Kyle Edmiston

President/CEO,  Visit Lake Charles

What a journey to get here but what a week to celebrate!!  Reflecting upon the inaugural PGA Korn Ferry Tour Lake Charles Championship that took place last week, I am deeply humbled by the outpouring of support and enthusiasm from the community that catapulted the golf tournament forward despite the barrage of obstacles that were thrown into the mix since the inception of the tournament in 2018. The event was originally slated for March of 2020, but amid the outbreak of the pandemic, tough decisions were made to postpone the event. Who could have guessed that just five months later, the entire destination would be rocked to its core by two major hurricanes, a freeze, and a historic flood? Plans for 2021 were also put on hold as the destination clamored to restore a semblance of normalcy.

Suffice it to say that all the groundwork and the steadfast support of Alex Baldwin, president of the PGA Korn Ferry Tour, the Visit Lake Charles team, Golden Nugget Lake Charles, Bruno Event Team, community sponsors, Office of the Lt. Governor, the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, and the city of Lake Charles pulling together — despite seemingly insurmountable setbacks — paid massive dividends in 2022. The way that Mayor Hunter and the city could see the benefit of this event for the future even amid chaos and turmoil, is to be commended. I also want to personally applaud Lt. Billy Nungesser for his leadership and vision of this event, along with parish officials who paved the way forward so that an event of this magnitude could be realized.

The tour could not be accomplished without an army of people working behind the scenes, with 300 volunteers, along with strong community partnerships. I would like to recognize the hard work of Bruno Events with David Fox, tournament director; Judy McCleary, assistant tournament director; and Steve Nieman, vice president of business development, for their tireless and stalwart dedication. Also, Visit Lake Charles is grateful for the solid partnerships with both Mike Buckley and the staff at Golden Nugget as well as Harold Rowland and the staff at L’Auberge Casino Resort for working together on a variety of aspects to ensure the success of this tournament. Last but certainly not least, I want to thank the staff at Chart House, the pro staff at Country Club at Golden Nugget and the grounds crew at the Country Club for the flawless execution of the tournament hosts.

From the opening crawfish boil for the players on Monday to the final putt in a three-hole playoff by Trevor Werbylo on Sunday afternoon, the inaugural event was filled with excitement, thrills, and too many firsts to name. Clearly, the five-year wait from inception to the first tee shot by Cameron Luck, what an appropriate last name to start the tourney, was well worth it. With more than 150 golfers from all around the world including Australia, Mexico, Japan, Canada, Korea, UK, and India, the opportunity exists to grow the tournament even more and build upon the success of 2022.

As the destination continues to develop, the historic significance of this event should be recognized as it is the first of its kind to be held in the Lake Area. Southwest Louisiana has had a number of award-winning golf courses for years; however, the PGA Korn Ferry Tour elevates the product in the world of golf. With Mallard Golf Club opening earlier this year, improvements at The National Golf Club with the addition of The Max and new clubhouse, and the stellar courses at the Country Club at Golden Nugget and Contraband Bayou at L’Auberge Casino Resort, the annual PGA Korn Ferry Tour Lake Charles Championship drives home the idea of the caliber of golf that can be played in Southwest Louisiana.

Additional partners who came together in lockstep include Ken Francis with Coca Cola Bottling Company, E&J Gallo Winery, Holistic Choice Labs, Stoli Group USA/Bayou Rum, First Federal Bank, B1 Bank, Citadel Completions, Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, CITGO, American Press, Suddenlink, Mike Heinen with Golf Carts Unlimited, Wholesale Electric, Westlake Chemical Group, West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital, Robert Adley, Chemed Corporation, Jared Morris/Dumante, CSRS, Sasol North America, Richard Industrial Group, Meyer and Associates Consulting Engineers, Dr. Ben Peller, Lake Charles Toyota, Lake City Printing, Navarra Jewelry, Iberia Bank, Sanders Pediatric Dentistry, Bubba Oustalet Auto, Apache Industrial Services, Ad Source, Waste Management, Ronnie Johns, The Picard Group, Mike Morin, Market Basket, Bob Anderson, First Horizon Bank, Tony’s Pizza, Powerade, and High Noon Sun Sips.

This event, much like the phoenix rising from the ashes, signifies that SWLA is continuing its comeback story, and our comeback will be far greater than our setback. I know there is still much work to be done in our area, but this past week showed the world through the Korn Ferry Tour that we are coming back with pride and a purpose. With the vast amount of support from local, regional, and national media, along with the countless number of hours generously donated by community volunteers to bolster the tournament, golf in the Lake Area has reached new heights. I would like to invite you to circle March 20-26, 2023, on your calendars for the next PGA Korn Ferry Tour Lake Charles Championship that is sure to build upon the success story and momentum of the inaugural event!