Eddie Lyons of Shreveport took care of business at his home club
(Louisiana Golf Association photo)

To win at his home club in his hometown made this victory especially sweet for Lyons. Southern Trace has hosted a number of LGA Championships over the years, including the Amateur and Mid-Amateur; however, this is the first time the Arthur Hills designed track has hosted the State Senior Amateur. Lyons had this event circled on his calendar as soon as it was announced as a future site. Lyons said, “I was thrilled for the opportunity to play on my home course. It helps when you know what those four foot putts do. I putted well today and was able to hang on and grind out a victory.” For the 54-hole Championship, Lyons carded one eagle, ten birdies, thirty-four pars, eight bogeys, and one double bogey.

The start of the final round was delayed 5 hours and 30 minutes due to inclement weather. The Tournament Committee made the decision to have a “shotgun start” at 1:00 PM once the weather subsided. However, to keep the integrity of the event intact, the final three pairings teed off #1 in groups of three in nine minute intervals so that the leaders went off last. All players within eleven shots of the lead were able to start their round on the first hole. The golf course took on an inch of rain Saturday morning, but it quickly drained and scoring conditions were ideal due to the softer turf.

Lyons got off to a rocky start, making a bogey 6 at the par 5 first hole. He quickly bounced back with a birdie at the par 4 2nd hole. He would then go on to make five consecutive pars and another birdie at the par 5 8th hole. Lyons parred the par 4 9th hole, making the turn at one-under par for his round. Lyons started his back nine in steady fashion and made four consecutive pars. Things got interesting when Lyons made back-to-back bogeys on holes 14 and 15, leaving the door open for Land to sneak in. Lyons responded with three pars to finish, bringing his final round total to one-over par 73.

Rounding out the top 5 were: T3) 2016 LGA Senior Amateur Champion Ken Buchan of Monroe (217), T3) 2007 & 2010 LGA Senior Amateur Champion Bob Cooper of Monroe (217), and 5) Stan Humphries of Monroe (218).

As previously mentioned, this year’s Championship was conducted at Southern Trace Country Club. This was the first year that the Senior Amateur was conducted in May, and competitors welcomed the move to Spring. Superintendent Jason Rouk and his crew did a phenomenal job getting the golf course in Championship condition. The golf course drew rave reviews from this field of the top Senior players in Louisiana. The Southern Trace course played to a par of 72 at approximately 6,684 yards on Saturday, and the greens were rolling at 10.7 on the Stimpmeter.