Best Golf Courses in Louisiana

If you’ve never been to Louisiana and played golf, you’ve haven’t lived a full life.  I’m a native Arizonan who’s used to dry heat and trying to hit it over a certain cactus to shave off some yardage on doglegs. 

While I love where I live, my heart yearns for adventure and new experiences.  Though I haven’t been everywhere, I’d call myself somewhat traveled, especially when it comes to golf…

Ok, ok, my own perception is a little inflated, and I’ll happily admit it.  As I continue to write these guides, I constantly find myself being put in my place and feel humbled beyond belief.  I’m perfectly fine with that.  In fact, I’m more than grateful for all the help I continue to receive from you guys. 

But when it comes to golf in Louisiana, I get really excited.  Almost gleeful.  It’s something special.

Let’s have a closer look.

English Turn is a Jack Nicklaus design and played host to a PGA Tour event for years.  You know how much I enjoy playing where the pros play, so it should come as little surprise that I’ve played here a few times.  It never gets old.

This track boasts a wonderful mixture of holes.  Some are narrow and intimate while others wide open and give you plenty of room.

Throughout the course, you’ll find carefully placed bunkers, grass depressions, and plenty of humps and bumps.  If you stray from the fairway, you’ll encounter some uneven lies. 

The greens are tricky to putt, tool.  Gentle undulations can make for tight hole locations so make sure you’re paying attention.

One of my favorite rounds in Louisiana, I can’t wait to get back.

 

As I mentioned, the Zurich Classic used to be played at English Turn.  Now, it’s played at TPC Louisiana.

Designed by the one and only Pete Dye, this tracked was named the “#4 Upscale Public Golf Course” by Golf Digest when it opened in 2004.

As you’d expect, there are plenty of hazards and bunkers to be found here.  The course demands everything you’ve got from tee to green. 

With that being said, it’s playable for everyone.  The forward tees only measure a shade over 5,121 yards. 

What regulars love most about this course, other than its fun layout and pristine condition, is the scenery.  You’ll feel like you’re truly in the deep south as the course meanders through lowland swamps that border the Mississippi River Delta. 

Worth the price of admission and a must play in Louisiana, everyone agrees TPC Louisiana is a top course in the state.

 

 

Southern Charm is the word that comes to mind when you visit this gem of a property.

The golf course was designed by Louisiana native, David Toms.  It’s been named a “Top 10 Course You Can Play” by Golf Magazine.

Part of the Louisiana Audubon Golf Trail, this course blends with the natural surroundings in a way that makes you feel like you’re out for a stroll in the woods with no one around.

The course’s condition is also revered.  Tifeagle greens and Tifsport fairways are among the best in the South.  No excuses for bad lies or missed putts. 

Locals swear by this course, and there doesn’t appear to be any reason why it shouldn’t live up to all the hype.

 

   

Here we go again with a golf course with its state’s name in it. 

The National Golf Club of Louisiana has been called a “Best of the Best” by Golfweek Magazine. 

Some 14 lakes and 65 bunkers provide a wonderful aesthetic contrast.  However, that beauty also means real trouble if you aren’t striking it well.

The good news is that the course plays at many different lengths, so it’s a fun and fair test for everybody.

When you get to the greens, you’d best still be paying attention.  Large undulations can make for some tricky pin locations and even trickier putts.

A great round of golf that’s both fun and challenging.

Copper Mill presents the opportunity to play a round on a links course, not something you’ll find too often in Louisiana.

Since opening in 2004, this course has continued to exceed everyone’s expectations.  What regulars enjoy most is the variety of holes.  Here, you’ll find six par threes, fours, and fives.  Never boring and plenty of opportunity for risk and reward. 

The layout gives you ample room off the tee but meandering creeks, lakes, and plenty of bunkers keep you on your toes. 

When you’re done playing, make sure you make time for a bite in the Palmetto Grill.  The menu highlights the flavors of the surrounding area and won’t disappoint.

Even though there are a lot of notable courses in New Orleans, Lakewood occupies a spot near the top by all accounts. 

Ron Garl is credited with the renovation of Lakewood that largely maintains the course’s original character and charm. 

This is target golf.  Plenty of water comes into play and the greens are protected by deep bunkers.  If you miss the pin on the wrong side, saving par can be difficult.

Even though the clubhouse is still under construction, people come from far and wide to play Lakewood.  The golf course more than lives up to its name.

 

Located in the historic town of Lafayette, the Wetlands Golf Course is golf at its finest.

The course measures anywhere from 5,000 to 7,000 yards so it’s playable for everyone. 

If you like to swing away from the tee, the Wetlands’ fairways are generous.  Not something you’ll find everyday in Louisiana.  Be careful not to go too far off line though, there’s plenty of water and marsh that can wreck your scorecard in a hurry. 

Considered one of the best values around, you won’t want to miss a chance to The Wetlands when you’re in Lafayette.

By now you know I’m a fan of staying and playing all in one spot.

There’s no better place to do it in Louisiana than Koasati Pines at Coushatta Casino Resort.

The course winds through tall, mature pine trees and features plenty of native wetlands.  More than enough different sets of tees make this track enjoyable for the rank beginner and the seasoned pro. 

If you’re deft with the putter, your chances or making buckets of putts are good here.  The greens are some of the best to be found anywhere. 

When you’re done with your round, you don’t have to venture far to find fun.  The casino and hotel rooms are lavish and modern.

A wonderful property with something for everyone, Koasati Pines at Coushatta Casino Resort is a can’t miss.

This Dennis Griffiths design is located only minutes from downtown New Orleans.

Even though this track plays to only a par of 62, it’s the setting and condition that make it such a treat to play.

The course is set inside an Audubon Sanctuary.  You can expect to see plenty of flora and fauna during your round. 

Ask anyone that plays Audubon Park on the regular, and they’ll tell you the greens are the best you’ll find on a public track anywhere.

I’ve had the chance to play this course once.  I can’t wait until the chance presents itself again.

 

Less than a half-hour drive from New Orleans, you’ll find Oak Harbor in the quaint community of Slidell.

Given 4.5 stars by Golf Digest, Oak Harbor is a classic southern design.  The fairways are surrounded by native grasses that are beautiful to look at, but you’ll want to steer clear of. 

You’d best be on your game from tee to green as well.  Plenty of bunkers and lakes don’t leave you a lot of room to miss. 

A hidden gem, Oak Harbor is a course that shouldn’t be missed.

Conclusion

Louisiana is rich with culture, food, music, history, and yes, golf.  I’m like a kid on Christmas every time I get the chance to visit.  From the lights on Bourbon Street, to the diversity in golf, I can’t get enough.

If you’ve never had a chance to experience golf in Louisiana, I’d highly recommend it.

As always, our readers were integral in helping me put this guide together.  I’m sure I’ve missed something on this list.  If so, drop me a line in the comments below.