There's no doubt that soccer is by far the most popular sport in nearly every Latin American nation.

Baseball and basketball are also very popular in many countries such as the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Brazil and Cuba.

But aside from amazing bicycle kicks, 400-foot home runs and slam dunks, hitting a small ball off a tee is gaining popularity in South America.

Golf, like any other sport, has its big stage. The Masters, U.S. Open, British Open and the PGA Championship are the four most notable majors held every year by the PGA and LPGA. Of course, the United States and multiple European countries stand out, but numerous Latin American golfers have hoisted major championship trophies over the decades.

The first Latin American-born male golfer to win a major was Argentine Roberto DeVicenzo.

DeVicenzo won the 1967 British Open in memorable fashion over Jack Nicklaus. Nicklaus is, of course, most remembered for his PGA-record 18 career majors. DeVicenzo won the 1967 British Open by outplaying other notables such as Gary Player and Peter Thompson by shooting under par all four rounds at the Open. An Argentina-born golfer going to England and defeating the best golfers from around the world; truly remarkable.

DeVicenzo would also place second at the 1968 Masters at Augusta.

Throughout the next 40 years, golf's popularity increased in South America, but the continent remained without a men's major champion. Ángel Cabrera ended that drought by winning the 2007 U.S Open, just one stroke ahead of Tiger Woods. To prove he was no fluke, Cabrera would go on to win the 2009 Masters in a dramatic playoff over Kenny Perry and Chad Campbell.

Cabrera also made a great appearance at the 1999 British Open by placing fourth overall. To this day, Argentina remains the only Latin American country to produce a male major championship winner.

Although the men get more global attention, the ladies have had more success on the course from Latin America. More and more, women from all over the world are accelerating at golf, and various Latin American countries are showing interest in the game.

The first Latin American female major champion was Uruguay's own Fay Crocker in 1955.

The 41-year-old veteran was more determined than ever at the 1955 U.S Open. She outlasted the field with huge gusts of winds at Wichita, Kansas winning by four strokes. Crocker would go on to win the 1960 Title Holders Championship, as well.

In 1995, Peru made its mark on the golf world when Jenny Lidback won the Canadians Women's Open Championship by one stroke. This tournament is no longer considered a major, but Lidback's performance that year will always be remembered.

One of the most notable female golfers of the 21st century, Loreno Ochoa of Mexico, made her mark in golf history by winning two major titles in 2007 and 2008. Her best victory came at the 2007 British Open, when she won by four strokes in Scotland. Ochoa has helped inspire many other Mexicans to play golf.

While it's extreme unlikely golf will ever overtake soccer or baseball as the primary sport in the Latin American community, it is good to see its popularity increase.

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