Low Rounds Highlight Opening Day of Summer Kickoff at Koasati Pines

Maili Bartz
May 31
3 min read

A look into the first round of the Summer Kickoff at Koasati Pines presented by Edwin Watts Golf held at Koasati Pines Golf Club in Kinder, Louisiana on Saturday, May 31, 2025.

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88 players competed in the first round of the Summer Kickoff at Koasati Pines presented by Edwin Watts Golf held at Koasati Pines 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 6,673 yards for the Overall Boys Division and approximately 5,661 yards for the Overall Girls and Boys 11-13 Division.

Kinder, LA - The 2025 Summer Kickoff at Koasati Pines, presented by Edwin Watts Golf, got off to a thrilling start on Saturday as junior golfers from Louisiana and Texas lit up the leaderboard at Koasati Pines at Coushatta. The highly anticipated event—co-hosted by the Louisiana Junior Golf Tour (LJGT), Southern Texas PGA (STPGA), and Gulf States PGA—showcased elite talent across three age divisions, with red numbers and highlight-reel golf from start to finish.

Boys 11–13 Division: Ramsey Fires 67 to Take Solo Lead

Grey Ramsey of Choudrant (Class of 2030) delivered a standout performance on Saturday, firing a 5-under-par 67 to seize the first-round lead in the Boys 11–13 Division. Ramsey racked up six birdies, including impressive back-to-back stretches on holes 4 and 5 as well as 10 and 11, keeping his card clean and his composure sharp.

Just one shot back is Owen Lejeune of Baton Rouge (2030), who matched Ramsey’s poise with a steady 4-under 68, featuring just a single blemish. Eli Knighton of Shreveport (2030) remains firmly in contention after a strong 2-under 70, setting the stage for a thrilling final round on Sunday.

Overall Boys 13–18: Bird Soars with Opening 67

Andrew Bird of Nacogdoches, TX (Class of 2028) surged to the top of the Boys 13–18 Division leaderboard with a stellar 5-under-par 67 at Koasati Pines. Bird’s round featured a consistent front nine of 35 and an impressive back nine of 32, highlighted by four birdies and flawless play down the stretch.

Trailing Bird by five strokes is a trio of players tied at even-par 72. Maddox Mowad of Monroe (2027) posted a balanced round of 36-36, while Brayden Akers of Livingston, TX (2026) rebounded from a tough front nine with a strong 32 on the back. Micah Stewart of Alvin, TX (2027) also remained steady throughout the day, carding nines of 35 and 37 to stay in contention. Foster Cecka of Port Neches, TX (2027) also joined the tie for second after a round of 37–35, highlighted by a pair of birdies on the back nine to close strong.

With a tightly packed leaderboard and several players within striking distance, the final round promises plenty of drama as the field chases Bird for the title.

Overall Girls 13–18: Goodwin in Control at Koasati Pines

Grace Goodwin of Bossier City (Class of 2027) leads the Girls 13–18 Division after a composed 2-under-par 70, featuring birdies on holes 3, 5, 6, and 18. Her balanced round of 35-35 showcased steady play and poise, setting the pace in a tightly contested field.

Vivian Volion of Springfield (2025) sits just two shots back after an even-par 72, bolstered by birdies on holes 1, 4, 12, and 18. Isabella Reeves of Zachary (2030) rounds out the top three with a 78 (+6) heading into the final round.

With tight leaderboards and low numbers across the board, Sunday’s final round promises a dramatic finish to the Summer Kickoff at Koasati Pines. This event marks a standout collaboration between three junior golf powerhouses—LJGT, STPGA, and the Gulf States PGA—and is made possible through the generous support of Edwin Watts Golf.

About the Louisiana Junior Golf Tour

The Louisiana Junior Golf Tour is dedicated to promoting junior golf and developing those junior golfers in the region. Through tournaments, clinics, and educational programs, the tour provides young golfers with opportunities to improve their skills, compete at a high level, and foster a lifelong love for the game. The Louisiana Junior Golf Tour is committed to giving back to young golfers, while also instilling values of sportsmanship, integrity, and camaraderie among its participants.