Guerra makes three eagles, wins Monday qualifier in Peru

LIMA, Peru – The Dominican Republic’s Juan José Guerra had three eagles, including a hole out from 130 yards at the par-four No. 10, on his way to a 6-under 66 that locked the top spot at the Monday Qualifier for the Diners Club Peru Open.

Guerra finished three shots clear of Franco Romero of Rosario, Argentina and Ben Siegel of Charlotte, North Carolina, who posted rounds of 3-under 69 to tie for the second at the qualifier that provided 12 spots into the event kicking off the second half of the 2022-23 PGA TOUR Latinoamérica season.

“Those three eagles were a huge bonus. They pretty much came out of nowhere,” said Guerra, who will turn 26 Thursday. “I made eagle at the third and then I made a bad bogey on 8, but I was feeling good about my ball striking and I knew it was going to be a good day.”

At 1-under through nine, Guerra made his move by recording eagles on 10 and 14. “On 10 I holed out from 130 yards, hitting a 50-degree wedge. Then, on 14, I missed my driver off the tee and hit a tree. Fortunately, the ball ricocheted back in the fairway, and I made my eagle from there,” said the Nova Southeastern University alum who added his lone birdie of the day on 16.

Guerra first played this event last season, missing the cut by two shots after rounds of 71-73. “Honestly, it was the missed cut I have enjoyed the most. I always have a great time here,” said the Santo Domingo native of a venue long established as a favorite of PGA TOUR Latinoamérica players.

Ben Albin of Santa Fe, New Mexico claimed the last spot in the field. After tying for 12th at 2-over 74, he outlasted Trevor Sluman, Paul DiFranco and Juan Pablo Luna in a playoff.

Below are the 12 successful entrants from Open Qualifying for the seventh event of the season.