Nelson surges to the top to claim the Mayakoba Invitational title

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, QR, Mexico - Charles Nelson of Dallas, Texas, won the second edition of the Mayakoba Invitational at El Camaleón Golf Course. The Duke University commit was eight shots back coming into the final day and carded a 6-under round of 65 to climb into the top spot. Nelson's impressive round matched the tournament's lowest 18-hole score.

This 72-player field showcases golfers from nine different countries, including eight Mexican natives. Among these talented players, 29 have committed verbally or through a National Letter of Intent to play collegiate golf. Additionally, the field consists of 10 Rolex Junior All-Americans and 40 past AJGA Champions, emphasizing the high levels of talent at this event.

Nelson jumped up nine spots even after beginning his day with four straight pars. The 17-year-old's first birdie of the day came on No. 5. He made par on the following hole but drilled back-to-back birdies on Nos. 7 and 8 to get to 3-under par. Nelson made par on the ninth to post a 33 and get into red figures on the leaderboard.

On No. 10, the Texas native recorded a par and proceeded to hole out for an eagle on No. 11 from 114 yards. This moment gave Nelson a share of the lead with fellow Texans Brooks Simmons of Dallas, Texas, and Luke Colton of Frisco, Texas. Nelson started to feel the pressure but stayed consistent, making five straight pars after the hole-out.

Walking up to the tee on the penultimate hole, Nelson knew he needed to make a move. He carded his fourth birdie of the day on No. 17 and held a one-shot lead going into the 18th hole. Nelson missed the green to the right and needed an up-and-down to keep distance. He proceeded to drain a 6-footer to save par and claim his first career Invitational title.

Brooks Simmons, Luke Colton and Tyler Watts of Huntsville, Alabama, all finished in a tie for second place at 1-under-par. Second-round leader Brooks Simmons was coming off a 6-under 65 on day two but dropped four shots in the final round. Simmons made one birdie on No. 13 to finish in the three-way tie for runner-up.

Colton stayed consistent all week and posted his second score of even-par. During the final round, Colton made four birdies en route to a 212 tally and a second-place finish. The 16-year-old earned his fourth-straight top-five finish in AJGA tournaments. His first came at this year's AJGA Simplify Boys Championship at Carlton Woods event where he placed solo fifth after carding a 214 total.

2023 Rolex Junior All-American, Tyler Watts earned his first second-place finish on the year. Watts followed up his 68 in round two with an even-par final round that included five birdies. The Alabama native made back-to-back birdies on Nos. 5 and 6 to get back inside the top five after a rocky start. Watts played his last 11 holes at 1-under-par but fell short of a second AJGA victory.

Henry Guan of Dallas, Texas, rounds out the top five with a 2-over-par final round. Guan was the first-round leader after carding a 3-under round of 68. The two-time Rolex Junior All-American finished his week with back-to-back rounds of 73 and remained four shots off the lead. Guan made one birdie at No. 16 to earn his first top-five finish of the year.

Brooks Simmons

Luke Colton

Tyler Watts

Henry Guan

About Mayakoba
Mayakoba is a 620-acre resort and residential destination surrounded by the natural beauty of lagoons, jungle, tranquil waters and a sugar sand beach. Four meaningfully placed luxury hotels can be found within Mayakoba - Andaz Mayakoba, Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Fairmont Mayakoba and Rosewood Mayakoba - each with distinct personalities and amenities, perfectly complementing one another, and three collections of private residences, including Rosewood Residences Mayakoba, Fairmont Heritage Place Mayakoba and The Reserve at Mayakoba.

Within the coveted destination are a wealth of lifestyle experiences including four acclaimed spas, more than 25 restaurants with eclectic cuisines and a village square that serves as an event space modeled after the historic colonial plazas in Mexico. In addition, guests have access to a three-mile-long nature trail and a spectacular 18-hole golf course.

About El Camaleón
Designed by Greg Norman, El Camaleón at Mayakoba was inaugurated in 2006. Like the chameleon, from which it takes its name, the course offers constantly changing views as it winds through three diverse ecosystems: the tropical Mayan jungle, mangrove wetlands and the Mexican Caribbean Sea coastline. Distinctive hazards such as cenotes (sinkholes), extensive bunkers and crystal-clear freshwater canals are unique features of El Camaleón, certified by Audubon International for its commitment to the environment.

El Camaleón is also home to the only Jim McLean Golf School in Mexico and one of the top Golf Schools in America. The finest technology featuring Trackman, JC Video Analysis and other golf technology, allows instructors not just to learn, but to improve your game as much as you want. Also, its restaurant Koba Casa Club will give you the final touch to an unforgettable day of golf with spectacular views of the finishing hole, and fine dining based on fresh, local and high-quality products.

Social
Follow along on social with #MayakobaInv or check us out on X  , Instagram  and Facebook .

Full Results