A look into the second round of the 106th Louisiana Amateur Championship held at Bayou Oaks at City Park in New Orleans, Louisiana on Friday, June 6, 2025.
Championship Links: Second Round Results | Photo Gallery | Third 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.
New Orleans, LA - The leaderboard at the 106th Louisiana Amateur Championship is heating up after a thrilling second round at Bayou Oaks at City Park (South Course), and it’s Benton’s Noah McWilliams who surged to the top with a brilliant 8-under-par 64. McWilliams carded eight birdies in Round Two to post the lowest score of the day and climb into solo first place at 12-under-par 132 (68-64). His electric round included birdies on Nos. 2-6, for an outward 31, followed by steady birdies on Nos. 11, 16, and a clutch 2 on the par-3 17th coming in for 33 on the back.
Still in the hunt is Kyle Bennett of Zachary, who entered the day leading and posted a steady 3-under 69 to remain near the top at 11-under 133. His bogey-free front nine and birdies on 3, 11, 13, 18, and 3 helped him keep pace heading into the weekend.
Joining Bennett in a tie for second is Landen East of Sulphur, who put together one of the best rounds of the day with a smooth, bogey-free 6-under 66. East was dialed in from tee to green, recording three birdies on each side to move up the leaderboard and into serious contention. After opening with a 67 on Thursday, his two-day total of 11-under 133 puts him just one stroke back of the lead heading into the weekend.
Rounding out the top four are Thomas Reid and Connor Cassano, both at 9-under 135. Reid added a 68 to his first-round 67 with a steady day of ball-striking and control. But it was Cassano, a Baton Rouge native, who provided fireworks today—carding a nice 64, with by an eye-popping 29 on the back nine. His inward stretch included birdies on Nos. 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, and an eagle on 11. That kind of finish puts him in a strong position heading into Saturday’s round.
With 36 holes remaining and a stacked leaderboard, the stage is set for an exciting weekend finish in New Orleans. A total of 66 players made the cut at +2, which marks the lowest cut in the history of this championship. Duke Nitcher of New Orleans will be the youngest to make the cut, and Robby McWilliams of Benton at 57 years will be the eldest. The players advancing to Saturday will have their eyes on hoisting the most prestigious amateur trophy in Louisiana golf.
The 106th Louisiana Amateur Championship is conducted by the Louisiana Golf Association and hosted at the City Park South Course – a venue known for its championship-caliber layout in the heart of New Orleans.
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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