A look into the first round of the 106th Louisiana Amateur Championship held at Bayou Oaks at City Park in New Orleans, Louisiana on Thursday, June 5, 2025.
Championship Links: First Round Results | Photo Gallery | Second Round Tee Times
143 players competed in the first round of the 106th Louisiana Amateur Championship held at Bayou Oaks at City Park in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tee times began this morning at 7:30 AM off the 1st and 10th tee. The course played to a par 72 at 7,054 yards.
New Orleans, LA - Kyle Bennett of Zachary opened the 106th Louisiana Amateur Championship with authority on Thursday, firing a brilliant 8-under-par 64 at Bayou Oaks at City Park (South Course) to take the solo lead after Round 1.
Bennett’s bogey-free round featured six birdies and an eagle, including a scorching back nine that propelled him to the top of a crowded leaderboard. After birdies on holes 6, 8, and 9 to make the turn at 3-under, Bennett caught fire coming in—with birdies on 10, 12, and 18, and a statement-making eagle on the par-5 11th hole.
“I felt really comfortable out there today,” Bennett said. “I kept the ball in play, gave myself chances, and made some putts when I needed to. That stretch around the turn really gave me momentum.”
Bennett’s 64 ties the lowest opening round in Louisiana Amateur Championship history, matching Tommy Brennan’s 64 in the first round of the 2006 championship at the Country Club of Louisiana.
While Bayou Oaks has hosted this championship previously, Thursday’s round highlighted the South Course’s continued ability to challenge the state’s top amateur players. Its strategic layout and demanding greens kept the field honest—but Bennett’s steady play and sharp putting helped him separate from the pack.
Three players sit tied for second at 5-under 67: Landen East (Sulphur), Cooper Edney (Lafayette), and Thomas Reid (Baton Rouge). A six-way tie for fifth at 4-under 68 includes Andrew Noto (Metairie), John Humphries (Woodworth), Joshua Achord (Abita Springs), Luke Haskew (Baton Rouge), Patrick Christovich (New Orleans), Garrett Trahan (Sulphur), and Noah McWilliams (Benton).
The 106th Louisiana Amateur Championship, conducted by the Louisiana Golf Association, is being played over 72 holes from June 5–8. With three rounds to play and a leaderboard stacked with proven talent, Bennett has set the pace—but the race for the title is just beginning.
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.
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