Eric West enjoyed a highly successful debut at the 6th National Amateur Ranking tournament in Guatemala at the weekend.

The Bermuda Stroke Play champion finished tied for second with an even-par 216 among the 19-strong field at the 54-hole event.

West saved his best for last as he produced the low round of three-under 69 that featured eight birdies, including four straight on the back nine at the El Pulte Golf Course on Sunday.

“I played a lot better than I scored, but I expected that given that we are at pretty significant altitude here. I made eight birdies and probably could’ve made twelve,” he told The Royal Gazette.

The former Tour de las Americas player made a positive start to the tournament after shooting an even-par 72, which included four birdies, in the opening round on Friday.

However, a three-over 75 containing a solitary birdie in the second round the following day saw West lose precious ground on leader and eventual winner Jose Arzu Garcia, of Guatemala.

“The first couple of rounds I just left too many shots out there, but my game is trending though,” he said.

“It was my first time playing in the Guatemalan amateur. It was a great experience and Guatemala is such a fantastic country.”

Garcia took full advantage playing on his home course as he finished eight shots clear of the field after producing the second-lowest round of one-under 71 in the final round on Sunday along with compatriot and fellow clubmate Rodrigo Andrade.

Also producing the day’s lowest round was another club player Fernando Saravia Flores, who finished tied for second with West.

The 42-year-old West has been in good form lately and arrived in Guatemala with plenty of momentum after winning the prestigious Bermuda Stroke Play Championship for the third time and first in six years at Port Royal Golf Course last month.