Lake Charles, La. - L’Auberge du Lac Hotel & Casino, a new $365-million Texas Hill Country-themed resort, announced the recent classification of Billy Rase as a registered PGA Apprentice.
Rase, the golf operations manager at L’Auberge, passed his playing abilities test March 6. The Professional Golfers’ Association of America national qualifier was held at Timber Creek Country Club in Daphne, Al. The Player’s Ability Test qualifying score was set by the PGA of America at 155 for 36 holes. Rase Shot 76-74 to pass the one day event.
The PGA Apprentice designation means that Rase is able to conduct golf lessons at Contraband Bayou Golf Club, a 7,000 yard, par-71 championship golf course designed by Tom Fazio.
Rase has been with L’Auberge since April 2004. Previously, he was employed by Course Doctors, the contractor hired to build Contraband Bayou Golf Club at L’Auberge.
Rase was a member of the Lamar University golf team in Beaumont, Texas. He also played on the Nichols State golf team in Thibodaux, La. Rase holds a BA in general studies concentration of Agriculture Sciences from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, La.
Rase will begin an extensive self-study program in pursuit of his PGA Class A Professional status. The program consists of an in-depth curriculum including courses in tournament operations, turf grass management, business planning and operation, teaching, merchandising and inventory management and all aspects of golf course operation.