Connor Cassano of Shreveport successfully defended his Louisiana Amateur Championship title, closing with an even-par 70 to win the 107th Louisiana Amateur Championship by one stroke at Metairie Country Club.
The University of Cincinnati sophomore finished at 4-under 276 after rounds of 74-65-67-70, becoming the first player since Grady Brame Jr. to win consecutive Louisiana Amateur titles. Brame, of Baton Rouge, captured back-to-back championships in 2014 at Le Triomphe Golf & Country Club and 2015 at Bayou DeSiard Country Club.
Cassano, ranked 873rd on the AmateurGolf.com Rankings, entered the final round three shots behind Brame, who vaulted into the lead with a course-record 8-under 62 in the third round. The championship turned on the par-3 17th hole, where Cassano made birdie while Brame made triple bogey, creating a four-shot swing that put the defending champion in control.
The victory added another chapter to Cassano's Louisiana Amateur success. In 2025, he captured his first title, forcing a playoff with Landen East of Sulphur after both players finished at 19-under par. On the second extra hole, the par-5 18th, Cassano got up-and-down from a greenside bunker for birdie to secure the championship.
Three Baton Rouge players joined Cassano under par for the championship. Greg Berthelot, the 2024 Louisiana Amateur champion, and Carter Schmitt tied for runner-up at 3-under 277. Berthelot posted rounds of 73-67-68-69, while Schmitt carded 69-68-69-71.
Brame finished fourth at 2-under 278 after rounds of 72-69-62-75.
The victory earned Cassano an exemption into the 2026 U.S. Amateur Championship at Merion Golf Club.