W.E. Cole Cotton States Amateur

The W.E. Cole Cotton States Amateur is a historic and prestigious amateur golf tournament with roots dating back to 1949. It is typically played over four rounds of stroke play with a 36-hole cut after the first two rounds, where the top 44 players plus ties advance to the final two rounds. The event usually attracts a strong field of around 100-120 competitors, including top junior and collegiate players mainly from the Southeastern United States. Qualification is primarily based on player reputation, invitation, and prior tournament performance, with an emphasis on ensuring a competitive, elite amateur field. The course venue has been Bayou DeSiard Country Club in Monroe, Louisiana, hosting the event for many years. The tournament is run by the Bayou DeSiard Country Club and its board of directors, who manage the event operations and field invitations. The Cotton States Amateur is well-known for providing a highly competitive environment that consistently produces future professional golfers.