Editor's note: Jorge Fernández-Valdés earned a spot at The 150th Open at St. Andrews with his victory at the 2021 VISA Open de Argentina on PGA TOUR Latinoamerica. He finished No. 3 on the 2021 PGA TOUR Latinoamerica Order of Merit to earn 2022 Korn Ferry Tour membership. He recapped his experience at The 150th Open for PGA TOUR Digital.

The feeling I had after finishing the second round of The 150th Open Championship was certainly not what I had predicted all this time leading into my first major.

One imagines different scenarios, always in a positive way and trusting one's game, so I was confident that I could play all four days. But it didn't happen, and I have nothing to be disappointed about. I think it was an excellent experience that I have no doubt will be very valuable for what is to come in my career.

My game had very good moments throughout the 36 holes, but on Friday I missed some chances and couldn’t get on a roll. The course is very demanding and doesn’t forgive you for any mistakes, and Friday on the back nine, with the intention of taking risks, I found several of the diabolical bunkers that the Old Course is known for.

But the overall experience was spectacular. It was my first major and my PGA TOUR debut, and I enjoyed it from the moment I arrived last week in Scotland, where the atmosphere breathes golf in every corner.

Without a doubt, it was the biggest championship that I have played, and its place in the game was reflected in every step I took. From my arrival at the Players Lounge, a huge place for us, my family and team were met with all possible comforts and nothing was left to chance.

A huge dining room with a varied selection of meals at all times. A living room with screens to follow The Open, a gym to warm up in and a physiotherapist truck that was of particular help to me, as I had a problem with blisters at the beginning of the week in addition to some muscle tension.

The Open allows you to fulfill your dreams. For example, during practice days you can sign up to practice with whoever has a free spot on the tee times. On Monday I was lucky enough to play with Collin Morikawa, the defending champion, with whom I was able to play nine holes. On Wednesday I played with three of the Latinos who are on the PGA TOUR: Joaquín Niemann, Mito Pereira and Sebastián Muñoz.

I had so much anxiety to go out and play, but I had to keep it under control as my tee time wasn’t until 4:04 p.m., one of the last starts of the day. I played with Englishman Robert Dinwiddie and Korean Mingyu Cho, two excellent people.

Teeing off at No. 1 was one of those experiences that I will never forget. It was one of those moments where I was able to look back and reflect on all the effort and dedication it took over so many years to get here. And when they announce your name, it is something so exciting that one must recover quickly to be able to hit the first shot.

It was a great challenge to play with the afternoon wind. I had to make an effort to stay in the game, but I paid the price on holes like 3 and 8. On No. 11, I made a "good" bogey that woke me up and from there I felt like I played my best golf. I made two birdies and had another couple of chances to finally close out my first round at a major with a 74.

I finished my round at 10:15 p.m. with the last light of day. I had never finished so late, but I was happy for a good round and for the permanent support of a group of 30 friends from Córdoba, my city, who walked every shot with me.

Friday’s round was rainy and cool — very Scottish weather. In any case, when it came time to go out and play, the conditions were better than Thursday. I took revenge on No. 3 with a good birdie, but I was immediately stopped by a bogey at the next, and from then on I couldn't convert my good chances on Nos. 5, 7 and 9, and again the par-3 11th caught me.

With just a few holes ahead of me, I went out to attack the course looking for birdies but I ran into the bunkers and I paid for it with a card of 77 (5-over).

This week was a great learning experience. I took in a lot of new experiences and was able to live the reality of life as a professional with everything at my disposal. Without a doubt, I take away a lot of new and good things from The Open.

I also take with me the joy of seeing that when one had a goal and works toward it accordingly, the objective can be fulfilled. Having my whole family here made me relive moments that since I was a child were a great effort for everyone: trips to all parts of the country and the world, family events that I missed and sacrifices that many cannot imagine. But it was all to fulfill the dream of playing a major alongside the best in the world.

This week I fulfilled that dream, and not only had them supporting me but also my friends and the many people who I knew were following me back home. That's why at the end, seeing everyone there waiting for me to give me a hug was very moving.

Despite the fact that the result was not what I expected, I am happy with this week and every positive that came with it. And I know that to play another major, I have to work hard, but if I continue on this path, I will make it happen again.