A respectful day for Tommy Moore’s memory and the growth of golf

When I think back of the great golf moments in my 34 year relationship with New Orleans golf, Tommy Moore is at the top.  It was a fitting tribute that we start the Tommy Moore New Orleans PGA Junior Open at Lakewood where Tommy honed his golf skills. 

Moore’s golf skills that took him to great heights including the # 1 ranking in the USA in junior golf, a Louisiana Amateur Championship, 3 times an NCAA All-American at Oklahoma State and also a NCAA Championship team title.  Tommy was the ultimate leader on-and-off the golf course, so it it is no surprise he was also an NCAA Academic All-American.

One of my favorite golf moments was when Tommy as an amateur finished 8th in the New Orleans Open.  No one was surprised when he finished second at PGA Tour Qualifying School and had four top ten finishes in his first year.  He went on to win the Boise Open on the Nationwide Tour.  The one surprise to us all was that Tommy left us too young at 35 to a rare blood disease in 1998.  Tommy accomplished so much and overcame every hurdle that came his way, he just not could overcome the last one.

A legacy as rich as Tommy’s should never be forgotten.  When we reached out to some of Tommy’s friends and presented our concept on starting this tournament, the support was overwhelming.  PGA Tour Veteran Kelly Gibson, our honorary tournament chairman, grew up with Tommy and his impact was vital.  The list of sponsors became a who’s who in golf and business, all with a relationship to Tommy.  We had a full field of junior golfers and I do feel we accomplished our goal, Tommy Moore will never be forgotten.

Results for the Inaugural Tommy Moore New Orleans PGA Junior Open

Gulf States Section PGA

Lakewood Golf Club – New Orleans

NOTE: 68 Participants

Boys 16-18

1st – Brooks Weaver – 72*

2nd – Matthew Frank – 72

3rd – Evans Haile – 74

* Won first playoff hole

Boys – 14-15

1st – Jonathan Meyer – 72

2nd – Hunter Hale – 77

3rd – Nick Ingles – 78

Boys – 12-13

1st – Price Butcher – 75

2nd – William Meyers – 77

3rd – Colin Troxler – 78

Boys – 9-11- Nine Holes

1st – Daniel Pillai – 44

2nd – Addison Bui – 51

3rd – Beren Brechtel – 52

Girls 16-18

1st – Pair Noibnchong – 79

2nd – Jennifer Nguyen – 81

3rd – Charlotte McLoughlin – 93

Girls – 14-15

1st – Mary Chauvin – 90

2nd – Miriam Parker – 93

3rd – Elizabeth Borda – 94

Girls 12-13 – Nine Holes

1st – Madeline Gordon – 44

2nd – Irelan Crosby – 66

Girls 9-11 – Nine Holes

1st – Karrington Knight – 57

2nd – Madeline Boudreau – 61