Chile is a long, narrow country stretching along South America’s western edge. It’s a country of over 17 million people. The most popular sport is soccer and the national sport is rodeo believe it or not. The most successful sport may be tennis. Paz Echeverria of Santiago, Chile is trying to change the fate and popularity of Chilean golf all at once and she has a great opportunity to do so.
She is the only Chilean golfer ranked in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings and therefore is in position to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games. She is currently No. 59 in the International Golf Federation Olympic Standings (top 60 qualify) and would qualify if the Olympics started today.
“It would be incredible (to qualify),” said Echeverria, who played on the LPGA Tour from 2013-2015, but has committed to the entire Florida swing and will likely play mostly on the Epson Tour in 2016. “It is only me and one guy (Felipe Aguilar) who plays on the European Tour that have really good chances to qualify so if one of us could be in Rio, it would be a huge success and that would bring a lot of media attention to our sport. In Chile, everything is about soccer so hopefully I can represent Chile golf in August.”
Echeverria’s best Olympic memory maybe Chile’s proudest Olympic moment. In 2004, Nicholas Massu and Fernando Gonzalez won the gold medal in men’s tennis doubles – the countries first ever Olympic golf. The next day, Massu defeated American Mardy Fish to capture the singles gold as well.
“It was great to see him defeat the U.S. Team with an incredible final set,” said Echeverria. “I love the Olympics and that moments has stuck with me."
In fact, Echeverria said the lone reason why she turned professional in 2011 was for this opportunity to compete in the Olympics. The soon-to-be 31-year-old went to college in Chile and came over to play the Epson Tour in 2011. She earned her way onto the LPGA in 2013 through LPGA Qualifying Tournament.
Echeverria has enjoyed modest success on the LPGA over the last three years. In 2015, she recorded her first career top 10 finish – a T7 at the ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open.
“Right now, I’m not paying attention to the rankings,” said Echeverria. “What I need to do is play well and if I do that I will be in Rio in August. I’m focusing all my efforts on just doing my best. I’ve been working really hard and hope it shows on the course.”
The Florida’s Natural Charity Classic begins on April 8 and that is Echeverria’s first step on the road to Rio.
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