NATCHEZ — Grant Glorioso had never played golf at Beau Pré prior to Monday, but for the junior golfer, the course became his best friend Tuesday afternoon when he captured the Gulf States Junior PGA Championship to clinch a spot in the National Junior PGA Championship, one of the biggest junior tournaments available.

“I liked the layout of the course and the greens were fantastic,” Glorioso said. “They were soft, and with the rain today, they became a lot more receptive. I liked it because if you hit good shots, it rewarded you.”

The Metairie, La. resident was rewarded with a four-under on day one and followed up with a one-under on day two to take the tournament.

Entering Tuesday, Glorioso was in a tight race with his playing group and Madison resident Griffin Agent, who ultimately finished in second place.

“I didn’t start off too hot today, but then I birdied seven and eight,” Glorioso said. “I hit a 3-iron up there and hit a good putt, then I two-putted for birdie on eight. I think it really turned around when I started hitting better iron shots on the back nine and got more consistent. I made all pars on the back nine and a birdie, so it was a lot more consistent.”

Agent, who finished four strokes back of Glorioso, said the tight race didn’t really get to him on day two.

“I actually felt more relaxed,” Agent said. “I felt like I could just come out and play my game and see what happens. It was a course you could definitely shoot a low score on, and I may not have shot as low as I wanted to, but I played a good round.”

Agent said the tournament was a good experience for him and he hopes his finish will give him momentum heading into more summer tournaments.

“Obviously my overall goal was to qualify, but that isn’t always going to happen,” Agent said. “I’m very pleased with how I played, I can’t complain about that.”

With the win wrapped up by hole 18, Glorioso said the feeling of sinking his final putt was a great one.

“It was the first time I’ve won a tournament like this, and this is going to be the biggest tournament I’m going to go to, so I’m really looking forward to it,” he said. “I really can’t wait. I’ve got to practice because there is going to be a lot of good people playing in it.”

The National Junior PGA Championship will be played August 3-5 at Miramont Country Club in Bryan, Texas.