Let's face it, NOLA might be far more internationally recognized for its musical roots and culinary amalgamation of different cultures and regional flourishes, but the Crescent City is still a great choice for taking a golf vacation. When the PGA Tour isn't in town, Pete Dye's TPC Louisiana remains one of the most affordable and accessible courses in the network. Not unlike his Players Stadium Course at Sawgrass, there's tons of water and sand to be found everywhere, scattered across terrains that are chock full of risk-reward opportunities. The plus side is that it costs a fraction of what Sawgrass charges to play.
Speaking of Sawgrass, the city of New Orleans enjoys an almost identical climate, which ensures year-round play for golfers on greens such as Stonebridge Golf Club, Belle Terre Country Club, and Audubon Park. The latter has become a local favorite; miraculously untouched by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Audubon Park boasts one of the best locations in the city. It sprawls alongside the zoo, as well as Tulane and Loyola Universities in the Garden District. The course is also great for golfers looking to be more economical with their time, since it features only 12 par 3s.
There are some courses that even embody the musical brilliance of NOLA jazz luminaries of yesteryear. Stonebridge is a relaxed 27-hole layout rooted in Gretna, where each nine is named after a jazz pioneer—Louis Armstrong, Pete Fountain, and Al Hirt. While the nines include 28 ponds and lakes, there are only two forced carries.
Lastly, Belle Terre Country Club is a stop worth adding to the list. Translated from the French, the name means “beautiful land,” which is an apt description for a Dye design that cuts through swamps. Which means there's plenty of water, so look out for gators... just kidding!
Ed S. is our featured golf coach providing golf lessons in New Orleans, Louisiana! Ed is the director of golf at Atchafalaya At Idlewood golf club outside of New Orleans. He is a PGA certified golf coach with over 40 years experience giving golf lessons to players of all ages and skill levels. He played professionally before focusing on his passion of teaching golf lessons. He has taught multiple players who have gone on to earn college scholarship. If you are looking for golf lessons in the greater New Orleans area, Ed is the best!