Entering The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale in England, Mateo Pulcini was the lone Argentinian in the field. While the claim came with enough distinction in the leadup, it was emphasized when England and Argentina were pitted together in a World Cup semifinal match the night before the first round.
After an instant classic that saw Argentina come from behind to top England in stoppage time, Pulcini seized the opportunity for his own celebration during his debut round on Thursday.
At the conclusion of an up-and-down opening round, Pulcini sank a 40-foot birdie at the difficult par-4 18th and instantly raised both hands to his ears, mimicking the celebration of his countryman Enzo Fernandez after his dramatic equalizer in the 85th minute the day prior.
“I can't believe [it]; I didn't miss a single second [of the semifinal match],” said Pulcini. “We had a barbecue. We watched it all…That celebration came from a 40-foot putt. I was pretty excited, and that came to my mind, and I did it. I wasn't thinking of doing anything.”
When asked if he heard any negative comments from British fans on the grounds, Pulcini laughed off “the fun part” of sports.
“No not at all. People are being great. Fans are being spectacular. They were cheering for me as well. I wasn't having a good -- the score wasn't good at all. I wasn't having a good day, but this on 18 make it a little bit better.”
"It was awesome, from the tournament, from the fans."
Pulcini’s long birdie was the highlight of his first round – and the celebration briefly made him a social media darling – but his second round was where he truly flourished. He sunk a 10-foot birdie at the third hole and another at the eighth, both difficult par 4s.
Pulcini started his second nine with a bang, tossing his approach inside three feet from the native area at No. 10 for a short birdie and adding another at the par-5 17th. Needing a birdie at the last to card a round under par at The Open, Pulcini birdied the 18th for the second day in a row after an approach from 180 yards inside of five feet.
Despite missing the cut, Pulcini was effusive of the experience after his round.
“It was amazing, I cannot decide what's the best part, like being here, everything,” said Pulcini. “I always highlight the treatment that I receive here, and it was awesome, from the tournament, from the fans. It's been amazing. These three tournaments were a dream. Hopefully play them again at some point.”
