LGA Accepts Second-Most All-Time Entries for 107th Louisiana Amateur Championship

Lafayette, LA — May 7, 2026

It’s been an incredible week for Louisiana golf. The LGA and Louisiana Junior Golf Tour, along with the Kelly Gibson Foundation, conducted the LHSAA golf state championships in Lafayette on Monday and Tuesday, elevating the player experience and crowning champions in four boys’ divisions and two girls’ division on four courses in the area. The high school state championships were one day removed from the Louisiana Senior Amateur at Lake Charles Country Club, an amazing showcase for the top senior players in the state. During this busy stretch for LGA staff, entries for the 107^th Louisiana Amateur Championship at Metairie Country Club were pouring in online.

Defending Champion Connor Cassano of Shreveport is among the 308 entries that have been accepted by the LGA. Last year, Cassano won a sudden-death playoff over Landen East of Sulphur after both competitors finished the 72-hole championship at a blistering 19-under par 269 at Bayou Oaks at City Park. Cassano will be a rising junior on the University of Cincinnati men’s golf team when he tees it up at that state am next month. East is also competing again this year, seeking redemption for the playoff loss. The LGA accepted entries from 33 exempt players, including 19 of the top 20 finishers from 2025. Former Champions that were exempted into this year’s Louisiana Amateur are: Greg Berthelot of Baton Rouge (2011, 2022, and 2024 Champion), Grady Brame, Jr. of Baton Rouge (2014 and 2015), Patrick Christovich of New Orleans (2012), and John Humphries (2003, 2019, and 2020). The 2025 Louisiana Player of the Year, Lawrence Allan of Baton Rouge, is also in the field.

This is the second time in championship history that the number of entries has exceeded 300. The all-time record for entries is 353 in 1999 when the championship was conducted at The Country Club of Louisiana in Baton Rouge. “The LGA is proud to return to Metairie Country Club,” said LGA Executive Director Logan Ray. “There continues to be tremendous interest in competing in our state amateur. This will be the first time that any of the competitors in this elite field play Metairie on this stage, and the golf course will be immaculate.”

Metairie Country Club was founded in 1922, two years after the Louisiana Golf Association was established. In 2021, the historic Seth Raynor designed course was restored to its former glory under the supervision of Brian Silva. Metairie CC hosted the Louisiana Amateur four times from 1928 to 1940. Returning to this historic venue for the first time in 86 years is going to be a special experience for the LGA and all of our competitors.

To be eligible, a player must have a Handicap Index® not exceeding 8.0 and be an active member of the Louisiana Golf Association. Sectional qualifying, which will be played over 18 holes at 8 courses across Louisiana, will take place between May 9-21. From the 308 entries, a field of 144 players will tee it up in the championship proper at Metairie Country Club on June 4 and 5. That means there are 111 qualifying spots up for grabs. Those competitors who are unsuccessful in qualifying will receive $100 back from their $300 entry fee. The field will be cut to the low 60 scorers and ties for competition on Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7. The 107^th Louisiana Amateur Champion will earn an exemption into the U.S. Amateur Championship, scheduled to be played at Merion Golf Club in August. The Champion will also receive $1,000 and a custom champion jacket from Pearce Bespoke.

The LGA received 99 entries in the last 48 hours that applications were accepted. Brady Bell was the last entry, submitting his application to play thirteen minutes before the 5:00 PM deadline. James Grimes was the first player to register when entries opened on February 1.

The youngest player to enter this year is Owen Lejeune of Baton Rouge at 14 years of age, and the oldest player to enter is Bart Dornier of Metairie at 64 years of age.

The list of qualifying sites and dates are below:

Monroe | May 9^th | Bayou DeSiard Country Club

Lafayette | May 11^th | The Wetlands

Lake Charles | May 11^th | The National Golf Club

Houma | May 13^th | Ellendale Country Club

Shreveport | May 15^th | Southern Trace Country Club

Baton Rouge | May 18^th | Santa Maria

New Orleans | May 18^th | English Turn Golf & Country Club

Alexandria | May 21^st | Tamahka Trails

The full list of exempt players in the field is:

Achord , Joshua - Abita Springs

Alford, Burke - Shreveport

Allan, Lawrence - Baton Rouge

Bennett, Kyle - Lafayette

Berthelot, Greg - Baton Rouge

Blanco, Ben - Broussard

Brame Jr., Grady - Baton Rouge

Brennan, Tommy - Covington

Carter, Jack - Baton Rouge

Cassano, Connor - Baton Rouge

Christovich, Patrick - New Orleans

Doss, Todd - Mandeville

East, Landen - Sulphur

Greene, Hudson - Bossier City

Holtsclaw, James - Shreveport

Humphries, John - Woodworth

Kayne, Dylan - Baton Rouge

Ledet, Tyler - Lafayette

Lyons, Landon - Baton Rouge

Manne , Alston - Baton Rouge

Marx, Ethan - Covington

McPherson, Todd - New Orleans

McWilliams, Noah - Benton

Mowad, Maddox - Monroe

Nitcher , Duke - New Orleans

Phillips, Niel - New Orleans

Prieto, Drew - Baton Rouge

Reaux, Dax - Breaux Bridge

Reid, Thomas - Chalmette

Rotolo, Merrick - New Orleans

Schmitt, Carter - Baton Rouge

Sliman, Drew - Lafayette

Trahan, Garrett - Sulphur

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