Ramsey’s winning streak continues with Junior Amateur Championship win – Lincoln Parish Journal

By Kyle Roberts

Wherever he played in Louisiana this summer, young Gray Ramsey proved he can handle any course and any conditions.

And now he can add Junior Amateur Champion (ages 12-13) to that list and an automatic spot on the Louisiana team for the 2024 Junior River Cup in September after winning the LGA Junior Amateur Championship last week at Mallard Golf Club in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

After a first-round 74, Ramsey went 1-under on the second day and held the field at bay with smart play on 18 to close the day with a one-stroke victory.

Ramsey said he felt he played well overall during the two days in south Louisiana on a course still reeling from rainfall from Hurricane Beryl.

“The greens got better as the tournament went on, and my putting got better,” Ramsey said. “The first day I was struggling to get a putt to the hole, and on the last day my putter started rolling. I think that’s what helped me win.”

Ramsey entered the second day with a three-stroke deficit, but continued to work steadily to take the lead. Finally, with only the Par 5, Hole 18 remaining, Ramsey had a three-stroke lead over the second-place finisher. Not knowing exactly how his nearest opponent finished, as they were in different groups, Ramsey knew he would need a par or bogey to win the day.

“I hit a three-wood off the tee, and then I laid up with a five-iron,” Ramsey said. “I hit an eight-iron just off the green, and then I chipped him in there with a two-putt.”

The bogey sealed the victory for Ramsey, who made seven birdies in 36 holes played.

Ramsey’s win puts him on the 2024 River Cup team, which will be played in September at Mossy Oak Golf Club in West Point, Mississippi. The format is very similar to the team format used in the Ryder Cup.

And for Ramsey, qualifying for the River Cup team is New Year’s resolution number 2 that he can now check off.