June 22, 2025 | Maili Bartz
A look into the final round of the 97th Louisiana Women’s Amateur Championships at OakWing Golf Club in Alexandria, Louisiana on Sunday, June 22, 2025.
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16 players competed in the final round of the Louisiana Golf Association’s 97th Louisiana Women’s Amateur Championship. This morning’s tee times begin at 7:30 AM off the first tee. The course played to a par 72 at approximately 6,008 yards.
Alexandria, LA - Jade Neves of New Orleans completed a rare and impressive double on Sunday, winning the 97th Louisiana Women’s Amateur Championship at OakWing Golf Club with a 3 & 1 victory over Abigail McWilliams of Benton. Neves, who is also the reigning Louisiana Girls’ Junior Amateur Champion, now holds both of the state’s most prestigious female amateur titles simultaneously.
Neves entered match play as the No. 1 seed and proved worthy of the ranking, delivering a composed and confident performance in the final match. After going 1 up with a win on the first hole, she faced adversity early, incurring a loss-of-hole penalty on the second hole. But the 15-year-old responded like a veteran.
“I just tried to stay in it, hit my shots close, and make the putts,” said Neves.
She seized momentum on the par-4 6th hole, which played just 250 yards. Neves nearly drove the green and then chipped in for eagle, a turning point that energized her round and put pressure on her opponent.
“My dad told me it was only 250 to the hole, so I said, ‘I’m gonna hit my driver,’” Neves recalled. “It rolled up nicely, and I was able to make the chip.”
From there, Neves stayed in control. She finished with one eagle, five birdies, and just one bogey on the day. It was an impressive stat line under any circumstances, but especially in a championship match.
Her short game played a critical role. “My putting and chipping were really solid this week,” she said. “That helped a lot, especially in match play when the momentum can shift so quickly.”
Neves sealed the match on the par-3 17th hole, draining a birdie putt to clinch the title. “It was the perfect amount of speed. It just fell in. That was a good putt,” she said. She also thanked her caddie for being a calming presence throughout the week. “He definitely helped me on the greens. It was nice having that support.”
Neves advanced to the championship match with a 2 & 1 win over Nicole Crochet (Baton Rouge) in the semifinals and a quarterfinal victory over Maci Williams (Brusly). McWilliams had a strong showing of her own, defeating Julie Harrison (Baton Rouge) 2 up in the quarters and upsetting No. 2 seed Shannon Hudson (Vinton) 2 & 1 in the semis.
With this win, Jade Neves becomes one of the few players in LGA history to simultaneously hold the Women’s Amateur and Girls’ Junior Amateur titles, solidifying her position as one of Louisiana’s brightest young golf talents.
The Louisiana Golf Association extends its congratulations to Jade Neves and thanks all players, volunteers, and the staff at OakWing Golf Club for a fantastic championship week.
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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Maili Bartz
Director of Marketing and Communications