Argentina standout Mateo Pulcini enters 2026 having already secured one of the defining wins of the amateur season. The Rio Cuarto native captured the Latin America Amateur Championship at Lima Golf Club in Peru, earning invitations to the Masters Tournament, the U.S. Open, and The Open Championship.
A former Oklahoma Christian and Arkansas golfer, Pulcini’s path reflects long term development, international experience, and a patient approach to his amateur career that now places him on golf’s biggest stages.
Career Snapshot
Hometown: Rio Cuarto, Argentina
College: Oklahoma Christian University, University of Arkansas
Notable Achievements:
2026 Latin America Amateur Champion
Three-time NCAA Division II All-American
GCAA All-American
Multiple collegiate individual wins
Masters Tournament qualifier
Background and Development
Pulcini began playing golf at age 11 after his family moved into a neighborhood with a golf course. Junior lessons introduced him to the game, and while his sisters moved on quickly, Pulcini continued practicing on his own.
He credits his early development less to technical training and more to learning how to enjoy the game. That foundation shaped a competitive mindset built on patience, enjoyment, and steady improvement.
Growing up in Argentina, Pulcini balanced school, golf, and national level competition while learning the realities of pursuing high level golf outside the United States.
Coaching Influence and the Decision to Come to the United States
A major turning point came when Pulcini began working with coach Jose Campraki as a teenager. Campraki rebuilt key parts of his swing, including grip and movement patterns, which elevated his ceiling and opened new opportunities.
Pulcini said the United States offered a unique path to combine education and elite competition. In Argentina, pursuing college often makes it difficult to continue playing competitive golf at a high level. With guidance from his coach, Pulcini committed to Oklahoma Christian to continue both academically and competitively.
Collegiate Development
Pulcini spent four seasons at Oklahoma Christian, where he became one of the most accomplished players in program history.
At Oklahoma Christian, he earned multiple All American honors, led team scoring, and recorded numerous top ten finishes. He won the Missouri Southern Fall Invitational and the Oak Tree Invitational, the latter with an eagle on the final hole.
For his final year of eligibility, Pulcini transferred to Arkansas for the 2023 to 2024 season. He competed in five events, recorded two top 20 finishes, and gained experience competing in the SEC.
He credited the Arkansas staff and the opportunity to be part of an SEC program as an important final step in his collegiate development.
Staying Amateur and Representing Argentina
After graduating, Pulcini returned to Argentina and chose to remain an amateur. With family support, he decided to continue chasing major amateur experiences rather than turning professional immediately.
In 2025, he represented Argentina in multiple international events, including the South American Team Championship and the World Amateur Championship in Singapore. That experience reinforced his belief that his best amateur golf was still ahead.
The Latin America Amateur Breakthrough
Pulcini’s defining moment came at the 2026 Latin America Amateur Championship at Lima Golf Club.
He survived a playoff against Virgilio Paz Valdes and became the oldest winner in tournament history. The victory earned him invitations to the Masters Tournament, the U.S. Open, and The Open Championship.
Entering the week, Pulcini was still debating when to turn professional. After the win, he confirmed that decision will wait until after his major championship starts.
Interview Highlights with CGN
Early Introduction to Golf
Started playing at age 11 through neighborhood junior lessons and continued practicing on his own after his sisters stopped.
Enjoyment of the Game
Said learning to have fun early helped him fall in love with golf and stay motivated to improve every day.
Why the United States
Chose college golf in the United States to continue elite competition while studying, something he felt was difficult to sustain in Argentina.
Pressure Putting at LAAC
Focused on commitment, trusting his caddie, and hitting the putt with conviction because leaving it short was not an option.
Reaction to the Masters Invitation
Said the reality of playing Augusta has not fully set in and expects it to feel real only once he arrives on property.
What Comes Next
Pulcini will make his Masters debut in April, followed by starts at the U.S. Open and The Open Championship. With his professional decision on hold, 2026 now shapes up as the most important year of his career to date.
From junior golf in Argentina to college success in the United States and now onto major championships, Mateo Pulcini’s path reflects patience, development, and timing that finally aligned at exactly the right moment.
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