David Vanegas took advantage of his local knowledge yesterday, to win the Canadian Tour's season-opening Abierto Internacional de Golf Il Copa Antioquia.
The 23-year-old Colombian shot four-under-par 67 for a four-day total of 12-under 272, four strokes ahead of runner-up Nathan Smith of the United States.
Vanegas, a pro for just 14 months, is a member of the tournament's host club - Club Campestre El Rodeo Sede La Macarena in Rionegro, Colombia.
The tournament was not only the Canadian Tour's inaugural event of 2010, but represented the first time the developmental circuit has visited Colombia.
Mitch Gillis of Williams Lake, B.C., was the low Canadian, tied for 29th at two over.
Mike Mezei of Lethbridge, Alta., and Ryan Yip of Calgary were among a group of four players sharing 41st place at four over. Derek Gillespie of Oshawa, Ont., was a stroke back.
Elsewhere, Jim Rutledge of Victoria tied for 40th place at four under in his Champions Tour debut yesterday at the Allianz Championship in Boca Raton, Fla. The 50-year-old got into the event by tying for second at a qualifying tournament last Tuesday.
Rod Spittle of St. Catharines, Ont., was a stroke behind Rutledge, sharing 47th spot.