July 10, 2012 — Alexandria, LA — The Links on the Bayou in Alexandria will host the 55th edition of the Louisiana Golf Association Junior Amateur Championship June 11-13.  94 players from across Louisiana comprise the field that will compete in the Overall Championship and four Age-Group divisions.  The Overall Championship will be conducted over 54 holes while the Age-Group divisions will crown their winners over 36 holes Wednesday and Thursday.

Two-time defending Champion Chuck Spears of Alexandria turned 18 last month and is ineligible to again defend the title, ensuring that someone else will take home this, the most prestigious Junior Championship in the state.

Favorites this year include Philip Barbaree of Shreveport, who finished fourth last year at Beaver Creek GC in Zachary; Blake Caldwell of Ponchatoula, T5 last year; Sam Burns of Shreveport, who finished eighth in 2011; Peyton McCulloch of Zachary, who finished ninth at Beaver Creek; and Shane Fontenot of Lake Charles, T12 in 2011.

The Links on the Bayou course will play to a par of 72 at just over 6,700 yards.  Even though the course took on over four inches of rain on Monday, it is in great shape and will challenge these Louisiana junior golfers. 

“We are extremely pleased to come to central Louisiana for this Championship and are indebted to the city of Alexandria, Director of Golf David Meyer, and superintendent Jerrett Watson for their hospitality this week.  The staff at Links on the Bayou has gone out of their way to provide a great venue for this Championship,” said LGA Director of Championship Operations Logan Ray.

The Championship kicks off Wednesday morning, July 11, at 7:30 a.m., off both #1 and #10 tees.  Age Group divisions begin play at Noon on Wednesday.

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