Best Golf Courses in New Orleans: Tee Off in the Big Easy

Did you know New Orleans was once home to four PGA Tour-worthy golf courses? This city, renowned for its jazz and Mardi Gras, also shines in golf. We’re delving into the top golf courses in New Orleans, where pros have tested their skills.

Pete Dye’s TPC Louisiana and Jack Nicklaus’ English Turn highlight the city’s diverse golf offerings. Whether you seek a championship challenge or a casual urban game, New Orleans has it all. Here, history, design, and Southern charm blend on the fairways.

Key Takeaways

• New Orleans offers golf courses designed by legends like Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus
• TPC Louisiana, home of the Zurich Classic, features over 100 bunkers and artificial ponds
• English Turn Golf & Country Club hosted PGA Tour events until 2004
• Audubon Park Golf Course offers a unique urban golfing experience
• Many courses in New Orleans have undergone recent renovations, improving their quality
• The city’s golf scene recovered and evolved after Hurricane Katrina’s impact

Golfing in the Heart of Louisiana: An Overview

New Orleans golf presents a diverse array of public courses suitable for every skill level. Within a 15-mile radius, 12 courses await, with 10 of them open to the public. These venues highlight the unique Louisiana bayou landscape, featuring wetlands, ancient live oaks, and cypress trees.

Booking tee times is straightforward with numerous options available. The TPC of Louisiana, part of the Audubon Golf Trail, offers yardages from 5,121 to 7,400. Bayou Oaks at City Park features two courses, ranging from 4,300 to 7,302 yards. For a quick game, The Golf Club at Audubon Park is a par 62 layout, stretching 4,220 yards.

Public courses like Joseph M. Bartholomew, Sr. Municipal Golf Course offer 6,665 yards of play at their longest tees. These venues provide breathtaking views of the city skyline and the natural beauty of the Mississippi River Delta.

TPC Louisiana: Home of the Zurich Classic

TPC Louisiana, a Pete Dye design, is a top-tier golf destination in Avondale. It hosts the annual Zurich Classic, Louisiana’s premier PGA TOUR event. Golf lovers come to this course for its natural beauty and strategic play.

Course Design and Challenges

Pete Dye’s design at TPC Louisiana is exceptional. The course stretches over 7,425 yards, catering to all skill levels with five tee options. With more than 100 bunkers and water hazards on several holes, it’s a true test of skill. The 18th hole, a par-5 with water along the right side, offers a thrilling finish.

Booking Information and Tee Times

Booking tee times at TPC Louisiana is straightforward. Visit the TPC Network website to secure your spot. Remember, the Zurich Classic season is very popular, so plan early. Playing where the pros compete adds an extra thrill to your game.

Amenities and Facilities

TPC Louisiana boasts excellent amenities to make your visit memorable. You’ll find top-notch practice facilities, a pro shop, and dining options. The clubhouse is ideal for unwinding after your round, reliving the challenges of Dye’s layout.

English Turn Golf & Country Club: A Jack Nicklaus Masterpiece

English Turn Golf & Country Club is a prime example of Jack Nicklaus’s design prowess. Nestled 30 minutes southeast of New Orleans, this exclusive club boasts a 7,089-yard championship layout. Since its opening in 1988, it has been celebrated for hosting a PGA Tour event until 2004.

The course is a true test of skill, with nearly 100 bunkers and water hazards on almost every hole. The first hole introduces a key Nicklaus design feature: a fade off the tee. Although a private club, English Turn occasionally opens its doors to the public, offering a rare chance to experience its excellence.

Here, Nicklaus’s skill in merging natural beauty with strategic challenges is evident. Water hazards appear on 15 of the 18 holes, requiring precision and thoughtful shot selection. The bunkers, strategically placed, add another layer of challenge to the game.

For those seeking variety, Miami’s public golf courses offer great alternatives. Yet, English Turn’s exclusive nature ensures a less crowded, more intimate experience. The course’s well-maintained fairways and greens provide optimal conditions for play all year.

Bayou Oaks at City Park: 36 Holes of City Golfing

Bayou Oaks at City Park presents a distinctive golfing experience with its 36 holes, mere minutes from downtown New Orleans. The North and South courses cater to golfers across various skill levels, each offering unique challenges.

North Course Overview

The North Course, established in 1968, is a par-67 layout that spans 5,737 yards. Designed by Rees Jones and Greg Muirhead, it is rated 67.3 with a slope of 114. Golfers value its welcoming atmosphere and swift play pace, giving it a commendable 3.6 out of 5 rating.

South Course Highlights

The South Course, a 2017 Rees Jones design, offers a broader golfing experience. Spanning 7,302 yards with a par of 72, it features Celebration Bermuda fairways and TifEagle greens. Rated 74.7 with a slope of 128, it challenges players more significantly. It boasts a stellar 4.3 out of 5 average rating from golfers.

Booking and Accessibility

Both courses are conveniently located near New Orleans’ city center. The South Course stands out for its staff hospitality and value. Golfers will find the conditions well-maintained and the setting natural, free from housing developments.

Lakewood Country Club: A Historic PGA Tour Venue

Lakewood Golf Club is a cornerstone of New Orleans’ golfing legacy. Initially designed by Robert Harris in 1961, it has a storied PGA Tour history. From 1963 to 1988, it was the stage for events that showcased golfing legends.

Course History and Renovation

A notable renovation by Ron Garl updated the course while maintaining its timeless appeal. Today, it presents a par-72 layout over 7,002 yards. The renovation improved fairways, tee boxes, and greens, offering a more engaging experience.

Standout Holes and Unique Features

The 18th hole, dubbed “Fire in the Hole,” is a highlight. It features red sand bunkers resembling flames, honoring New Orleans firefighters. The course’s bunkering and fairway design tests golfers of every skill level.

Membership Details and Guest Policies

Lakewood Golf Club has transitioned from a private to a public club. This change has broadened its appeal, allowing more visitors to experience its rich PGA Tour history. For a better round, consider using a reliable golf rangefinder to tackle its unique challenges.

Eight champions from Lakewood have been enshrined in the World Golf Hall of Fame, including golfing icons Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, and Lee Trevino. The club remains committed to developing young talent, hosting events like the Tommy Moore Memorial Junior Golf Championship and the Gulf States PGA Junior Championship.

The Golf Club at Audubon Park: Urban Golfing at Its Finest

In the heart of New Orleans, the Golf Club at Audubon Park presents a unique urban golfing experience. This par-62 layout, covering 4,220 yards, is surprisingly challenging despite its compact dimensions. It features 12 par-3s, four par-4s, and two par-5s, offering a diverse and engaging round.

The course has a storied past, occupying 81 acres within the 350-acre Audubon Park in Uptown. Its prime location makes it the only golf course accessible by streetcar, a unique feature in the United States. Following a $6 million renovation in 2002, it has emerged as a premier destination for golfers of all abilities.

Efficiency is a hallmark of this course, allowing for a round to be completed in less than three hours on weekdays. This makes it ideal for those seeking a quick game. The course’s challenging greens and 4-6 driver holes ensure an exciting experience, despite its shorter length.

Its proximity to downtown New Orleans and the Audubon Zoo offers a unique blend of urban convenience and natural beauty. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Golf Club at Audubon Park promises a memorable golfing experience in the heart of the Big Easy.

Belle Terre Country Club: Pete Dye’s Louisiana Creation

Belle Terre Country Club in La Place, Louisiana, is a prime example of Pete Dye’s design prowess. Established in 1982, it provides a challenging yet enjoyable golfing experience throughout the year. The course caters to golfers of all skill levels.

Course Layout and Design Features

Pete Dye’s unique design philosophy is evident at Belle Terre. The course offers various tee options, ensuring a fair challenge for every golfer:

Green Fee Details and Booking Information

Although specific green fees are not listed, the course’s 3.6 out of 5 value rating suggests reasonable pricing. Its popularity is clear, with 76.7% of 227 reviewers endorsing it. The staff’s friendliness is highly rated at 4.5, adding to the welcoming atmosphere.

Scenic Views and Natural Beauty

The course layout at Belle Terre receives a commendable 4.5 rating, showcasing Dye’s skillful integration of the natural landscape. It likely offers breathtaking views and strategic challenges, hallmarks of Dye’s designs. With a pace rating of 4.5, players can look forward to a smooth experience amidst the course’s scenic splendor.

Links at Stonebridge Golf Club: Jazz-Inspired 27 Holes

Stonebridge Golf Club, located just 20 minutes south of downtown New Orleans, offers a unique golfing experience. This jazz-themed course features 27 holes over 7,031 yards, celebrating the city’s rich musical culture.

The course is divided into three nine-hole sections, each named after jazz legends: Louis Armstrong, Pete Fountain, and Al Hirt. This design allows for varied play combinations, ensuring each round is fresh and exciting.

One of the standout features is the stunning canal views. Many holes parallel a scenic waterway, offering golfers picturesque vistas. Water hazards, present on over 70% of holes, add to the course’s challenge.

The opening hole sets the tone for a demanding round. This 585-yard par-5 features a tree-lined canal on the right and a pond on the left. It immediately tests your accuracy and course management skills.

For golf enthusiasts looking to explore beyond New Orleans, Wales offers some exceptional golfing experiences with its stunning coastal courses and rich golfing heritage.

LaTour Golf Club: David Toms’ Design Excellence

LaTour Golf Club is a prime example of David Toms’ design prowess in Louisiana golf. Established in 2009, it covers 597 acres in Lafourche Parish. As one of two courses near New Orleans designed by the PGA Tour pro, LaTour highlights Toms’ deep understanding of course challenges.

In 2019, LaTour became part of the prestigious Audubon Golf Trail, boosting its reputation among Louisiana’s elite golf spots. This move, along with two other South Louisiana courses, brought the trail to 18 courses, with 14 in the southern region.

Toms’ design philosophy is evident at LaTour. The course offers a balanced challenge, appealing to skilled players while remaining welcoming for average golfers. This reflects Toms’ vast experience on the PGA Tour, ensuring a round that’s both thrilling and inclusive.

Your experience at LaTour promises a distinctive Louisiana golf outing. With strategically placed bunkers and challenging water hazards, each hole presents a new test of your abilities. The course’s natural splendor, paired with Toms’ meticulous design, ensures an unforgettable golf outing in Louisiana’s heart.

Carter Plantation Golf Course: Another David Toms Gem

Carter Plantation Golf Course in Springfield, Louisiana, stands out as a masterpiece by David Toms. It offers a blend of challenge and beauty for golfers. The par-72, 18-hole layout is designed to preserve native habitats while providing a premier golfing experience.

Course Characteristics and Challenges

The course winds through Louisiana’s picturesque landscape, challenging golfers of all levels. It focuses on preserving natural areas, making you navigate through native habitats. Toms’ design ensures a balanced and engaging experience for all players.

Pricing and Rates Information

Golf rates at Carter Plantation offer great value for the quality of play. Though specific pricing is not listed, rates are competitive, similar to other Audubon Golf Trail courses. For instance, the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail has green fees starting at $35, rarely going above $57. Always verify current rates and seasonal specials with the course directly.

Facilities and Amenities

Carter Plantation boasts excellent facilities to elevate your golfing experience. Expect a well-stocked pro shop, practice areas, and dining options. The amenities match the high standards of Toms’ design. For more golfing options, Traverse City, Michigan offers over 30 public and championship golf courses, making it another prime spot for golf lovers.

Grand Ridge Golf Club: Golfing in the Swamplands

Grand Ridge Golf Club is a hidden gem in St. Charles Parish, offering a unique swampland golf experience. It’s just 45 minutes west of New Orleans and has been a part of Louisiana’s golf history since 1967. The course blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings, providing a challenging yet scenic round for golfers.

The course stretches over 6,853 yards from the back tees, appealing to players of all skill levels. It features four sets of tee boxes, with the shortest at 5,517 yards. Despite its modest length, Grand Ridge challenges players with tight fairways and numerous water hazards, reflecting its swampland setting.

As you play, the course is surrounded by Louisiana’s distinctive landscape. Ancient live oaks and towering cypress trees line the fairways, creating a picturesque backdrop. The abundant water features add to the challenge and reflect the swamplands’ natural beauty.

Grand Ridge Golf Club is a standout among New Orleans area courses, offering a unique golfing experience. It’s playable year-round, thanks to mild winters averaging 65 degrees. This makes it an excellent choice for both locals and visitors looking for a memorable golf outing in the Louisiana swamplands.

Chateau Golf & Country Club

Located 12 miles from New Orleans’ heart, Chateau Golf & Country Club offers a top-tier golfing experience for all skill levels. Since its inception in 1972, this public course has been a favorite, thanks to its championship layout designed by Rees Jones.

The course is celebrated for its welcoming nature, appealing to both seasoned golfers and novices. It presents strategic challenges for the pros yet remains accessible for beginners. This makes it an ideal spot for a round of golf in New Orleans.

Chateau Golf & Country Club is a gem in the New Orleans golf scene, offering luxury without the need for membership. It’s perfect for visitors aiming to enhance their golfing experience in the city. The club’s accessibility and premium offerings set it apart, making it a must-visit for any golf enthusiast.

When planning your golf outing in New Orleans, don’t overlook Chateau Golf & Country Club. Its blend of challenging play and a warm welcome makes it a prime choice among the city’s diverse golf options.

New Orleans Country Club

New Orleans Country Club is a pivotal element in the New Orleans golf scene. Since 1914, it has been a cornerstone of golf history in the Big Easy. In 2003, Bobby Weed Golf Design revitalized the club, infusing new life into its storied past.

The club’s resurgence is marked by significant growth. Post-renovation, it saw a 67% uptick in rounds played and a 70% increase in bookings. These figures underscore the club’s enhanced allure for golf lovers.

The 17th green, with its unique Biarritz design, was particularly noteworthy for GOLF Magazine. The designers faced numerous hurdles, including challenging soils and the region’s heavy rainfall. They also encountered an abandoned brick manhole 14 feet beneath the course’s highest point during the renovation.

The club’s efforts didn’t stop at the greens. New live oaks were planted, ensuring the club’s iconic Louisiana landscape will flourish for future generations. For those interested in exploring other top golfing spots, you might consider visiting some of the best golf courses in Greenville as well.

Timberlane Golf & Recreation

Timberlane Golf, a true gem in the New Orleans golf scene, offers a blend of challenge and enjoyment for golfers. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. in 1959, this course stretches over 7000 yards, presenting a unique test with each round.

The course features Bermuda Grass fairways and TifEagle Grass greens, providing a varied playing surface. Recent updates have introduced new bunkers to the par 4s and 5s, making the layout more complex. With a 4.2 rating, Timberlane Golf challenges golfers of all skill levels.

Timberlane Golf & Recreation boasts a wide range of amenities. Golfers can enjoy a bar, clubhouse, banquet facilities, swimming pool, billiards, tennis, and volleyball courts. The facility also includes lit ranges, hitting bays, and practice sand bunkers. A large putting area ensures ample space for pre-round practice, even on busy days.

While the course has seen mixed reviews on conditions, with fairways needing attention but greens in good shape, it’s on an upward trajectory. The average conditions rating is 3.5, with an overall rating of 3.6 out of 5. A notable 78.3% of reviewers recommend the course, praising its value and appeal to local golf enthusiasts.

Timberlane Golf offers competitive pricing, with weekend rounds around $40, depending on the time. Its welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff make it a standout choice for golfers in the New Orleans area.

Joe Bartholomew Golf Course

Step onto the fairways of Joe Bartholomew Golf Course and immerse yourself in New Orleans’ golfing heritage. Established in 1956 by Joseph Bartholomew, this public gem challenges golfers with its 6,823-yard layout and par of 72. The course boasts 419 Bermuda Grass fairways and Emerald Bermuda Greens, testing the skills of golfers at every level.

The course honors its namesake, a pioneering African American golf course architect. Born in New Orleans in 1881, Bartholomew was a trailblazer in golf course design. His legacy includes designing City Park No. 1, City Park No. 2, and Pontchartrain Park, significantly impacting New Orleans’ golf scene.

Golfers highly regard this course, reflected in its 4.0 rating from 415 reviews. With 89.6% of reviewers recommending it, the course’s value and welcoming atmosphere, both scoring 4.4 out of 5, stand out. While the fairways receive praise, some suggest the greens could be better, a common critique of public courses.

Joe Bartholomew Golf Course offers more than just challenging play; it provides amenities that enhance your experience. The clubhouse and banquet facilities offer comfortable spots to unwind after your game. Teeing off here is not just a game; it’s a journey through New Orleans’ golf history.