Cristobal Del Solar etched his name into golfing history with a jaw-dropping 13-under 57 during the inaugural round of the Astara Golf Championship presented by Mastercard, hosted on the Korn Ferry Tour.
Del Solar's remarkable feat unfolded at the scenic Country Club de Bogota-Pacos in Bogota, Colombia, a picturesque setting that witnessed his masterclass performance. With the course stretching over 6,254 yards at nearly 9,000 feet above sea level, it presented an inviting challenge that Del Solar embraced with gusto.
The 30-year-old golfer from Florida State University embarked on a blistering journey right from the start, making an explosive turn at 8-under 27, matching the record for the lowest nine-hole score in Korn Ferry Tour annals. His back nine was no less spectacular, peppered with three additional birdies and a majestic eagle that left spectators and fellow competitors in awe.
What makes Del Solar's achievement even more remarkable is the exclusive club he now leads. He becomes the first player to register a 57 in any PGA TOUR-sanctioned event, eclipsing the previous records held by luminaries like Jim Furyk and Stephan Jaeger. Jaeger's 58 in the 2016 Ellie Mae Classic and Furyk's subsequent 58 at the Travelers Championship had set the bar high, but Del Solar soared above it, claiming the record outright.
Del Solar's journey to this milestone wasn't a mere stroke of luck. It was a culmination of years of dedication and perseverance. Having turned professional in 2017 after his collegiate stint, he traversed through the ranks of PGA TOUR Latinoamerica and PGA TOUR Canada before earning his Korn Ferry Tour card for the 2022-23 season.
His ascent up the ranks has been steady and impressive. From finishing 58th in the Korn Ferry Tour Points List in 2023 to clinching a solo fourth-place finish at The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic at Sandals Emerald Bay earlier in the season, Del Solar has been steadily carving his path towards excellence.
Del Solar's record-breaking round not only underscores his individual brilliance but also serves as a testament to the evolving landscape of professional golf. As the sport continues to witness new benchmarks and achievements, Del Solar's name now resonates as "Mr. 57," a beacon of inspiration for aspiring golfers worldwide.
In rewriting the record books, Cristobal Del Solar has not only etched his name in the annals of golfing history but has also redefined the realm of possibility within the sport.
