Lafayette, LA – Before PGA golfers tee off, a 9-year-old boy from Broussard looks to make his mark at the Augusta National Golf Club
Greer Rowell’s love for golf started early when his father, former pro golfer Brian Rowell said his young son was always eager to follow his father when he went to the links.
“When I was still competing professionally, I would literally have to sneak out the door without him seeing me to get any work done myself.” Brian Rowell said. “And even then, Britney (Greer’s mother) would call. He’s crying, he knows he left and he always, always had something in his hand that was a golf club. It could have been a broom or a toy. He had the remote. He was always hitting something that, you know, replicated golf.”
Brian knew Greer had a gift for golf that would allow him to win multiple tournaments.
“I could tell just by the like, the touch he had, like just around the greens was like at such an early age. It was it was really weird,” Brian said. “First time I won, I was happy and I wanted to play some more because I felt like I was a good golfer and happy,” he remembers,
Last year, Greer saw the Drive Chip and Putt Competition and felt inspired to compete.
“I felt like I can do that next year. I try and put in the work and had a great time,” Greer said
Greer made it to the regional qualifier and Frisco Texas where he would secure his spot in the 2026 Drive Chip and Putt Competition.
“I was like, this is like one in a million. I’m like, really happy to be here. And I was happy to see my family just. Cheering me on as it was happening,” Greer said.
“Just really couldn’t believe it, "Brian said. “Didn’t want to say anything. Brittany and I were kind of whispering to each other. I was like, I think. I think we might have did this right. And I didn’t want to tell him. And because at the finals, only one. There’s only one winner, right? So, whenever we finally realized that, I mean, I get goosebumps just thinking about it. And it was it was as good as it gets for me.”
Greer will take part with his father by his side as his instructor and his caddy.
“He teaches me how to do all this stuff, and it’s okay to like when all these tournaments it’s fun because my dad out there,” Greer said.
“I always said. If I’m not coming back until I’m playing and this is like the next best thing. Going back to Caddie in the drive, chip and putt for Greer is going to be awesome.” Brian added.
Greer looks forward to taking on the Augusta National Golf Club Course.
“Going to meet over there, all being really fun. I’m just going to have a great time and just be myself,” Greer said.
For kids interested in picking up a club, Greer offers this advice.
“Practice mostly every day, have a good attitude and be yourself.”
For those interested in supporting Greer during this competition, you can join the watch party hosted at Le Triomphe located at 100 Club Dr. in Broussard on Sunday at 8 a.m.
The Louisiana Golf Association wishes Greer Rowell all the best as he represents our state in the Drive, Chip and Putt Finals at Augusta National Golf Club.
Written by Karaski Melvin with KLFY Lafayette.
About the Louisiana Golf Association
The Louisiana Golf Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting, preserving, and growing the game of golf across Louisiana. Founded in 1920, the LGA conducts state championships, provides USGA Handicap Index® services, and supports players of all ages through initiatives like the Louisiana Junior Golf Tour.
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