Women's Amateur Latin America

Huge expectations for the Women’s Amateur Latin America championship in Peru

The R&A

28 Oct 24

3 mins

The fourth edition of the Women's Amateur Latin America championship (WALA), organised by The R&A and the ANNIKA Foundation, is fast approaching, and anticipation is growing for an event that has become a highlight on the women's amateur golf calendar in the region.

The championship will bring together the top 60 female amateur players from South America, Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean. It will take place from Thursday 21 to Sunday 24 November at the Lima Golf Club in Peru, which is celebrating its centenary and will add a historic and special dimension to the week. It is the first time the championship has been held in Peru, after the previous three editions were staged at Pilar Golf in Argentina. Since its inception, the WALA has become a prominent platform for the most accomplished female golfers in Latin America, particularly for the top prize, which offers invitations to play in three major championships – The Chevron Championship, The Amundi Evian Championship and the AIG Women's Open.

Talented field

The field, representing 12 countries, includes the defending champion, Ela Anacona from Argentina, who made the cut at the AIG Women’s Open in St Andrews in August. It also features juniors like 15-year-old Maria Mercedes Tablante of Venezuela to 50-year-old Maria Olivero of Argentina, who last year led after each of the first two rounds and eventually finished third. The championship provides a valuable opportunity for regional talent to be showcased on an international stage. "It’s gratifying to witness the Women’s Amateur Latin America championship’s rapid ascension to become a leading women's event in the region in just three years,” said Mark Lawrie, The R&A's Regional Managing Director Latin America & Caribbean. “We are pleased with its position within elite amateur championships.” One of the most eagerly awaited events of the week will be the visit of Annika Sörenstam. The Swedish champion, widely regarded as one of the best golfers of all time, will be in Lima during the WALA week and will conduct her traditional golf clinic, an event that always generates great anticipation among the young up-and-coming golfers, who view her as an exemplar of excellence.

Argentina's Ela Anacona, who became the first WALA champion to make the cut at the AIG Women’s Open in St Andrews in August, will return to defend the title she won in 2023.

Sörenstam excitement

“At all of our events we incorporate our more-than-golf activities to remind the players that the week is not just about the competition,” said Sörenstam. “I want to be able to get to know these leaders, the players, answer their questions and spend some time with them, quality time. That's why I can't wait to see all the players at my clinic on the Saturday (23 November) of the championship. “It's one of my favourite parts of the week where I get to share some stories and my knowledge about the game. I look forward to seeing everyone there.” Sörenstam's presence at the championship in Peru serves to enhance its prestige and provides the players with a valuable opportunity to benefit from the insights of an esteemed figure in the field of golf. Annika, a winner of ten majors, with more than 90 titles in her illustrious career and a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, is a source of inspiration for female golfers and is admired for the values she espouses both on and off the course. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to principles such as discipline, dedication, humility, integrity and teamwork, which are not only essential for success in sport but also for success in life. “It has been amazing to see this championship grow into what it is today,” she added. “Our partnership with The R&A has been instrumental in helping us support talented female golfers around the world, but especially in Latin America. “I'm so excited to be bringing the Women's Amateur Latin America to Lima Golf in Peru, and celebrating their 100th anniversary. It will be a special week and I can't wait to see you all soon.”

Lima GC centenary

Lima Golf Club, one of the most esteemed courses in Latin America, will present a demanding challenge for the field. The fact that it is celebrating its centenary this year makes the 2024 edition of the WALA a particularly meaningful event. This club, with a distinguished history in Peruvian golf, has hosted numerous international tournaments and continues to be a cornerstone in the promotion of the sport in the region. The WALA is proudly supported by The R&A and the ANNIKA Foundation, and continues to drive the advancement of women's golf in Latin America. The 2024 edition will undoubtedly mark another significant stride forward for the future stars of golf. The Women’s Amateur Latin America championship follows the successful introduction of the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific championship by The R&A in 2018. For more information on the championship, visit https://walagolf.com/

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