Low Scores, Long Day: LJGT at The Wetlands Round 1 Recap

Maili Bartz
Jun 12
3 min read

June 12, 2025 | Maili Bartz

A look into the first round of the LJGT at the Wetlands tournament held at the Wetlands Golf Course in Lafayette, Louisiana on Thursday, June 12, 2025.

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77 players competed in the first round of the LJGT at the Wetlands tournament held at the Wetlands Golf Course. Tee times began this morning at 7:30 AM off the 1st tee.

Lafayette, LA - The first round of the LJGT at The Wetlands teed off early Thursday morning, with the Girls Division beginning play at 7:30 AM. Players battled through warm, humid conditions before a weather delay paused play from 10:20 AM to 12:15 PM due to rain. Despite the interruption, the field remained composed and returned to action in the afternoon to complete the round.

Maci Williams of Brusly set the pace in the Overall Girls Division, carding an impressive 1-over-par 73. Williams made the turn at 1-under-par after a strong front nine 35, and held steady on the back nine to claim the solo lead heading into Friday's final round. Tied for second at 3-over-par 75 are Morgan Goudeau of Pineville and Rhyan Marcelissen of Broussard, both staying within striking distance of the lead. Just one shot back in fourth is Ashley Biehl of Metairie, who posted a solid 76 (+4) to remain in contention.

The 11-13 Boys division wasted no time going low in the opening round at The Wetlands. Eli Knighton of Shreveport leads the way after a sharp 4-under-par 68. Knighton was steady all day, posting 34 on both sides with four birdies and no bogeys.

Just two shots back is Landon Lotz of Slidell, Lotz bounced back from bogeys on holes 4 and 12 with birdies on 6, 9, 14, and 17 to keep himself in contention. Fellow Shreveport native Derby Everson sits in solo third after a solid 71 (-1), putting three players under par heading into Friday’s final round.

It was a long day for the Overall Boys Division at The Wetlands, as players battled through not one, but two weather delays—stretching the opening round to over eight hours. Despite the stop-and-start conditions, the leaderboard saw some strong scoring.

Augustin Gros of Metairie handled the delays like a veteran, firing a 4-under-par 68 to take the solo lead. Gros went out in 35 and caught fire on the back nine, closing with a 3-under 33 to top the field.

Ben Hendricks of Covington sits in second after an even-par 72, while Meyer Schopp of Broussard and Kane Hanks of Lake Charles are tied for third at 1-over 73.

With a competitive leaderboard and improved weather expected, the stage is set for an exciting finish in tomorrow’s final round.

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.