St. Louis’ Kuehn opens with two victories

Published 6:21 am Sunday, March 12, 2017

Perhaps the hottest prep golfer in the area is St. Louis Catholic High senior Logan Kuehn.

He’s won his last two tournaments, winning the title in the Mardi Gras Classic at the Farm D’Allie golf course by three shots (he shot 68) and the two-day Beau Chene High Classic at the Beau Chene Country Club in Mandeville by five shots (78-73).

Logan has focused more on improving his game this season, said his coach, Pat Neck.

“I think his improvement can be attributed to a couple of things,” Neck said. “In the past he had always been an all-around athlete who played multiple sports and played them well. He had a significant knee injury which required a couple of surgeries. Because of this he was unable to play his other sports and decided to focus more of his time and efforts to improving his game this past offseason.

“He played with Bear’s (Suarez) team, got fitted for all of his clubs and his game has taken off. He’s always hit the ball long, but is now more consistent. His short game and his putting are both outstanding.”

Neck added that Kuehn has received a couple of Division I college offers but is still deciding where he wants to go to college.

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Another local golfer who has seen his game improve is Charles Duhon.

In two of his latest rounds, the 70-year-old shot one stroke better than his age and then shot his age.

“I played a round at The National with a couple of guys from Texas that I met on the course,” he said. “I shot 34 on the front and was 1-under par going into the par-5 No. 17. I holed my third shot for eagle from 55 yards out and finished with a 69, one better than my age.

“Last week at Frasch, I was playing in a foursome that included Blood (Bill Jongbloed). I birdied Nos. 5, 6 and 8 on the front for a 33 and on the back made all pars through 17. On the 18th hole I missed an 8-foot putt that would have given me another 69. But I was plenty happy with shooting a 70.”

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If you ever wanted to hit $1,000 golf clubs, here’s your chance.

The National has a demo and fitting day scheduled for the Parsons Extreme Golf clubs. It will be from 1-6:30 p.m. on March 23.

From what I have read, these clubs are among the most expensive.

Club pro Dave Kaspar said those interested can scheduled a one-hour fitting appointment (call the pro shop) or may walk up and experiment with the equipment on the range.

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The annual Sheriff Tony Mancuso/Louisiana High School Athletic Association tournament is scheduled to be played April 21 at Frasch Park in Sulphur.

The event is a four-person scramble and will have shotgun starts at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. The entry fee is $420 per team.

All proceeds support the LHSAA’s programs for female high school athletes and for recognition programs for the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies.

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A lone hole-in-one was recorded last week and it was by St. Louis senior golfer Peyton Huval. He made his first ace on the 137-yard sixth hole at Gray Plantation using an 8-iron.

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Mallard Cove will sponsor its annual men’s golf association renewal tournament this week. It’s a two-man shamble. Players can compete either Thursday or Friday. The entry fee is $50 plus course costs with $25 going for the year’s MGA dues.

Upcoming

March 26 — McNeese fundraiser, Lake Charles Country Club.

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Louis Bonnette has written about local golf for the American Press since 1971. His column appears each Sunday. Contact him at 274-5689 or lbonnette@mcneese.edu