JOURNAL SPORTS

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Shreveporter Burke Alford capped off an impressive week on the golf course with a sensational stretch run to capture the 13th annual Magnolia Amateur on Wednesday at the Hattiesburg Country Club.

Alford, a Loyola Prep product who recently completed his third season with the UL-Lafayette golf program, was on fire over the final 11 holes as he carded a four-under-par 67 in the final round Wednesday, finishing at 10-under-203 for the 54-hole event. He was one stroke ahead of incoming Alabama freshman Michael Crocker in the 156-player field.

Alford started the day two shots back and was three shots off the lead standing on the No. 8 tee after making six pars and a bogey on No. 7.

He then caught fire, birding holes 8, 9, 13, 14, and 17 to win the championship by one shot.

Alford stayed out of major trouble through the 54-hole event, recording 12 birdies and only two bogeys. On the final hole, Alford hit his drive into the trees but was able to get up and down for par from what he called “the best shot of my life,” according to the Magnolia Amateur.

He two-putted for par after putting his approach shot to 20 feet from 200 yards out and over water.

Alford, who posted a 74.14 scoring average for the Ragin’ Cajuns in 36 rounds of play in 2023-24, opened the event on Monday with a 3-under-68 before following with a bogey-free round of 3-under-68 on Tuesday.

He will be a senior for the Cajuns in 2024-25.

Alford is currently ranked No. 510 in the Golfweek/AmateurGolf.com U.S. Rankings.

This was the strongest field for the Magnolia Amateur since its inception, said tournament officials.