Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, May 2, 2026 — María José Marín is making a strong impression on the fans attending the Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba. The Colombian currently stands as the top Latin player in the tournament, sitting in T8 after a third round of three under par (69), for a total of 211 (-5).
The young golfer received a big ovation after eagling the 18th hole, with fans gathering around to ask for her highly sought-after autograph. Majo, the only amateur to make the cut—and the first to do so in this tournament—recorded four birdies, one eagle, and three bogeys.
With her performance so far, she has earned 11 points in the LPGA’s Elite Amateur Pathway program; she could add two more points if she finishes inside the top 10 (including ties) or one point if she finishes inside the top 40 (including ties).
Paraguay’s Sofía García posted a third round of 75 (+3), bringing her total to 214 (-2) and placing her in T17. García recorded birdies on holes 5, 15, and 17; bogeys on holes 3, 4, 17, and 18; and a double bogey on hole 2.
Ecuador’s Daniela Darquea carded a 76 (+4) and, with a total of 221, stands in T67.
Another player with Latin roots performing well is Lizette Salas, born in the United States to Mexican parents. Salas shot a 73 (+1) and now totals 213 (-3). She was introduced on the first tee as being from Zacatecas, strengthening her connection to her parents’ hometown.
Regarding the current state of Latin golf, Salas said it is growing thanks to what Lorena Ochoa accomplished.
“She was my idol when I started. That representation means a lot to us, and we’re seeing more Latinas at the junior, amateur, and collegiate levels. It’s beautiful to see that the effort Lorena made—being so great with people and so dominant—represented us so well. Now we’re here, trying to achieve even a little of what she did.”
