American Golfer Secures First Korn Ferry Tour Victory

Buenos Aires, Argentina – Alistair Docherty has achieved a career milestone, winning the 119th VISA Open of Argentina presented by Macro. The victory marks his first title on the Korn Ferry Tour and secures his place in The 154th Open Championship, to be played at Royal Birkdale in July 2026.

Docherty finished the championship with a score of 258 (-22) after a final round of 65 strokes (-5). A crucial birdie on the 18th hole sealed the win, edging out Chris Korte and S.Y. Noh by one stroke.

Dramatic Finish at Jockey Club

The final round was filled with tension as Docherty and Korte battled for the lead. Korte briefly surged ahead with a stunning round of 61 (-9), but Docherty responded with a strong finish, highlighted by his decisive birdie on the 18th.

“I’m speechless. It’s incredible. Throughout the week I was very patient, focused on what I did. My caddie and I stayed true to the process. I had some moments of doubt, but I handled it very well. The birdie on the 18th was the perfect way to close a week like this,”

Alistair Docherty

A Journey to the Top

Born in Canada but raised in the USA and trained at California State University Chico, Docherty reflected on the emotional significance of the win.

“When I made that last putt, all the emotions came out together. They have been very hard years. I worked a lot mentally, even more than physically, and I am very happy to be at the top,”

Alistair Docherty

The win likewise carries the added reward of a place in The Open Championship, a unique opportunity offered through The R&A and its Open Qualifying Series.

“This proves incredible that a Korn Ferry Tour tournament grants an exemption for The Open. You don’t see something like this in previous circuits; Those opportunities are usually left for the larger tours. I am very grateful. Being able to play my first Open Championship in such a special place with so much tradition is something unique,”

Alistair Docherty

Argentine Standout

Among the Argentinian competitors, amateur Segundo Oliva Pinto delivered a strong performance, finishing tied for seventh place with a score of 264 (-16). He also received the Emilio Pereyra Iraola Cup, awarded to the best amateur of the tournament.

“I am very happy to finish in the Top-10. I tried to grant everything to win, it didn’t happen, but I competed at a high level. The balance is very positive,”

Segundo Oliva Pinto

Jorge Fernandez Valdes finished 15th with 266 (-14), and Fabian Gomez placed 25th with 270 (-10).

Tournament Overview

The Open of the Republic, one of the oldest golf championships globally, was organized by the Argentine Golf Association in celebration of its centenary. The tournament distributed $1,000,000 in prize money and is in its third consecutive year as part of the Korn Ferry Tour schedule, with an extension through the 2029 season.

FAQ

• Who won the 2026 VISA Open of Argentina? Alistair Docherty.
• What is the prize money for winning the tournament? $180,000.
• What does the victory earn Docherty? A spot in The 154th Open Championship.
• Who was the top-performing Argentinian player? Segundo Oliva Pinto (amateur), tied for 7th.