August 24, 2024 | Maili Bartz
A look into the first round of the 25th Louisiana Net Amateur Championship held at Tamahka Trails Golf Club in Marksville, Louisiana on Saturday, August 24, 2024.
Championship Links: First Round Results| Photo Gallery |Final Round Tee Times
64 players competed in the first round of the 25th Louisiana Net Amateur Championship held at Tamahka Trails Golf Club in Marksville, Louisiana. Tee times began this morning at 7:30 AM off the 1st tee. The course played to a par 71 at 6382 yards for the Men’s Division and a par 72 at 5267 yards for the Women’s Division.
Marksville, LA – In the opening round of the 25th Louisiana Net Amateur Championship, Don Thompson of Woodworth emerged as the clear leader, delivering a remarkable performance with a score of five-under-par 66. Thompson’s highlight of the day was an eagle on hole 11 at Tamahka.
Trailing closely behind is Jacob Mercante of Ponchatoula, who finished at one-under-par, while Eric Lavespere of Monroe sits in third place at two-over-par.
In the Women’s Division, Cynthia Griffin leads with an impressive score of one-over-par 73. Griffin secured her top spot with an eagle on hole 18, putting her two shots ahead of the current runner-up, Tina Chin-Griffin, who stands at three-over-par heading into tomorrow’s final round. April Prestenbach of Baton Rouge follows in third place at four-over-par.
The championship’s Flighted Men’s Division is divided into three flights: the St. Andrew’s Flight, the Troon Flight, and the Carnoustie Flight. In the St. Andrew’s Flight, Eric Lavespere leads at two-over-par. Don Thompson tops the Troon Flight at five-under-par, and Jacob Mercante leads the Carnoustie Flight at one-under-par.
The weather and hospitality were exceptional today at Tamahka Trails Golf Club. The Louisiana Golf Association would like to extend its gratitude to Kevin Michael and his staff for their outstanding hospitality.
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