It was a big weekend in Mazatlan, Mexico for GGGA coach Hernan Rey’s student, Tommy Cocha.
The 23-year old from Salta, Argentina has been training with Hernan for a year and his training payed off Sunday afternoon in a big way as he won the Mazatlan Open Presented by Heineken.
Cocha’s score of 69 in the final round placed him in the lead by two strokes. This score also made Cocha the only player with four consecutive rounds in the 60s. Cocha finished at 17- under 271. Cocha’s low scoring rounds only nicked by four bogeys, “One bogey on each round”, Cocha said.
At the difficult par-4 17th hole secured Argentina’s Tommy Cocha a two-stroke lead heading into the final round of the Mazatlan Open.
The third round of the Mazatlan Open was the turning point for Cocha as he made a difficult chip-in birdie from 25 feet at the par-4 17th hole to secure his 5-under 67 and a two-stroke lead over Andres Echavarria. Remaining consistent, Cocha held on to the lead during the final round to finish 3- under 69 for the win above Oscar David Alvarez by two strokes.
This win was much needed by Cocha. Cocha’s last Tour win was nearly three years ago. Not only does this victory put Cocha back into the winner’s circle on the PGA TOUR Latinamerica, but the earnings of $31,500 added to his season earnings and granted Cocha new Order of Merit No. 1 on the PGA TOUR Latinoamerica.
Heading into this tournament, Cocha’s main focus was to “Go as long as I could, trying to keep the big numbers awa,y” Cocha said.
The week prior, Cocha lost contention in Colombia due to a couple of triple-bogeys. Cocha wanted to remain consistent this week and he was able to achieve his goal.
“I was striking the ball well last week, and I kept doing that this week, but when you make the putts it gets a lot easier” Cocha said.
