Hastings, who finished fourth a year ago at Santa Maria Golf Club in Panama City, Panama, tallied nine birdies and one bogey on Saturday morning, matching the single-round Championship record for birdies. The San Diego State University senior is making his sixth appearance in the Championship.

“I’ve improved every year I’ve played. Coming in fourth last year and knocking on the door, I really believe that I can get it done this week,” said Hastings ahead of the Championship.

Argentina’s Segundo Oliva Pinto recorded eight birdies against just one bogey, rising to a tie for second alongside Jose Antonio Safa of Mexico at 12 under par. Oliva Pinto, who is making his fifth appearance, has finished inside the top 15 of the Championship on four occasions. In three appearances, Safa owns two top-25 LAAC finishes, including T-15 in Panama a year ago.

Another hometown hopeful, Mateo Pulcini recorded four birdies and an eagle on the par-4 15th – which was drivable in today’s conditions – entering a six-way tie for fourth place with Guilherme Grinberg of Brazil, Chile’s Simon Roessler, Mexico’s Omar Morales, Peru’s Patrick Sparks and Gabriel Palacios of Guatemala.

Seven different countries and territories are currently represented inside the top 10, including Brazil, Guatemala, Paraguay and Peru – all of which have yet to win a title at the Latin America Amateur.