Strong Finishes Highlight Final Round at Koasati Pines

6 days ago
4 min read

A look into the final round of the Summer Kickoff at Koasati Pines presented by Edwin Watts Golf, held at Koasati Pines Golf Club in Kinder, Louisiana on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

Junior golfers returned to Koasati Pines for Sunday’s final round of the 2026 Summer Kickoff presented by Edwin Watts Golf. Tee times began at 7:30 AM off both the 1st and 10th tees, as players battled for leaderboard position across three age divisions.

Kinder, LA – The Summer Kickoff concluded in thrilling fashion on Sunday as champions were crowned and final-round changes shook up the standings. Hosted by the Louisiana Junior Golf Tour (LJGT), Southern Texas PGA (STPGA), and Gulf States PGA, the event brought together many talented junior golfers from across Louisiana and neighboring states. With weather struggles during the first round, players were eager and determined to play today, which thankfully, weather held off! The final round delivered a fitting end to one of the season’s premier junior events.

Boys 10-11 Division: Finn McKnight Kept Up His Lead from Round 1 to Secure the Win

Baton Rouge native, Finn McKnight proved himself through a tretoruous first round and a steady final round to get the win under his belt for the Summer Kick-off. McKnight had a strong front nine with 3 birdies and only 1 bogey. During the back nine, he gave 5 birdies, but still stayed above other competiors in his division with a 75 to end the round.

Grey Weir of Stonewall made a strong Sunday push, firing a 75 to climb into second place right under McKnight. Weir shot 3 birdies, 3 bogeys, and only letting 1 double bogey through.

In third place, Reece Huneycutt stepped up from round 1 to make a 79 for the final round, securing him a spot in the top 3. He had a resilient final round highlighted by a birdie, with steady play throughout and overcoming a few costly holes.

Boys 12-13 Division: Landon Lotz with an Astounishing Lead by a Wide Gap

Landon Lotz of Slidell had an impressive round fueled by six birdies and aggressive scoring. Thankfully, bouncing back nicely from two bogeys to card a strong 68. Lotz held a 9 shot gap for first place.

Crew Galambos had a well-balanced round featured two birdies, a momentum-changing eagle on 18, and just two bogeys. Consistent play and timely scoring opportunities helped keep the round on track, finishing with a 70.

Billy Buzzell played a steady round featuring four birdies and solid play throughout the day. Despite three bogeys, he continued to create scoring opportunities and stayed in contention. The consistent performance led to a 71 and a third-place finish.

Boys Overall Division: Micah Stewart Held his First Place Spot Throughout the Weekend

Texas native Micah Stewart played outstanding round of golf, starting off to the perfect start with an eagle on the opening hole. Five birdies and steady play the rest of the way helped overcome two bogeys and maintain control of the leaderboard. The impressive performance led to a 67 and a first-place finish.

Another Texas native, Andrew Bird had an impressive round featuring seven birdies and aggressive scoring throughout the day. Despite three bogeys, the player maintained his spot and stayed near the top of the leaderboard. The strong play resulted in a 68 and a second-place finish.

Cooper Adams out of Houma had a strong round highlighted by three birdies and an eagle that kept him in contention throughout the final round. Despite two bogeys, he tied for 3rd with Alex Roebuck, resulting in a one-hole playoff for 3rd and a ticket into the Bayou Cup. Adams hit a long putt for the win, earning him a 69.

Girls Overall Division: Nirvana Lebaron Stayed at the Top of the Leaderboard for the Girls.

13-year-old Nirvana Lebaron kept her leading position from yesterdays round and keeping it steady throughout today. She recorded five birdies and four bogeys in her final round. She finished with a score of 71, securing her 1st place and earned her a spot in the Bayou Cup.

Zachary native Isabella Reeves made two birdies and two bogeys during her final round today. She finished with a score of 72, earning her spot in second place for the Summer Kick-off.

Coming up in third, Grace Goodwin of Bossier City had another fluctuating round with making four bogeys and two birdies throughout. She locked in a score of 74, earnign her third place.

The Summer Kickoff marks the official start of the 2026 Louisiana Junior Golf Tour season. Players battled a rainy weekend at Koasati Pines, one of the premier junior golf venues in the state. The two-day stroke play championship brought together many of Louisiana and Texas' top junior golfers for early-season competition and set the tone for what promises to be an exciting summer stretch.

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.