His best? He shot 60 in a tournament in Mexico when he was 16 years old. De La Fuente is currently ranked No. 38 in the Golfweek/AmateurGolf.com World Rankings. 

De La Fuente also earned a sponsor exemption into the Vidanta Mexico Open, where he not only made the cut but was T9 entering the weekend. 

“That week showed me a lot about where my game was against those guys,” De La Fuente said. “Playing in the Mexico Open is super long, and you have to hit it well with your long irons. That helped me prepare for the Masters (Tournament), and it helped me realize I am in good shape, and it's the little things I have to get better at.”

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He has played Augusta National five times total with his last time being a strictly research mission.  

“I was just doing homework for the tournament,” De La Fuente said. “I was not really playing, but I was taking a lot of notes and learning where to hit it.”

De La Fuente’s advice for Augusta National? It is very simple.

“Don’t short side yourself,” he said.

He added, “I feel like you have to drive the ball really good. The course is tighter than it looks on TV, and hitting good drivers gives you the best chance on many holes.” 

This week, the Houston senior will get to play in the tournament he grew up dreaming of having a putt to win on the practice green.

“It means everything to me,” De La Fuente said. “When we start playing golf, we all dream of playing in those tournaments, and we practice on the putting green without winning this tournament.” 

De La Fuente added, “having the opportunity to tee it up is kind of unique, and hopefully, I am doing everything I can to compete and not just show up.”