Neuquén Argentina Classic lands down South

NEUQUÉN, Argentina – In a stunning natural setting, surrounded by the Andes’ snowy peaks, pristine rivers and lakes, PGA TOUR Latinoamérica is set to stage the 2018 Neuquén Argentina Classic this coming week in San Martin de los Andes, in the heart of the Argentinean Patagonia.

PGA TOUR Latinoamérica has never made it this far South, with its previous 21 events in Argentina played in the provinces of Buenos Aires and Cordoba.

Featuring a field of 132 players from at least 17 countries, this event will take place at Chapelco Golf & Resort, a 7,163-yard, par-72 co-designed by Jack Nicklaus and Jack Nicklaus II. Since the Nicklauses played an exhibition round during the course’s grand opening on February 18, 2006, Chapelco has built a reputation as one of the top courses in South America.

“We are very excited about bringing this event to one of the best golf courses in South America. Jack Nicklaus and his son Jacky did an amazing job designing a world-class course. It’s a great addition to one of the best tournaments on the PGA TOUR Latinoamérica schedule, and we thank Chapelco Golf Club for being a key partner to put all the pieces together to take the Neuquén Argentina Classic to a new level. This is going to be a great event,” said tournament promoter Germán Galli of Golf Play.

Supported by the Ministry of Tourism of the province of Neuquén, the Neuquén Argentina Classic will give the golf world an opportunity to learn about San Martin de los Andes, a breathtaking tourist destination unlike any other the Tour has visited since its launch in 2012

“After playing in different courses throughout Buenos Aires, we welcomed the challenge of moving this event down South, to Neuquén. The support provided by the Neuquén Minister of Tourism, Marisa Focarazzo, and by the Neuquén Governor, Oscar Gutiérrez, was undoubtedly huge,” added Galli. “Tourism-wise, this is a great opportunity for Neuquén, San Martín de los Andes and Chapelco to let golfers around the world know about its multiple attractions.”

Depending on the year, Neuquén offers snow skiing, sailing, hunting, fly fishing and hiking—along with golf—among several other outdoor activities.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to bring this international golf event here. This is key in the plans of the province government to develop and place Neuquén internationally as a competitive and top-quality tourism destination,” explained Focarazzo. “This is an opportunity to show the world what we are about. We are located in a wonderful area. God has blessed us with incredible landscapes, pristine lakes and rivers surrounding San Martin de los Andes. Beyond that, visitors can experience the warmness of our people who will be more than happy to welcome this international event.”

The Neuquén Argentina Classic will be the third of four events staged as part of the Zurich Argentina Swing, a season-long competition that creates a unified brand around the PGA TOUR Latinoamérica events in Argentina.

Tournament Schedule:

Monday, Nov. 5 – Open qualifier
Tuesday, Nov. 6 – Practice round
Wednesday, Nov. 7 – Pro-am
Thursday, Nov. 8 – First round
Friday, Nov. 9 – Second round (top-55 and ties will make the cut)
Saturday, Nov. 10 – Third round
Sunday, Nov. 11 – Final round