DUNROBIN, Ontario – After tasting what golf is like at the highest level following starts at the Masters, U.S. Open and last week’s Open Championship, the 2025 Latin America Amateur Championship winner Justin Hastings officially joined the professional ranks Thursday. The 21-year-old from the Cayman Islands made his PGA TOUR Americas debut with a 2-under 70 at the Commissionaires Ottawa Open presented by Lépine Apartments, carding six birdies and four bogeys.

Hastings becomes the fourth Latin America Amateur Championship winner currently competing on PGA TOUR Americas, joining Mateo Fernández de Oliveira (2023), Abel Gallegos (2020) and Paul Chaplet (2016).

“I feel very prepared,” the San Diego State University alum said Wednesday ahead of the opening round. “College golf is as good as it’s ever been. I played all four years, progressing every year. Having the experience of the majors, being able to play in front of so many people, cameras and the spotlight. I think I've checked most of the boxes in terms of being prepared for this week and the future.”

Hastings earned his PGA TOUR Americas card by finishing 13th in the 2025 PGA TOUR University Ranking. His college resume includes four wins — the last of those at the 2025 Mountain West Championship — and the best scoring average in San Diego State history (71.17), narrowly edging out former Aztec and PGA TOUR star Xander Schauffele (71.50 from 2013-15). He was also named 2025 Mountain West Golfer of the Year and posted a perfect 4-0 record as part of the victorious Team International at the 2025 Arnold Palmer Cup.

The three majors he played over the past four months, along with two other PGA TOUR starts he made at the Mexico Open at VidantaWorld and the Puerto Rico Open, were also huge in preparation for this next step in his career. Making the cut to claim low-amateur honors at the U.S. Open was probably the highlight of a memorable summer.

“It’s one of those things that reinforces the belief that you do belong,” Hastings said of his performance at Oakmont Country Club. “To come through on arguably golf’s biggest stage, make the cut, have a decent weekend, and beat out the other amateurs. It was a big confidence boost.”

Starting his pro career in Canada adds a personal touch. His mother is from Winnipeg, and his father, originally from Edmonton, also grew up in Winnipeg. The couple left for what was supposed to be a one-year work opportunity in the Cayman Islands, but never left.

“Pretty much all of my family is from Canada, different parts, so I think it’ll be cool to see the little bits of support as we move from province to province,” Hastings said. “My family appreciates that we’ve kind of ended up back here. It started with my parents, but it definitely feels like a full-circle moment.”

This summer, Hastings will chase Fortinet Cup points and a potential Korn Ferry Tour promotion, while reuniting with family at key stops like the Manitoba Open in Winnipeg and the ATB Classic in Edmonton.

“The events with family nearby will be special,” he said, “but I’ve never been to the West Coast, so I’m pretty excited for that, too.”

Including this week’s Commissionaires Ottawa Open, Hastings and the rest of the PGA TOUR Americas members have eight tournaments left on the 2025 schedule. The season-ending Fortinet Cup Championship will be played in Surrey, British Columbia (Sept. 25-28).