RIO GRANDE, PUERTO RICO  – Kelvin Hernandez of the UNC Greensboro (UNCG) men's golf team claimed first place at the 2024 Golf Puerto Rico Island Amateur Championships at Grand Reserve Golf Club on Sunday.
 
With Sunday's win, Hernandez received an exemption into the 2024 USGA U.S. Amateur at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn., from August 12 to 18.
 
Hernandez carded rounds of 71-73-73-66 in the four-round event for a total score of five-under-par (283). The freshman started his final round on the back nine and then made the turn to card a seven-under-par (29) on the front nine. Hernandez recorded three pars, five birdies and one eagle in the final nine holes to conclude his final round with a six-under-par (66).
 
"I had a tough first three days with my putting being off but still managed to put some solid rounds together," said Hernandez. "Today I didn't have my best start being two over through seven and then I managed to shoot eight-under in the remainder of the holes. I'm super pumped and excited to win this event because this gets me into the US Amateur which will be my first time playing it."
 
Hernandez will be staying in Puerto Rico this summer, while still returning to the United States for a couple of tournaments. He anticipates the start of the 2024 USGA U.S. Amateur and the 2024-25 UNCG men's golf season.