Teenager Abel Gallegos qualifies for The Open

“It was difficult to get up in the morning, knowing I had all this pressure, and last night, when I put my head on the pillow, I had all types of thoughts running through my head.

“But when I woke up, I stood up, I looked at myself in the mirror and I said, ‘You can do this. Let’s do it.’”

Gallegos’ stunning final round 67 was one of 12 rounds below par on the closing day of the competition, as he capitalised on the conducive scoring conditions to waltz to victory and mark himself out as one of the sport’s most promising talents.

He became the second-youngest winner of the Championship behind Paul Chaplet - who triumphed as a 16-year-old in 2016  - honing his skills in the small town of 25 de Mayo, two hours outside Buenos Aires, on the nine-hole course Las Mulitas.

And Gallegos' success saw him receive global golfing attention, with 16-time Open competitor and fellow Argentinian Angel Cabrera hailing the young starlet for his maiden crowning glory.

“I will be waiting for you at the Masters so you can enjoy that great tournament,” said the 2009 winner at Augusta, who also tied for fourth at The 128th Open at Carnoustie ten years before.

While the South American’s win will see him compete at two of the sport’s most prestigious championships, Gallegos also booked his place in the final stage of qualification for this year’s US Open at Winged Foot.

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