May 7, 2024 | Maili Bartz
Lafayette, LA – The Louisiana Golf Association (LGA) received an impressive 291 entries for the 105th Louisiana Amateur Championship presented by Louisiana National Bank at The Country Club of Louisiana scheduled for June 6th – 9th. 291 is tied for the second highest number of entries in the history of the championship that dates back to 1920. The LGA also received 291 entries in 2000. This marks the fourth occasion that The Country Club of Louisiana has been honored to host the Louisiana Amateur Championship. The Jack Nicklaus designed course first hosted the state’s most prestigious amateur championship in 1999 (also in 2006 and 2017). Notably, it holds the distinction of boasting the highest number of entries in championship history, with a staggering 353 Louisianans applying to play (all time record) in that 1999 championship. This year’s entry numbers are once again an indication of CCLA’s reputation as an elite facility and those that are fortunate enough to make it through sectional qualifying are in for a treat. With 30 exempt players and 243 players in sectional qualifying, competition for the 114 remaining spots will be intense. Baton Rouge will host 144 top amateur players in a thrilling 72-hole championship to determine the state’s top amateur golfer.
“Statewide interest in competing in our Amateur Championship remains strong and contributes to a competitive field,” said LGA Executive Director Logan Ray. “The Country Club of Louisiana is a fantastic venue. These historic entry numbers are a testament to the quality of the golf course, and the experience that players will receive from the host club is going to be memorable. We look forward to conducting sectional qualifying and returning to CCLA in June with an exemption into the U.S. Amateur on the line for our champion.” The LGA is pleased to once again refund all unsuccessful qualifiers $100 back from their $250 entry fee.
Highlighting the strong field this year are several former champions, including defending Champion Jake Marler. Marler won the 104th Louisiana Amateur at Southern Trace Country Club in Shreveport, Louisiana by three strokes in deciding fashion, staving off runner-up finishers Hunter Battles of Ruston and Jay Mendell of Lafayette.
Other former Champions who are exempt and in the field are: three-time Champion John Humphries of Woodworth (2003, 2019, and 2020), and Greg Berthelot of Baton Rouge (2022 and 2011 Champion). These former Champions are looking to add another Championship to their stellar resumes and are expected to be in contention throughout the championship.
The eldest players to enter this year’s qualifiers are Gary Brewster, 70, of Metairie and David Duhon, 70, of Carencro. The youngest player to enter this year is Callum Mucklow, 13, from Baton Rouge. The first player to sign up was Nathaniel Meeks on February 1st at 1:15 AM and the last player to sign up was Davis Dicharry at 4:59:33 PM, just before the 5:00 PM deadline on May 7th.
To be eligible, a player must have a Handicap Index not exceeding 8.0 and be an active member of the Louisiana Golf Association. Sectional qualifying, which will be played over 18 holes at 8 sites across Louisiana, will take place between May 11 – May 20. A field of 144 players will tee it up in the championship proper at The Country Club of Louisiana. The field will be cut to the low 60 scorers and ties for competition on Saturday and Sunday, June 8 – June 9. The champion will earn an exemption into the U.S. Amateur at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minnesota August 12-18.
AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIYING SITES AND DATES
Monroe Area Qualifier May 11 Bayou Desiard Country Club
Lafayette Area Qualifier May 13 The Wetlands
Baton Rouge Area Qualifier May 13 Santa Maria Golf Club
New Orleans Area Qualifier May 13 English Turn Golf & Country Club
Alexandria Area Qualifier May 16 OakWing Golf Club
Houma Area Qualifier May 19 Ellendale Country Club
Lake Charles Area Qualifier May 20 Greywood Golf and Racquet Club
Shreveport Area Qualifier May 20 Huntington Park
More information about the 105th Louisiana Amateur Championship presented by Louisiana National Bank at The Country Club of Louisiana here:
Following the conclusion of all the qualifiers, pairings and starting times for the first two rounds of the Championship will be posted on or about May 27.
Here’s the complete list of the 30 golfers who are fully exempt and set to compete in the 105th Louisiana Amateur:
| Joshua | Achord |
| Walter | Anderson |
| Hunter | Battles |
| Charlie | Bell |
| Kyle | Bennett |
| Greg | Berthelot |
| Jeff | Calloway |
| Griffin | Dorr |
| Ryan | Dupuy |
| Landen | East |
| Josh | Fullilove |
| Ryan | Fulton |
| Grayson | Glorioso |
| Jason | Humphries |
| John | Humphries |
| Jarrod | Johnson |
| Eric | Lavespere |
| Jace | Lejeune |
| Jake | Marler |
| Noah | McWilliams |
| Robby | McWilliams |
| Jay | Mendell |
| Matt | Nicholas |
| Andrew | Noto |
| Chance | Snell |
| Carter | Schmitt |
| Colby | Sullivan |
| George | Trappey |
| Kyle | Traub |
| Matt | Weber |