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Arcadia, LA – The Louisiana Golf Association (LGA) is proud to feature Jesse Smith in its ongoing “Share Your LGA Story” campaign, which highlights the personal journeys and milestones of members across the state.
Jesse’s story is one of faith, friendship, and a once-in-a-lifetime golf shot.
On Sunday, August 17, 2025, Jesse had just returned from the Temple Baptist Church Men’s Retreat, where he was able to step away from phones and distractions and share his testimony in front of his brothers in Christ. “It was one of the most meaningful moments of my life,” Jesse said.
That same day after church, one of the men he met on the retreat, Mikhail Roedel, asked if he wanted to play a round of golf. The two had a great time sharing stories, building a friendship, and enjoying the game.
Then came Hole #10 at Trails End Golf Club, a blind par 4 measuring 358 yards and teeing off over water. Jesse pulled out his driver, teed up his Titleist Pro V1 #3, and hit a high baby draw that started just inside the right rough and worked back to the center. “It felt pure, the line was perfect,” Jesse said. “Normally that shot either finishes pin high or just short of the green. But this time I never saw it.”
As Jesse looked around, Mikhail walked across the green. Suddenly, he yelled back, “I know where your ball is!”
“I shouted, ‘Where?’ and he smiled and said, ‘In the hole!’” Jesse recalled. “I didn’t believe him until I walked up, leaned over, and saw my Titleist #3 sitting at the bottom of the cup. A hole-in-one. On a par 4. 358 yards.”
Jesse has been playing golf since he was three years old, always dreaming of making a hole-in-one. “Yes, it was an amazing feeling,” he said. “But even as special as that shot was, it didn’t come close to the joy and peace I felt when I stood up at the retreat and shared my testimony. That moment with Christ, declaring what He’s done in my life, meant more than any golf shot ever could.”
“The hole-in-one was a gift,” Jesse added. “But the greatest gift I’ve ever received is the love of Jesus.”
The LGA is proud to share Jesse’s story as part of our Member Spotlight series.
To share your own LGA story and be featured in a future spotlight, visit here.
About the LGA
The Louisiana Golf Association (LGA) is a mission-driven organization dedicated to unifying the golf community across Louisiana. Since its inception in 1920, the LGA has expanded its scope to offer a variety of championships, including the Junior Amateur Championship and the Louisiana Junior Golf Tour. The LGA is committed to providing exceptional services in Championship Administration, USGA Handicap System oversight, and Rules of Golf authority, ensuring fair play and integrity throughout the state.
The LGA supports golfers of all levels through its Course Measuring and Rating services, comprehensive tournament management, and educational seminars on the Rules of Golf and Amateur Status. By partnering with entities like the Audubon Golf Trail and Gulf States PGA, the LGA fosters growth and inclusivity in the sport.
As the authoritative body for amateur golf in Louisiana, the LGA maintains the WHS Handicap Index, crucial for assessing individual performance, and continues to uphold the game’s traditions and values. For more information, visit LGA.org or contact us at 337-265-3938.
For Media Inquiries:
Maili Bartz
Director of Marketing and Communications