Tour News
PGA Tour Latinoamérica: The Player Experience
Last month, PGA Tour Latinoamérica held four Qualifying Tournaments, handing out a total of 20 membership cards. This week, the 2017 season gets underway at the 70 Avianca Colombia Open, one of a multitude of national opens appearing on the tour’s schedule. A number of players from the host country, as well many others with Latin American roots, are in the field. They will be joined in Bogotá by a large contingent of Americans, who altogether constitute a majority of members on the tour.
This comes as no surprise to most, as the golf-crazed United States is a breeding ground for top talent. The Americans are a highly-motivated bunch that dream of teeing it up on the Web.com and PGA tours. For many, the pursuit of that dream leads to Latin America. I got the opportunity to talk with a trio of American players, all of whom have played on the PGA Tour Latinoamérica in recent years, to discuss their experiences.
Bryan Martin, a Southern Californian who played in college at Loyola Marymount and San Diego State, is entering his fourth season on PGA Tour Latinoamérica. For him, the decision to compete on the tour was quite simple: “It was the first of all the other qualifiers,” he said.
Martin acquired status on his initial go-around in 2014. He’s remained on the tour ever since, in part because he believes that “the familiarity of the courses and environment is to my advantage.” While a fourth-year player can hardly be considered a veteran, his statement rings true; fields are typically filled with a substantial number of players that are seeing the course for the first time.
Weston Payne is also a native of the Golden State. He played various mini tours in California and Arizona before trying his hand on PGA Tour Latinoamérica. Despite his strong play on the mini tours, which included a win and a few other top finishes, he did not earn any exemptions or improved status for the Web.com Tour’s Q-School.
At the end of each season, PGA Tour Latinoamérica awards Web.com Tour cards to the top five money-winners. For Payne, this was “a big draw.” He also relished the opportunity to travel and “see a part of the world that I never had been to before.” The tour’s split-season schedule, with most tournaments played in the spring and fall, was also a deciding factor in his decision to play down South instead on the Mackenzie Tour (PGA Tour Canada). This allowed Payne to play a full schedule in Latin America, but “it also meant that I would be home for the summertime to play a lot of the Web.com Monday [Qualifiers] and State Opens.”
Sam Fidone, who hails from the piney woods of East Texas, played his college golf at SMU. He completed his first full season on PGA Tour Latinoamérica in 2016 after having earned conditional status through Q-School. Fidone admits to struggling with his game and lacking confidence early in the 2016 schedule, but that all changed in May. In just his sixth start on tour, he eagled the final hole to win the Honduras Open by a single stroke. The victory provided a huge boost to his career. Pulling off such a dramatic win “was quite validating…it felt life changing,” he said. Certainly, it has provided some stability and peace of mind, as it “got me established on this tour for the rest of 2016 and this upcoming year,” making it “very easy for scheduling.”
For most players based in the States, the biggest challenge they face on the PGA Tour Latinoamérica (aside from the stiff competition, of course) is the exhausting travel. Fidone said that it “can be tough…hopping from country to country each week.” In his first year on tour, Payne said he was “somewhat thrown into the fire…with the red eyes and layovers to get to some faraway places.”
Between tournaments, players often take a Sunday night redeye to the next stop, or will have to spend most of Monday in transit. With practice on Tuesday and the Pro-Am on Wednesday, the guys have limited time to prepare for the opening round. Despite all the time spent on planes and dealing with logistics, Payne notes that “the tour does a great job scheduling tournaments and off weeks so that the players have ample time to plan travel and get some good rest.” At most, he has played four consecutive weeks. However, the schedule typically includes two or three events in a row, followed by an off week.
“each week is a unique test that brings out different styles of play.”
Additionally, at each tour stop, the players must get acclimated to a new location and golf course. Players get to experience a wide range of geographies, climates and course conditions. One week, the tour might be in the rarefied air of Quito, Ecuador, at an elevation around 9000 feet; the next week they might play an ocean-front course in the Dominican Republic. “Each week is a unique test that brings out different styles of play,” Payne said.
While it can be difficult to adjust at first, Fidone believes that “all of those things can make you better.” Similarly, Martin said that “figuring out how to be comfortable [while] being uncomfortable” is critical to success on the tour. He knows that each week “there is going to be something that throws you off.” In order to provide some semblance of consistency, he strives to stick to a routine. One habit that he has developed is “packing food for the trips…because they don’t always have food that you’re used to eating on the course.”
While each week brings a unique set of challenges, the players also get to experience different cultures and compete on some of the best courses in Latin America. Fidone recognized how fortunate he is to “play [in] some incredible places…from the courses we get to play, to the resorts/hotels/towns we get to stay in, are second to none as far as experience goes.” He pointed to a couple of Pete Dye-designed courses as his favorite destinations on the tour’s schedule. The first, La Reunion Golf Resort in Guatemala, is “a golf course on a volcano.”
The Casa de Campo Resort’s “Teeth of the Dog” course in the Dominican Republic, which is ranked as the No. 1 course in the Caribbean (and No. 39 in the world) also sits atop his list. Payne enjoyed his two visits to Colombia last year, as the tour held events in Medellín and Cali. Both cities are situated in beautiful valleys, making for a spectacular backdrop to any golf tournament. “The people were fantastic, very proud of their culture and country, and so nice and welcoming,” he said, a sentiment echoed by other players and tour officials that hail from the States.
“If you truly want to make it to the PGA Tour, you can’t stay in the States and play the mini tours anymore.”
With all of the travel and the grind of life of tour, a strong bond forms between many of the players. In the relatively small world of professional golf, especially on PGA Tour Latinoamérica, everybody knows everybody. “We are all at the same place in our careers,” Payne said, which contributes to a sense of camaraderie. “We also spend so much time with one another off the golf course…and in many ways you feel like you have some great support from other players.”
Martin also appreciates the solidarity, and has developed “friendships with other players from all over the world.” Yet, apart from the companionship, the players remain fiercely competitive on the course as they work towards the ultimate goal of moving to the Web.com and eventually the PGA Tour.
Most American players are drawn to PGA Tour Latinoamérica for the chance to move up to the big name tours. “If you truly want to make it to the PGA Tour, you can’t stay in the States and play the mini tours anymore,” Martin said. While the purses may be smaller, he believes the PGA Tour Latinoamérica is unparalleled in terms of opportunities for growth and advancement. The tour features strong fields that have only gotten deeper in recent years, making the competition even tougher. Tournaments are run by a dedicated and professional staff, which is “made up of some really passionate people who not only do a fantastic job running events, but also become great friends to the players,” according to Payne.
Although they face many challenges along the way, the players on PGA Tour Latinoamérica are also very fortunate. They get to play golf for a living, and in doing so, travel to some of the most unique and breathtaking places in the world. “Seeing different cultures and countries is something that I wanted to do in golf, and fortunately I’ve been able to do that at the beginning of my career,” Martin said.
In a similar vein, Fidone does not take any of it for granted. “We’re lucky to do what we do,” he said. If nothing else, at least the Americans have the chance to pick up a new language. Fidone has “enjoyed learning a little bit of Spanish” during his time in Latin America, a skill that should come in handy upon his return to Texas. But like the other players on PGA Tour Latinoamérica, he hopes that future homecomings include stops at Colonial, TPC San Antonio, and Golf Club of Houston, among others, as a member of the PGA Tour.
- LIKE41
- LEGIT5
- WOW2
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK0
Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 PGA Championship
GolfWRX is on site this week at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, for the PGA Championship.
While we see fewer equipment changes and new gear seeding at major championships, we get a look at custom gear and looks into the bags of players we rarely see, which is just as exciting. In the case of the PGA Championship, this means a look at the gear some of the PGA Professionals who qualified for the tournament will be gaming, and LIV players, such as Jon Rahm and Patrick Reed.
Check out links to all our albums from Valhalla below and check back throughout the week as we continue to update.
General Albums
WITB Albums
- Michael Block – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Patrick Reed – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Cam Smith – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Brooks Koepka – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Josh Speight – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Takumi Kanaya – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Kyle Mendoza – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Adrian Meronk – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Jordan Smith – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Jeremy Wells – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Jared Jones – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- John Somers – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Larkin Gross – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Tracy Phillips – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Jon Rahm – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Keita Nakajima – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Kazuma Kobori – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- David Puig – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Ryan Van Velzen – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Brad Marek – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Chris Gotterup – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Rich Beem WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Phil Mickelson – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Matt Dobyns – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Lucas Herbert – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Jason Dufner – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- John Daly – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Taylor Gooch – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Dean Burmester – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Joaquin Niemann – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
- Dustin Johnson – WITB – 2024 PGA Championship
Pullout Albums
- Ping putter covers – 2024 PGA Championship
- Bettinardi covers – 2024 PGA Championship
- Cameron putter covers – 2024 PGA Championship
- Max Homa – Titleist 2 wood – 2024 PGA Championship
- Scotty Cameron experimental putter shaft by UST – 2024 PGA Championship
- Joaquin Niemann – new Ping putter – 2024 PGA Championship
- Brooks Koepka’s new Cameron putter – 2024 PGA Championship
- Rickie Fowler’s Cobra bag and Aerojet driver – 2024 PGA Championship
- Super Stroke grip – 2024 PGA Championship
- Tiger Woods – 2024 PGA Championship
- Michael Block’s new TaylorMade “Proto” 7-iron, from address – 2024 PGA Championship
- Odyssey putter covers – 2024 PGA Championship
- LIKE10
- LEGIT1
- WOW0
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK0
News
Photos from the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship
GolfWRX is live this week at the Wells Fargo Championship as a field of the world’s best golfers descend upon Charlotte, North Carolina, hoping to tame the beast that is Quail Hollow Club in this Signature Event — only Scottie Scheffler, who is home awaiting the birth of his first child, is absent.
From the grounds at Quail Hollow, we have our usual assortment of general galleries and WITBs — including a look at left-hander Akshay Bhatia’s setup. Among the pullout albums, we have a look inside Cobra’s impressive new tour truck for you to check out. Also featured is a special look at Quail Hollow king, Rory McIlroy.
Be sure to check back throughout the week as we add more galleries.
General Albums
- 2024 Wells Fargo Championship – Monday #1
- 2024 Wells Fargo Championship – Tuesday #1
- 2024 Wells Fargo Championship – Tuesday #2
WITB Albums
- Akshay Bhatia – WITB – 2024 Wells Fargo Championship
- Matthieu Pavon – WITB – 2024 Wells Fargo Championship
- Keegan Bradley – WITB – 2024 Wells Fargo Championship
- Webb Simpson – WITB – 2024 Wells Fargo Championship
- Emiliano Grillo – WITB – 2024 Wells Fargo Championship
- Taylor Pendrith – WITB – 2024 Wells Fargo Championship
- Kevin Tway – WITB – 2024 Wells Fargo Championship
Pullout Albums
- New Cobra equipment truck – 2024 Wells Fargo Championship
- Rory McIlroy – 2024 Wells Fargo Championship
- New Cobra equipment truck – 2024 Wells Fargo Championship
- Eric Cole’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Wells Fargo Championship
- Custom Cameron putter – 2024 Wells Fargo Championship
- Matt Kuchar’s custom Bettinardi – 2024 Wells Fargo Championship
- Justin Thomas – driver change – 2024 Wells Fargo Championship
- Rickie Fowler – putter change – 2024 Wells Fargo Championship
- Rickie Fowler’s new custom Odyssey Jailbird 380 putter – 2024 Wells Fargo Championship
- Tommy Fleetwood testing a TaylorMade Spider Tour X (with custom neck) – 2024 Wells Fargo Championship
- Cobra Darkspeed Volition driver – 2024 Wells Fargo Championship
See what GolfWRXers are saying about our Wells Fargo Championship photos in the forums.
- LIKE15
- LEGIT2
- WOW0
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK1
Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
GolfWRX is on site this week in McKinney, Texas, at the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson (FKA the AT&T Byron Nelson).
Last year at TPC Craig Ranch, Jason Day ended a five-year winless streak. J-Day is in the field again, as are Jordan Spieth, Tom Kim, and Will Zalatoris.
We have our usual assortment of general galleries, WITBs, and pullout albums for your perusal. As always, we’ll continue to add links to additional albums as they make their way to us from the Lone Star State.
Check out links to all our photos below.
General Albums
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Monday #1
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Monday #2
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Tuesday #1
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Tuesday #2
- 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson – Tuesday #3
WITB Albums
- Pierceson Coody – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Kris Kim – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- David Nyfjall – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Adrien Dumont de Chassart – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Jarred Jetter – North Texas PGA Section Champ – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Richy Werenski – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Wesley Bryan – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Parker Coody – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Peter Kuest – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Blaine Hale, Jr. – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Kelly Kraft – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Rico Hoey – WITB – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Pullout Albums
- Adam Scott’s 2 new custom L.A.B. Golf putters – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Scotty Cameron putters – 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
- Ben Griffin playing Maxfli golf ball
See what GolfWRXers are saying in the forums.
- LIKE12
- LEGIT0
- WOW0
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK1
-
19th Hole4 days ago
Brandel Chamblee says this is the primary reason why Rory McIlroy hasn’t won a major in 10 years
-
Whats in the Bag5 days ago
Tiger Woods WITB 2024 (May)
-
19th Hole2 weeks ago
Report: LIV star turns down PGA Championship invite due to ‘personal commitments’
-
19th Hole3 weeks ago
Gary Player claims this is what ‘completely ruined’ Tiger Woods’ career
-
Equipment2 weeks ago
Details on Justin Thomas’ driver switch at the Wells Fargo Championship
-
News3 days ago
Scottie Scheffler arrested, charged, and released after traffic incident at Valhalla
-
Whats in the Bag2 weeks ago
Keegan Bradley WITB 2024 (May)
-
Equipment3 weeks ago
Golf fans left surprised by LIV’s choice of course for its 2024 individual championship event
4right
Feb 18, 2017 at 2:48 pm
Latin America is beautiful, these players are very fortunate to experience and possibly learn a unique culture. I’m sure they’ll remember it for the rest of their lives. The world we currently live in is so divided, so much hate, I wish people would want to be proud Americans first. We look so weak as a nation to others watching us. God bless the world, and God bless America…