July 12, 2024 | Maili Bartz
A look into the final round of 59th Louisiana Girl’s and 67th Louisiana Junior Amateur Championships held at Mallard Golf Club in Lake Charles, Louisiana on Friday, July 12, 2024.
Championship Links: Final Round Results (Boys)|Final Round Results (Girls) | Photo Gallery
126 players competed in the final round of the 59th Louisiana Girl’s and 67th Louisiana Junior Amateur Championships held at Mallard Golf Club. Tee times began this morning at 7:30 AM off the 1st and 10th tee. The course played to a par 72 at 6,803 yards for the Overall Boys Championship and a par 72 at 5,621 yards for the Overall Girls Championship.
Lake Charles, LA – The weather remained stable for the final round of today’s championship. Jade Neves of New Orleans is the official 59th Louisiana Girls’ Junior Amateur Champion. Neves had an outstanding day, starting the round three shots behind the lead. She not only had a bogey-free round but also carded three birdies on holes 6, 10, and 13 at Mallard Golf Club. One might think that such immaculate play would have been enough to secure her the top spot, but it led her into a two-hole playoff with Denham Springs native Evelynn Artieta, as both wrapped up their initial 18 holes at one-over par.
Artieta, who was the round leader after yesterday’s play, encountered more trouble today, shooting a 36 on both the front and back nine, finishing at even par and sending her into the playoff. Neves and Artieta played their first playoff hole on the par-4 first hole at Mallard Golf Club. Both players saved par, leading to the final playoff hole on the par-4 second hole. Neves made par while Artieta made bogey, making Neves the ultimate champion and Artieta runner-up. Finishing in third was Maci Williams of Brusly at eigh-over par for the championship.
Drew Sliman of Lafayette continued his exceptional play from yesterday, shooting 4-under with six birdies on holes 2, 4, 9, 13, 15, and 17, putting him at ten-under for the overall championship. Sliman showcased incredible skill throughout the championship, earning him not only the trophy but also an exemption into the 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, on July 22-27. Sliman kept the trophy in the 337 area code, following in the footsteps of reigning champion Kale Fontenot, who also brought the trophy back to Lafayette, Louisiana.
Finishing in second place was Dax Reaux of Breaux Bridge at 6-under par, with a bogey-free front nine, six birdies, and one bogey during today’s round. In third place was James Holtsclaw, the low-round shooter for the tournament, at five-under par. Holtsclaw shot a 66 during today’s final round, going bogey-free and carding six birdies.
This year’s championship at Mallard Golf Club was truly amazing. The Louisiana Golf Association would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mallard Golf Club and its staff for their hospitality and for providing an exquisite setting for this year’s Junior Amateur Championships.
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.
For Media Inquiries:
Maili Bartz
Director of Marketing and Communications