glf.column.bonnette

Published 5:00 am Sunday, May 24, 2020

All area courses are using the new World Handicap System. Mallard Cove was the last one to get on the program due to restrictions forced by the COVID-19 virus.

Gray Little Jr., the secretary of the Mallard Cove men’s golf association, serves as chairman of the club’s handicap committee.

“We have had a handicap system forever,” Little said, “but it was really outdated. With this system a member can now go play on any course in the world as there is now one handicap system.”

He also said the new program keeps an up-to-date listing of handicaps and that the golfer can post scores immediately as well as obtain current handicaps.

In Louisiana, the system, which is governed by the United States Golf Association and the The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, is being run by the Louisiana Golf Association which allows members to obtain their handicaps by phone or computer assistance.

When joining the handicap association, members are given a Golf Handicap Information Network number that allows them to plug into the LGA mobile app and obtain their up-to-date handicap as well as post current scores.

Little said, due to the virus situation which began in March, the MGA decided to reduce this year’s dues. He said members of the handicap committee are usually stationed in the course clubhouse on most mornings during the week so those wishing to join the association can do so.

This new GHIN system services more than 2.3 million golfers and 15,000 golf clubs worldwide.

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Coach Bear Suarez announced last week that three players — George Trappey, Jonathan Perry and Cameron Langley — have joined the local junior travel team, as well as an assistant coach.

Coming aboard as assistant coach is Eric Brown, a former state high school champion when he played at Hamilton Christian Academy. He is completing degree requirements at LSU and will be interning with Suarez as part of his studies.

The team will be in practice mode until beginning its season the early part of June in a tournament at the Clubs of Kingwood (Texas).

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The LGA announced announced an update on the men’s senior amateur championship and the women’s mid-amateur that are to be played at Koasati Pines in Kinder.

The new date for the women’s tournament is Aug. 27-28 and Aug. 27-29 for the men. The deadline for registering for both is 5 p.m. Aug. 18.

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The 144-man field for the Louisiana men’s amateur filled up fast. Qualifying rounds were canceled and entry was first come, first served. The tournament will be played June 11-14 at Bayou Oaks at City Park in New Orleans.

Local golfers in the field include Marcus Bougard, Eric Brown, Jaxson Caldwell, Reid Giardina and Jake Smith.

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One outstanding shot was reported recently, that by Mike Richardson at Mallard Cove. He knocked in a 9-iron from 140 yards for an eagle on No. 6.

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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