Metairie, LA– The 2024 Mackel Cup was held on Monday, May 13th, and Tuesday, May 14th at Bayou Oaks at City Park – South Course and Metairie Country Club. This event is a tribute to the late PGA Professional Frank Mackel. In a Ryder Cup format, point leaders from the Mississippi Chapter PGA and Louisiana Chapter PGA compete for the honor of holding the Mackel Cup.
Round 1 Four-Ball matches were played at Bayou Oaks at City Park – South Course. Round 2 Singles matches were played at Metairie CC. One point was awarded for winning each nine and the top overall score, with a possible total of three points per day per match.
Team members from the Louisiana Chapter PGA included: Reg Adams, Bill Baker, Matt Berry, J.T. Crawford, Robert Flanagan, Marie Gateley, Drew Goff, Billy Holtz, Kristofer Kerr, Grant Landry, Jake Narro, Blaine Patin, Gavin Vegas, Clay Weems, and Brian Williams.
Team members from the Mississippi Chapter PGA included: Leigh Brannan, Matt Brunetz, Joseph Hanko, Blake Hatfield, Jon Howell, Reed Hughes, David Lee, Allan Martel, Quincy Morrison, Rory Nelson, Anthony Price, Ernie Rogers, Ronny Ross, and Olly Thomson.
Team Louisiana held a three-point lead (12-9) heading into the final day at Metairie CC. Team Mississippi mounted a huge comeback during Round 2 Singles matches to win back the Mackel Cup with a final total of 34.5-28.5.
Mississippi Team Captain Blake Hatfield commented “It was a great two days with a lot of camaraderie on both sides and everyone enjoys getting the call to play in this event each and every year. Last night’s pairings party at Acme Oyster House was a lot of fun.” Blake added “He couldn’t thank everyone enough at City Park including Ed Carlisle & Chip Sullivan & Metairie CC including Brandon Stooksbury for hosting the event and how great of shape the golf courses were in. Even with the weather we had to battle the last two days.”
The Gulf States PGA would like to thank Jeff Morici of Johnnie-O, Eddie Welch of Titleist, and James Fuselier of FootJoy for sponsoring the event. The Section also wishes to thank Ed Carlisle, PGA, Chip Sullivan, PGA, & Keith Johnson of Bayou Oaks at City Park and Brandon Stooksbury, PGA, & Drew Street of Metairie Country Club for hosting this year’s event.