NEW ORLEANS – BankPlus, in partnership with the Gulf States PGA, hosted the annual BankPlus Gulf States Open in Metairie, La., this weekend, gathering more than 144 competitors made up of golf professionals and amateurs. This is BankPlus’ second year sponsoring this prestigious golf event and the tournament’s first year in Louisiana.
“Hosting the BankPlus Gulf States Open in Louisiana for the first time is a historic moment for our region and for Louisiana’s golf community,” said Jeff Ehlinger, BankPlus Executive Vice President and President, Louisiana. “BankPlus has continued to invest in Louisiana and its local communities. This sporting event not only brings focus to Louisiana’s golfing community, it also fosters great sportsmanship and camaraderie among both amateur golf enthusiasts and professionals from all over the Gulf South.”
The BankPlus Gulf States Open is part of the Gulf States PGA Tour, a series of golf tournaments organized by the Gulf States Section of the Professional Golfers Association of America. More than 140 players competed in the tournament over three consecutive days. For the final round, only the top players with the best scores were able to vie for the championship title.
“The BankPlus Gulf States Open is really a one-of-a-kind tournament where both professional and amateur players get to showcase their dedication, talent and skills, and it’s also the only event in the PGA series where amateurs have a chance to compete and win against the professionals,” said Jake Narro, President of Gulf States PGA. “We have been thrilled to partner with BankPlus for the second year in a row and it’s a bonus to be able to bring golfers to Louisiana to play on an immaculately conditioned and challenging course.”
The tournament concluded on Sunday with a celebratory ceremony recognizing Hunter Logan from Steens, Mississippi with the overall champion trophy and a cash reward. Other recognitions included the low amateur winner awarded to Lawrence Allan from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
“I’m thrilled to bring this championship title home and to be the first BankPlus Gulf States Open winner in the state of Louisiana,” said Hunter Logan. “It has been a fun and rewarding experience to not only play on such a great course, but to also get the chance to play against the professionals and my fellow golf enthusiasts.”
The BankPlus Gulf States Open was previously held in Madison, Miss., and the 2023 Champion was amateur player and local resident of Madison, David Beard III. This year’s tournament was held at Metairie Country Club’s golf course, famously designed by American golf architect and engineer Seth Raynor, and ranked as one of the top courses in the state by Golf Digest after undergoing a restoration in 2021 led by architect Brian Silva.
“BankPlus would like to congratulate the winner of the 2024 BankPlus Gulf States Open and we also want to thank all the players who traveled here from across the Gulf States to come and play in the great state of Louisiana,” said Ehlinger. “It’s been an honor for BankPlus to host this tournament for the second year, and we look forward to continuing our great partnership with the Gulf States PGA.”
To learn more about BankPlus, visit bankplus.net.
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