Russell A. Gaudin of Baton Rouge has lived a life intertwined with golf. Two years ago, the LGA announced the new Louisiana Junior Amateur trophy, named in his honor. That trophy, which has been presented twice now, is a beautiful custom silver Colonial Cup made by the Oldani Brothers Company in Connecticut. Drew Sliman of Lafayette (206 at Mallard Golf Club) and Ivan Popp of Lafayette (212 at Southern Trace Country Club) have each had the honor of earning custody of it following their victories.
Now, the LGA has received a generous contribution from Mr. Gaudin and holds possession of his treasured Louisiana Junior Amateur Championship trophies from 1958 and 1959. Gaudin defeated David Lawrence 1 up in the first playing of Louisiana Junior Amateur at New Orleans Country Club in 1958. His successful title defense came at Querbes Park in Shreveport the following year as he defeated Todd Lusk 3 & 2.
Gaudin had this to say about bestowing his prized awards to the LGA:
“It was with a deep sense of pride and humility that I was able to become the first winner of the LGA Junior Amateur Championship in 1958 and to repeat as Champion in 1959. These two trophies have been on my dresser for almost 70 years. It is also with a view forward to the future that they will become items of historical significance if not already so.
Therefore, it is with a deep feeling of respect for the LGA and for the game of golf that I offer them back to the LGA. One of the goals of the LGA is to protect the history and traditions of this great game, and I am pleased to support that.
I am fortunate to have been able to have such a long and deep relationship with the LGA having served on the Board of Directors for years and as President in 1978. I am proud to have been able to compete in LGA events for over 60 years and to have been a winner of eleven of those state championships in various formats. Kudos to the LGA for its continued stewardship of the game.”
The LGA thanks Russ for his generosity and as you can see in the pictures, these two trophies have been well-kept and are still in excellent condition!
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.
Media Contact:
Maili Bartz
Director of Marketing & Communications
maili@lgagolf.org