Clarisa Temelo, the 18-year-old Mexican golfing prodigy, is just one round away from making history at the Clarisa Temelo Women’s Amateur Latin America championship (WALA) in Peru.
Temelo, a University of Arkansas standout, has maintained her lead from the outset at the Lima Golf Club, heading into Sunday’s final round with a three-shot cushion.
Temelo’s third round was nothing short of a rollercoaster. Despite a few stumbles, she signed off with a level-par 71, bringing her 54-hole total to seven-under-par 206.
Her consistent performance throughout the tournament has put her in prime position to achieve wire-to-wire success on a course that’s celebrating its centenary.
A Thrilling Showdown in Lima
Trailing three shots behind Temelo are two formidable challengers: fellow Mexican and University of Arkansas teammate Cory Lopez and Barbados’ Emily Odwin. Both sit at four-under-par 209, ensuring Sunday’s final round will be a nail-biter.
The penultimate round delivered plenty of fireworks. The top trio—Temelo, Lopez, and Odwin—shared an impressive 15 birdies between them, each fighting to stay in contention for the coveted title.
Temelo initially extended her overnight lead of four shots with birdies on the 2nd and 3rd holes.
However, a bogey on the 6th, a double bogey on the par-3 7th, and another bogey on the 9th opened the door for her rivals.
Lopez capitalised with a birdie spree, including three consecutive birdies starting from the 10th, levelling the scores at six-under-par after 12 holes.
But fortunes quickly shifted again. Lopez stumbled with a double bogey on the par-3 13th, giving Temelo breathing room.
The world No. 136-ranked amateur steadied her game, picking up crucial birdies on the 15th and 17th to reclaim her three-shot lead.
Clarisa Temelo, Mexico (-7) “I started well with two early birdies then made some mistakes.
Overall, I think I was pretty solid and I just didn’t make as many putts as I wanted to. I wasn’t trying to think of the overall score but just focusing on my game, stroke by stroke.
I knew I was getting further ahead from the rest but tried not to think about it.
“I’m just trying to focus on what I’m doing and giving my best every single day. Whatever comes tomorrow, I’ll have given my best effort.”
Rising Stars and Familiar Faces
Odwin, the sole representative from Barbados and a student at Southern Methodist University in Texas, remains in the hunt.
Her composed round of 70 featured three birdies and two bogeys, underscoring her determination to stay in contention.
Meanwhile, Colombia’s Luana Valero, just 17 years old, climbed to fourth place with a superb 68, placing her at one-under-par 212.
Defending champion Ela Anacona from Argentina, however, fell out of contention after a challenging 74 left her tied for seventh at four-over-par.
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
Victory at the Clarisa Temelo Women’s Amateur Latin America championship brings more than just bragging rights.
The champion will earn exemptions into three of golf’s most prestigious majors: the AIG Women’s Open, The Chevron Championship, and The Amundi Evian Championship.
For Temelo, Lopez, and Odwin, this week is a golden opportunity to step onto the global stage.
Annika Sörenstam’s Inspiration
Adding to the excitement, Annika Sörenstam, one of golf’s all-time greats, graced the tournament with her presence.
Not only did she take in the action, but she also hosted a golf clinic for the players, providing inspiration and encouragement as the event broke new ground in Peru.
The Clarisa Temelo Women’s Amateur Latin America championship, presented by The R&A and the ANNIKA Foundation, is modelled after the successful Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific championship launched in 2018.
The tournament aims to elevate women’s amateur golf in the region, with 27 players this week aged 18 or younger and a field brimming with talent.
Building a Pathway to the Pros
As WALA wraps up its debut in Peru, the championship continues to pave the way for the region’s brightest stars.
With a strong focus on nurturing young talent, the event provides an unmatched platform for players to compete at the highest level and chase their professional dreams.
All eyes will be on Lima Golf Club this Sunday as Clarisa Temelo aims to etch her name in history and claim the Clarisa Temelo Women’s Amateur Latin America championship crown.
