Colombian Nicolas Echavarria took the next step in his professional career on Sunday in dramatic fashion. The 28-year-old finished the Korn Ferry Tour Finals inside the top 25 and, in doing so, earned membership on the PGA Tour for the upcoming 2022-23 season.
"I still can't believe it," said Echavarria after his round. "It's been a great year. I'm very happy with the way I've played this year. It's been more consistent than the last couple and I'm excited that the round is over and I can celebrate."
Echavarria, originally from Medellin, Colombia, competed in the first three editions of the Latin America Amateur Championship and bettered his previous finish in each year. After a T-19 result in his debut in 2015 in Argentina, Echavarria finished 12th in 2016 in the Dominican Republic and T-8 in 2017 in Panama.
After a promising amateur career that included starring for the University of Arkansas men’s golf team, Echavarria turned professional in 2017 and worked his way up through the PGA Tour Latinoamerica and the Korn Ferry Tour. He will make his first career start on Tour this fall and join fellow Colombian Sebastian Muñoz, who he competed alongside at the 2015 LAAC.
The newest PGA Tour members will join a number of past LAAC participants who have reached the highest level, highlighted by Muñoz, Joaquin Niemann and Mito Pereira.
"I think my mom might be crying right now," laughed Echavarria. "I’m still shocked at the situation. I’m very proud of how we did with my team, my coach, my caddie and my girlfriend here supporting. I don’t have words right now with how I feel."
Nicolas Echavarria earns PGA Tour membership
Nicolas Echavarria of Colombia celebrates after clinching his PGA Tour card after the final round of the Korn Ferry Tour Championship at Victoria National Golf Club on September 04, 2022 in Newburgh, Indiana.
NEWBURGH, INDIANA - SEPTEMBER 04: Nicolas Echavarria of Colombia poses for a photo with his PGA TOUR card after the final round of the Korn Ferry Tour Championship.
