Montreuil and Esparza Crowned Champions at the Alamo Shootout
Bandera – Ben Montreuil wins in convincing fashion, ending 9 strokes ahead of 2nd place. Montreuil shot an impressive 67 and 70 to card a 7-under score for the weekend. Alyssa Esparza took control of the lead during the final round on the back 9, finishing with days of 76 and 73, for a +5 victory.
Round Rock’s Ben Montreuil was clean and efficient all week, carding just 4 bogeys over his victorious weekend. After Montreuil shot the low round of 67 on Saturday, he started his final round with a clean 3-under front 9, and a birdie on the back. He would give just 2 bogeys on the last two holes, while already having the tournament in hand. Ben finishes the 2025 LJT season strong with his Alamo Shootout win, leading into a busy 2026 season with high school and junior tour golf, before he heads to Sam Houston State next fall.
In the Girls Division, Laredo’s Alyssa Esparza stayed calm throughout the changing weather and charging competitors all day. Esparza was able to use the wind to her advantage, quoting that it would help her distance and roll. Alyssa started the day tied with three other competitors. Carding a 1-over round today was the key to her victory over the girls’ field. While the rest of the competition started to waver, Esparza finished her final 9 holes at even par, a stretch that would take her to the top of the leaderboard and never look back. Esparza will look to continue her success in the Alamo Shootout into the 2026 season.
McAllen’s Rex Flores climbed 14 spots during the final round to finish in 2nd place. After a 75 in the first round, Flores carded 4 birdies en route to a 1-under final round. Dallas’s Charlie Simmons, Sugar Land’s Jake Knobler, and Spring’s Evan Anderson all shot a 147 to finish in a tie. The scorecard playoff saw Charlie Simmons take 3rd, Jake Knobler finish 4th, and Evan Anderson come in 5th.
In the Girls Division, Leander’s Michaela Partridge and Round Rock’s Lindsay Kneer finished tied for 2nd with a total score of 154 10-over. Partridge came from behind during the final round to pass 3 competitors and take 2nd place in a scorecard playoff. After being tied for the lead in the first round, Kneer would keep steady pace, but lose in the scorecard playoff to Partridge, placing her in 3rd.
Event Format: The Alamo Shootout is a 36-hole stroke play event with players competing in two divisions: Boys 12-18 and Girls 12-18. The field was selected based on the order of player registration.
Weather: We started the morning here in Bandera with a 38-minute fog delay, keeping play from beginning until 8:38am. After the fog cleared, so did all the cold weather. Sunny skies and mild winds stayed present throughout the rest of the round, helping golfers stay warm and play well in their final round.
Golf Course: Flying L Golf Course is nestled in the beautiful Texas Hill Country within the Flying L Ranch Resort and suits players of all skill levels. The course originally opened in 1972 and went through a three-year renovation completed in 2024. Major renovations included a total rebuild of all green complexes, a state-of-the-art irrigation system, an additional 60+ bunkers and 200 new trees, new practice areas, and a resurfaced cart path. The course is 6,646 yards from the tips, with majestic hills as a backdrop. There are significant elevation changes and large oaks throughout, making each hole a distinct memory. Flying L Ranch Resort has recently hosted the TGA’s 2025 South Mid-Amateur Championship and will host qualifiers and championships in the future.
What’s next: The LJT starts the 2026 golf season on January 17-18 with the Winter Classic at Dallas Athletic Club in Dallas, TX.
For more information on the Alamo Shootout, click here.