. He can also play in The Amateur Championship, the U.S. Amateur and any other USGA amateur event for which he is eligible, including the final stage of qualifying for the 120th U.S. Open at Winged Foot.
While Ramirez now turns professional, the Red Raiders will return to their collegiate season on Feb. 6 at the Amer Ari Invitational in Hawaii. Tech won three of four fall tournaments and is currently ranked No. 2 in the nation according to the Golfstat rankings.
¡Si señor! ???? Ivan Camilo Ramírez emboca su chip en el 15.
— LAAC (@LAAC_Golf) January 19, 2020
Yes sir! ???? Ivan Camilo Ramírez chips in on 15.#LAAC2020 pic.twitter.com/YIjRZOvbO0
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