For the France World Cup 1998, Manuel Lapuente concentrated the Mexican team on a golf course. The national coach, passionate about this sport, invited all his pupils to play it, including Isaac Terrazas, at that time from America.
At first, the defender did not feel comfortable, but curiosity led him to practice it when he returned to Mexico City, although not as regularly. It was until he signed with Veracruz, in 2002, when he became fully involved and taught it to his first-born, Aarón.
Aaron debuts today at the PGA Tour, in the first round of Mayakoba Classic.
“I don’t have the pleasure of meeting Lapuente, but when I do, I will thank him because thanks to him, I play golf,” said the young tricolor, who despite being a talented midfielder, preferred the poles.
“These are things that I cannot explain … they even make me want to cry,” Manolo replied, upon learning of the indirect impact it had on the life of the son of one of his pupils. “It is a very pleasant surprise.”
Terrazas Jr. grew up with two loves: soccer and golf. His father was selected as a national and inherited the skills to follow in his footsteps; however, the long fields and the small ball attracted him more attention.
“I am very excited. It will be something special to present myself in my country; There cannot be a better scenario ”, commented Aarón, who received the invitation to play for being the best Mexican in the Latin American Amateur Championship 2020.
“It is very rewarding and it will be a very nice week; It’s a pleasure to see his dream come true, because as a child he always promised me that he would play here and here he is ”, added Isaac.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about the Mayakoba Classic 2020
The Terrazas were members of the Villa Rica de Veracruz club, where Aarón developed his talent, which he balanced with soccer.
“I was part of a team called the Falcons and I was selected to the affiliates of the Red Sharks“Said the professional golfer today. “I grew up playing both sports, I even watched more soccer than golf, but when I received a scholarship to study in the United States, it was a key moment in my life, in which I decided to quit soccer. My dad helped me decide ”.
The sports discipline that Isaac imposed on him was key to achieving this jump. Both recognized that there is still a lot to grow to stay in this profession.
“Practice and repetition is the way to reach perfection”, is the Terrazas mentality.
“It is a very difficult race, from routine to competition. It is a beautiful profession, little valued but well paid if you reach the highest level, ”said the father.
Passionate about America, even more than his father, Aarón has maintained cabal, like those that identify soccer players, for growing up in that environment. Small details, such as playing with the shirt collar raised or embroidering the cream-blue club crest on your notebook.
The connection between this pair of sports dates back 22 years, when his father concentrated in France, under Lapuente, in 1998.
“It was a very nice experience, in a field where we were during the World Cup. Manolo was very choppy with golf; He gave us a baton to hit and I blew the driver’s head off. After a year, I started to play more and invited Aarón, who was the mascot of the clubs I played for, ”Isaac recalled.
“It was optional to accompany me,” an emotional Manuel Lapuente jokingly defended himself. “But I do remember that Terrazas was very interested. Later I found out that his son played golf, although I was surprised by the news of his debut in the PGA Tour”.
Despite losing contact with the former América defender, the successful coach did not control the feeling: “I always loved and respected my players … this news really makes you very happy.”
Aaron has had a difficult 2020, his first year as a professional, but this opportunity to play in the Mayakoba Classic, it may be the beginning to tie up your card soon within the PGA Tour.
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