Best Golf Courses in New Orleans

Updated February 2024 to update booking information.

The Big Easy.  There’s no place quite like it.  We’re talking about New Orleans, or “Nalans” as the locals call it.  This southern city is one of my favorites in the world.  I’ve been there multiple times for a multitude of reasons ranging from work, to Mardi Gras, to golf.  There’s so much to this city that I could write an anthology about all the things I’ve seen and done in the limited time I’ve spent here.

For purposes of brevity, and taking into account the obvious reason you’re probably reading this article, let’s just stick to a list of the 10 best golf courses.

 

English Turn is rich with history unlike most any other golf course in Louisiana.  It dates back all the way to when French explorers first arrived in the New Orleans area. 

Be that as it may, the facility is first class in every sense of the word.  Today, this Jack Nicklaus design sits on a piece of property that’s characterized by centuries old oak trees, lakes, and meandering streams.

The course played host to a PGA Tour Event from 1989 to 2006.  The event was considered by both players and fans, one of the finest venues on the schedule.

Undulating greens and water that comes into play on 17 out of 18 holes make this course a real test.  The island green 15^th hole is one you won’t forget.

Today, you can play this iconic course for a reasonable price.  If you have time for just one round while you’re in town, English Turn is a great choice.

 

Remember that PGA Tour tournament we just mentioned at English Turn?  Well, the Zurich Classic is now held every summer at the TPC Louisiana.

That’s right, you can play where the pros play. 

Designed by legendary architect, Pete Dye, this property encompasses more than 250 acres of wetlands in the heart of the Mississippi River Delta. 

Stands of cypress and oak trees line these majestic fairways which are punctuated by expansive water hazards and railroad ties. 

Risk and reward abound here as the course features a number of short par fours where scores can range from red numbers to unmentionables.  Proceed wisely.

If you have time after your round, take in a meal at the TPC Grill.  You’ll find southern hospitality and an extensive menu that highlights all the Creole and southern flavors New Orleans is famous for. 

 

Offering an inclusive atmosphere and a picturesque 27-hole property, Stonebridge Golf Club of New Orleans provides golfers with a unique and enjoyable experience suitable for every level of play. Situated in downtown New Orleans, the club boasts impressive facilities and stunning views of the city, with scenic canals and bayous adding to the allure of the courses. The club’s beautifully preserved and challenging courses make for an exciting and satisfying round of golf. Stonebridge Golf Club of New Orleans is a top choice for golfers in the area due to its popular weekend availability and inclusive atmosphere.

Visitors to Stonebridge Golf Club of New Orleans can enjoy a diverse blend of history, culture, and cuisine in addition to their golfing experience, making it a must-visit destination. The club’s reputation for providing a welcoming environment and top-notch golfing experience has solidified its status as one of the premier public golf courses in New Orleans. Whether you’re a skilled golfer or just starting out, Stonebridge Golf Club of New Orleans has something to offer every player, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the best of New Orleans golf.

As you explore the vibrant golfing scene of New Orleans, the pivot from the captivating allure of Stonebridge Golf Club of New Orleans leads you to the equally enthralling Grand Ridge Golf Club, known for its traditional design and well-maintained, challenging course.

• Grand Ridge Golf Club offers a traditional design with small greens.
• The course is known for its affordability and well-maintained conditions.
• It features tight fairways and water hazards, surrounded by ancient live oaks and cypress trees.
• Golfers can enjoy a round at Grand Ridge Golf Club at affordable rates.

Grand Ridge Golf Club provides a unique and challenging experience with its tight fairways, small greens, and water hazards, all set amidst the stunning backdrop of ancient trees. The affordability of this public golf course allows you to indulge in a round of golf without breaking the bank. It’s a perfect choice for those seeking an enjoyable and challenging game in the heart of New Orleans.

Whether you’re a local enthusiast or visiting the city, Grand Ridge Golf Club is a must-visit destination for golf in New Orleans.

If you’re seeking an inclusive and budget-friendly golfing trip in New Orleans, the Joseph Bartholomew Golf Course is a welcoming destination known for its relaxed atmosphere and diverse community of fellow golfers.

This municipal course, designed by Rees Jones, offers a par-72 layout and is a popular choice, especially on weekends, for golfers of all skill levels.

The focus here is on providing an enjoyable and casual golfing experience, making it a great option for those looking for a laid-back round of golf.

Joseph Bartholomew Golf Course prides itself on being a budget-friendly choice, catering to a wide range of golf enthusiasts. It’s a place where you can expect to find a diverse and welcoming community of fellow golfers, adding to the appeal of the course.

 

Looking for a golfing experience that’s casual, low budget, and suited to all skill levels in New Orleans? The Club at Audubon Park is the perfect choice. This golf course is known for its inclusive atmosphere and lack of sneaky hazards, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced golfers.

The North Course offers an enjoyable and straightforward golfing experience at an affordable price, attracting many golfers on weekends. Audubon Park Golf Club provides a relaxed and unpretentious environment, making it a great choice for those seeking a laid-back round of golf in New Orleans.

• The Club at Audubon Park offers a casual and affordable golfing experience.
• The North Course is known for its lack of sneaky hazards, making it suitable for players of all skill levels.
• The club provides an inclusive atmosphere and is popular with golfers on weekends.
• It’s a great choice for golfers looking for a relaxed and unpretentious course in New Orleans.

 

Settled in the heart of New Orleans, the Lakewood Golf Club offers a premier golfing game that combines the exclusivity of a private club with the accessibility of daily fee pricing.

Located in the scenic St. Charles Parish on McClintock Drive, this gem is just minutes from downtown, making it a convenient choice for locals and visitors alike.

Recently renovated, the club boasts generous fairways and well-guarded greens, providing a challenging yet enjoyable round for golfers of all levels. The eye-catching bunkering and a dramatic 18th hole with flame-shaped bunkers are just a couple of the unique features that make Lakewood Golf Club stand out.

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a casual player, Lakewood Golf Club has something for everyone. It offers an exclusive feel and the opportunity to play on a well-maintained course without the commitment of a private club membership.

As a public track, it provides a great value, allowing golf enthusiasts to experience a top-notch course without breaking the bank.

For those seeking a memorable golfing experience in New Orleans, Lakewood Golf Club is a must-visit destination.

Bayou Oaks at City Park North Course offers an exceptional golfing experience in the heart of New Orleans, providing a great value for both locals and visitors. The North Course features water on nearly half the holes, adding an enjoyable challenge to the game.

The South Course, redesigned by Rees Jones, is highly regarded by golfers for its exciting layout. Both courses at Bayou Oaks at City Park are conveniently located within New Orleans’s city district, making them easily accessible for golf enthusiasts.

The South Course, known for its natural beauty with trees and lagoons, is suitable for championship golf, providing an exciting and scenic round.

With the North Course providing an enjoyable challenge and the South Course redesigned by Rees Jones, Bayou Oaks at City Park offers golfers an exceptional event in the heart of New Orleans.

The South Course at Bayou Oaks, recognized by Golf Digest and Sports Illustrated Golf, is a championship course that blends natural beauty with a challenging layout. Renovated in 2017, Rees Jones integrated water features into nearly half of the 18 holes, adding a strategic element that tests golfers of all skill levels.

This course, situated in the vibrant City Park, is a standout in the New Orleans golf scene, boasting remarkable value and accessibility in a major metropolitan area. Bayou Oaks at City Park South Course is a testament to the city’s commitment to providing golfers with a top-tier experience.

Whether you’re a local resident or visiting the area, this course promises an unforgettable round of golf in a setting that captures the essence of New Orleans.

There’s something for everyone in your family at Timberlane.  For purposes of this conversation, we’re going to focus on the great golf course.

Having first opened in 1959, this course is one of Robert Trent Jones Jr.’s most notable works.  Largely unchanged, this course is a perennial favorite for good players and plays host to the prestigious Gretna Green Knickers Golf Tournament.  I haven’t witnessed this event myself, but I’m told it’s one hell of a good time.

For a round of golf steeped in history you won’t soon forget, choose Timberlane.

Conclusion

Just writing this article about golf in the Big Easy gave me goosebumps.  There’s so much I love about this great city, I can’t wait to go back every time I head for home.  Between history, culture, and cuisine, it seems like there’s never time for much else… Except golf.

You might not think of New Orleans as a golf-rich destination, but I’m here to tell you it absolutely is.  Whether it’s high-end Tour courses, or local munis filled with a cast of characters as long as Bourbon Street, you won’t be disappointed. 

If you’ve played some golf in New Orleans, I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below.  Next time I’m in town, maybe we can hook up for a round, and of course a hearty meal and stiff beverage when we’re done.