Oliver Betschart is in contention to make the cut after the opening round of the Latin America Amateur Championship in Peru on Thursday.

Betschart coped better than compatriot Eric West in the challenging course conditions to record three-over 73 and is tied for 32nd in the 107-strong field. The top 50 players plus ties will make the cut after the second round on Friday.

The 17-year-old got off to a flyer with back-to-back birdies earning him a share of second at two-under through the opening five holes.

He lost momentum, dropping two shots. but still managed to make the turn at one-under. However, ahis hard work came undone on the back nine, where he carded four bogeys to plunge down the leaderboard.

West found the going tough as he carded a nine-over 79 that included six bogeys and three doubles on the front nine.

The 42-year-old fared better over the final nine holes, which he played at two over after rattling in a couple of his three birdies.

Betschart, who has committed to Colorado State University, missed the cut on his tournament debut playing alongside Jarryd Dillas in Buenos Aires, Argentina, last year.

There is plenty at stake in Peru this week as the winner of the tournament will receive an invitation into the Masters and exemptions into The Open, US Open, The Amateur Championship and the US Amateur Championship.

The runner-up will earn an exemption into Final Qualifying for The Open, US Open and US Amateur Championship, with the top-three finishers receiving an exemption into The Amateur Championship.