January 31st, 2024 | Logan Ray
Lafayette, LA – The Louisiana Golf Association (LGA) today announced a new partnership with Louisiana National Bank (LNB) to be the presenting sponsor of the 105th Louisiana Amateur Championship. With its mantra of “Uncommon Banking,” Louisiana National Bank’s emphasis on local relationships has placed it in a strong position for sustained growth and service throughout the state. LNB offers personal and business banking options and currently has seven locations throughout north and south Louisiana. An FDIC member, Louisiana National Bank was recently recognized at a national level and named a Top Lender for 2023 by the Independent Community Bankers of America.
Brian Woodard, president and CEO of LNB sees this partnership as a great opportunity for growth. “Like the Louisiana Golf Association, LNB also got it’s start in North Louisiana. Since 1905, we’ve supported communities primarily in North Louisiana, yet were always eager for opportunities to work with customers across the state. As our business in South Louisiana grew, in 2021 we opened a Baton Rouge branch of LNB and an Ensure Agency (sister company and insurance agency) location to better serve our customers. Partnering with LGA, a statewide organization, allows LNB to connect with new communities and opportunities.”
“We are pleased to partner with a reputable company that proactively supports local projects that give back to the community,” said LGA Executive Director Logan Ray.
“This partnership with Louisiana National Bank will help the LGA with its mission of promoting and advancing golf in Louisiana. We pride ourselves on conducting the best amateur championships in the region and know that this partnership will help us maintain that elite level and further enhance the player experience at the state am. It’s going to be a can’t-miss event for our members.”
The 105th Louisiana Amateur Championship presented by Louisiana National Bank will be conducted at The Country Club of Louisiana (CCLA) in Baton Rouge, June 6th-9th. We are sensing a theme here! LOUISIANA and our first-class hospitality will be showcased at this prestigious championship as the best amateur golfers in that state take on the Jack Nicklaus designed CCLA course. This challenging 18-hole, par 72 course will play 7,100 yards long and will provide a stern but fair test. Beautiful lakes and impressive oak trees line this shotmakers course, and it’s MiniVerde Bermuda greens are always in excellent condition. CCLA, which opened in 1986 has hosted the state amateur three times previously (1999, 2006, and 2017). The 1999 championship still holds the record for most entries with 353 players applying to play. Derek Busby of Ruston won the 2017 championship with a score of 272. CCLA also hosted the Louisiana Women’s Amateur in 2019.
NEW THIS YEAR
- The Louisiana Amateur Champion will earn an exemption into the 124th U.S. Amateur Championship at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minnesota.
- The prize purse will also increase with this year’s champion winning $1,000 (the most allowed by the Rules of Amateur Status).
There will be eight qualifying sites for the 105th Louisiana Amateur Championship:
Monroe Bayou DeSiard Country Club | May 11
Baton Rouge Santa Maria | May 13
Lafayette The Wetlands | May 13
New Orleans English Turn Golf & Country Club | May 13
Alexandria OakWing Golf Club | May 16
Houma Ellendale Country Club | May 19
Lake Charles Graywood Golf Club | May 20
Shreveport Querbes Park Golf Course | May 20
Registration opens February 1 at LGAgolf.org. LGA members with a Handicap Index of 8.0 or less are eligible to apply to play.
For media inquiries or more information, please contact:
Maili Bartz
Director of Marketing and Communications
maili@lgagolf.org
About Louisiana National Bank (LNB)
Louisiana National Bank, originally chartered as First National Bank in 1905 in Arcadia, Louisiana, is proud of 100-plus years of service to the people and surrounding communities. Louisiana National Bank is also very proud to still be locally owned and operated, which allows for personalized and prompt customer service. As a full-service banking institution for over 100 years, Louisiana National Bank is dedicated to promoting the economic vitality of the regions they serve.
With its roots deep in the community, Louisiana National Bank continues to prioritize its relationships with small business owners across the state. Small businesses bring character and uniqueness to communities, and when local businesses succeed, communities thrive. Equal Housing Lender. Member FDIC
About the Louisiana Golf Association (LGA)
The stated mission of the LGA is: “To foster the enhancement and expansion of amateur golf through the development of member and information services, the promotion of opportunities for all who want to play, and the protection of the game’s integrity and valued traditions.” While the LGA provides numerous peripheral benefits and services to approximately 90 Member Clubs and 18,000 individual members its core services include World Handicap System (WHS) approved course and slope rating services to all Louisiana golf courses, administration of 30 LGA Championship events, 8 USGA Championship Qualifiers, 12 junior tour events, oversight and administration of the WHS in Louisiana, and upholding the integrity of the Rules of Golf and Amateur Status. The LGA is the only USGA partner and Allied Golf Association of record in the state.