TEAM MISSISSIPPI CLAIMS THIRD STRAIGHT MACKEL CUP

NEW ORLEANS, LA – February 23rd, 2026: Team Mississippi hangs on during a blustery Mackel Cup to win its third straight Mackel Cup over Team Louisiana. In a Ryder Cup Format, point leaders from the Mississippi Chapter PGA and the Louisiana Chapter PGA compete for the honor of holding the Mackel Cup. The two-day competition is in honor of the late, great Frank Mackel, PGA, who was the longtime Pro at Bayou Oaks at City Park.

Round 1 four-ball took place at the South Course at Bayou Oaks, which was primed for competition with superb course conditions. Sunday brought one of the windiest days of 2026 in New Orleans with gusts up to 35mph. Honorary GSPGA President Jake Narro, PGA, who was competing for Team Louisiana, reported hitting a 9-iron from 101 yards. 

A back-and-forth Day 1 led to Team Mississippi taking an 11-10 lead over Team Louisiana into Day 2, which was set to be held at the revered Metairie Country Club. As tradition at the end of the first day of The Mackel Cup, both teams, staff, sponsors, and the Mackel Family join together for dinner & drinks at Acme Oyster House just steps off of Bourbon Street. History states that whichever team can keep the other in the French Quarter longer usually fares better on Day 2, with an early wake-up call set for the final day of the competition.

Day 2 consists of singles matches with all 28 players facing off in 14 separate matches. The wind proved to be a force again, along with cold conditions on the famed Seth Raynor track. Nevertheless, some tremendous golf was played with tight matches throughout and even a Ace on the Par 3 17th “Short” from Team Louisiana’s Grayson Glorioso, who went on to win his match 5&3. Some early red indicated a Team Louisiana charge, but Team Mississippi held strong, winning 3 of the last 4 matches to secure their 33-30 hard-fought victory over Team Louisiana and retaining the cup for 2026. 

The Gulf States PGA must thank everyone involved in this annual event, starting with the Mackel Family, Ed Carlisle, PGA, & Chip Sullivan, PGA at Bayou Oaks, Nic Ishee, PGA at Metairie CC, Jeff Morici with Johnnie O & Branded Bills, Eddie Welch with Titleist, and James Fuselier with FootJoy.

We look forward to seeing you at our next event, the GSPGA Stroke Play Series at Laurel CC on March 2nd & the GSPGA Teaching & Coaching Summit at Beau Chene CC on March 16th.

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