Columbus, TX- The inaugural Bayou Cup between the LJGT and STPGA took place December 6-7th. The top players from the Louisiana Junior Golf Tour took their talents to Big Easy Ranch in Columbus, Texas to compete against the top players from the Southern Texas PGA Section.
Over the weekend, both teams were able to play 9 holes on The Antler, Big Easy Ranch's par 3 course, and a total of 3 rounds on The Covey, Big Easy Ranch's Championship Golf Course and the #1 new private golf course in America. After speaking to those that were in attendance this weekend, everyone would all agree it lived up to being the #1 new private golf course in America and much more. Big Easy Ranch, who is hosting the 2027 Big 12 Championships, will be a household name in the golf world very soon. What a treat it was for our Louisiana junior golfers and parents who have put a lot of time and effort into playing on the Louisiana Junior Golf Tour in 2025.
The weekend was a fun one for Team LJGT. After arriving at Big Easy Ranch for the practice round on Friday, each player received 3 sets of Adidas branded uniforms, including polos, quarter zips, hats, beanies, and new golf shoes. Each player took a professional headshot upon arrival and began getting accustomed to the first class views of Big Easy Ranch. After a chilly practice round on The Covey, each Team LJGT member received brand new Srixon team bags with their names and the Bayou Cup logo engraved on them. All of this helped elevate the Bayou Cup and give it that professional feel heading into Saturday and Sunday.
Team LJGT performed well on the big stage against good competition. After Saturday morning's Modified Foursome matches on The Antler par 3 course, Team LJGT led Team STPGA 3.5 to 2.5. Players and guests were provided lunch in between the morning and afternoon matches. As Team LJGT made their way into the afternoon Mixed Four-Ball matches, they kept up their stellar play. The 13-18 Girls from Team LJGT paired up with the 15-18 Team LJGT Boys to create four different pairings, while the 13-14 Team LJGT Boys made another two pairings. After the afternoon Mixed Four-Ball matches, Team LJGT extended their lead to 7-5 to conclude day one.
After a team dinner on Saturday night, Team LJGT was fired up for Sunday's singles matches on The Covey. After a player and guest breakfast, and a near 2 hour fog delay, all matches were teed off by 11AM and both teams were looking to bring home their first ever Bayou Cup. Team LJGT jumped out to a hot start and a commanding 12-6 lead, just needing a half point more to secure the Bayou Cup. Team STPGA made a respectable push to make it interesting, but Team LJGT ended up sealing the deal after Louisiana Junior Amateur Champion, Ivan Popp, drained a 30 foot birdie putt to secure the important half point and also The Bayou Cup for Team LJGT. Although Popp secured the final needed point for Team LJGT, the win was a total team effort as each player contributed to bringing the Bayou Cup to Louisiana.
The final tally was 15-9 with Team LJGT winning the inaugural Bayou Cup. 
What an incredible weekend it was at Big Easy Ranch. The LJGT would like to thank the staff at Big Easy Ranch and their members for their first class hospitality and generosity of sharing their championship golf course. We would also like to thank Billy Brown, owner of Big Easy Ranch, and Craig Falgout, Big Easy Ranch club member, who helped the LJGT and STPGA secure this first class site. The LJGT would also like to thank the Southern Texas PGA and their whole team for their collaboration and hard work on the event.
We are already looking forward to the 2026 Bayou Cup! As Team LJGT would say... Boot Up.
About the Louisiana Golf Association
The Louisiana Golf Association is a non-profit 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