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Mateo Pulcini Wins Latin America Amateur in Playoff to Clinch 2026 Major Starts

The 25-year-old Argentine secures berths in the Masters, the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, plus The Open at Royal Birkdale.

Overview

  • Pulcini defeated Venezuela’s Virgilio Paz on the second extra hole after both closed with 2-under 68s to finish at 5-under 275.
  • He preserved the playoff with a par save after threading a recovery through trees on the first extra hole, then sealed the title with a tap-in par on the second.
  • At 25, he becomes the oldest champion since the event’s 2015 launch and the third winner from Argentina.
  • The victory carries invitations to three 2026 majors, confirming starts at Augusta National, Shinnecock Hills and Royal Birkdale.
  • Paz, a University of Missouri senior, is reported to gain final qualifying exemptions for the U.S. Open and The Open, plus entries to the U.S. Amateur and The Amateur Championship.