Wichita State junior Emilio Arellano Lamas has made an immediate impact in Division I golf through aggressive scoring, disciplined training, and a confident transition from Mexico to the United States. Originally from Aguascalientes, Mexico, Arellano Lamas sharpened his game through competitive junior and amateur golf at home, including a PGA Tour Americas start as an amateur, before building a strong foundation at Indian Hills Community College and transferring to Wichita State. In his first fall with the Shockers, he set a program record with eight straight rounds under par and logged three top ten finishes in four starts.
Career Highlights
Wichita State men’s program record with eight consecutive rounds under par
Three top ten finishes in four Division I starts at Wichita State
Two top five finishes in the fall, both T5
Third best stroke average on the team in the fall at 71.8
40 birdies and 2 eagles in 12 rounds
Four rounds in the 60s at Wichita State
PGA Tour Americas start as an amateur at the Jalisco Open, earning entry through Monday qualifying
2025 NJCAA Division I Second Team All American at Indian Hills
Five time ICCAC Division I Men’s Golfer of the Week
Member of the 2025 NJCAA Academic Team of the Year
Collegiate Results Snapshot
Junior Season 2025 to 2026 at Wichita State
Rounds played 12
Scoring average 71.8
Low round 68 twice
Low 54 hole total 207
Best finishes T5 at the SIUE Dolenc Invitational and T5 at the Grier Jones Shocker Invitational
Team production 40 birdies and 2 eagles, three top ten finishes in four starts
Indian Hills Community College
Developed into a consistent scorer in NJCAA golf
Earned multiple weekly conference honors
Won his first college tournament in his second season, closing with an eagle in a playoff after reaching 10 under
Amateur and Personal Background
Hometown Aguascalientes Mexico
High School Instituto Universitario Mexico
Major Business
Trained at Club Campestre de Aguascalientes
Coaches Elias Varon as his first swing coach, later worked with Juan Martino Hoyos
Parents María Angélica Lamas and Luis Alfredo Arellano
Siblings José, Miguel, Alfredo
Born April 1, 2004
Interview Highlights with CGN
Early Start in Mexico and Family Influence
Arellano Lamas started golf at age ten through a kids summer camp at his home course. His grandfather, a lifelong golfer, was an early supporter and helped him stay committed as his interest grew. He also played multiple racket sports, including tennis and squash, before fully choosing golf.
Coaching and Development
He credited his first coach, Elias Varon, as a key figure in his early development and said Varon continues to support him. More recently, he has worked with Juan Martino Hoyos as he continues refining his swing and approach.
Adjusting to Life in the United States
Arellano Lamas described the transition as challenging, especially with language, daily routines, and cultural differences. He also shared that his first semester in the United States brought a major lifestyle change, including a 25 kilogram weight loss through gym discipline, improved nutrition, and tighter focus on daily habits.
Training Approach and Support System
His brother, Alfredo Arellano, serves as his personal trainer and helps tailor strength and mobility work to golf performance, with an emphasis on maintaining speed and explosiveness through a standard gym routine built around golf needs.
PGA Tour Americas Experience and Monday Qualifying Mindset
One of his defining amateur experiences came at the Jalisco Open, where he earned his spot by winning Monday qualifying with a 68. He said the week reinforced that he could compete with professionals and highlighted a key lesson he observed from older players: patience. He noted how pros stay composed, wait for scoring windows, and commit fully on the greens. For one round qualifiers, his strategy was simple: go for everything, because the scoring threshold demands it.
Choosing Wichita State and Immediate Impact
After starting college in the United States at Indian Hills, he followed close friends to Wichita State and believed in the program fit. A strong showing at a Wichita State event helped confirm mutual interest with the staff, and he signed in December. He credited the team environment for its support and accountability, emphasizing encouragement over negativity and a culture of shared work.
Goals for Spring and Long Term Ambitions
Arellano Lamas is planning to return home to Mexico during the break to train, play tournaments, and prepare for spring. He believes he will be in position to win and said his long term goal is clear: turn professional. He also shared admiration for Mexican pros such as Abraham Ancer and Carlos Ortiz, while noting a close friend on the professional circuit as a personal favorite to follow.