Louisiana's five best golf courses are Squire Creek Country Club in Choudrant, TPC Louisiana in Avondale, The Country Club of Louisiana in Baton Rouge, English Turn Golf & Country Club in New Orleans, and Metairie Country Club in Metairie—each offering world-class design from legendary architects like Tom Fazio, Pete Dye, and Jack Nicklaus.
Keep reading to discover what makes each course special, from championship layouts that host PGA Tour events to recently renovated golden age masterpieces, plus everything you need to know about access, pricing, and planning your Louisiana golf experience.
Squire Creek Country Club – Northern Louisiana's Crown Jewel
Tom Fazio delivered one of his finest works when he designed Squire Creek Country Club in 2002, creating a championship layout that has dominated Louisiana golf rankings for over a decade.
The course consistently claims either the top or second position in state rankings, with Golf Digest placing it first for the last four consecutive publications of their Best in State list.
Course Recognition and Design Excellence
Golf Digest recognized Squire Creek as one of America's top 10 best new courses in 2004, while respected course rater Tom Doak awarded it seven out of ten points.
Doak specifically praised the front nine as “some of Fazio's best work,” highlighting how two arms of the creek come into play on nearly every hole from the 2nd through the 8th.
The championship layout stretches 7,105 yards across par 72, with a demanding course rating of 74.3 and slope of 143.
These numbers reflect the strategic challenge Fazio created by integrating natural water features throughout the design.
Location and Course Character
Positioned between Monroe and Ruston in northern Louisiana, Squire Creek occupies prime real estate within an expansive 1,100-acre residential development.
The course features hand-cut holes that work seamlessly with the rolling hills characteristic of Northern Louisiana, creating scenic vistas that frame Southern-style homes throughout the property.
The strategic creek placement defines the course's character, particularly affecting shot selection and course management from holes 2 through 8.
This water integration creates both visual appeal and genuine strategic decision-making that challenges golfers at every skill level.
Membership Value and Amenities
Despite offering all the amenities of an exclusive private club, Squire Creek maintains one of the most affordable golf memberships in Louisiana.
Members enjoy access to comprehensive facilities that extend well beyond golf:
- Six lighted tennis courts featuring four Hydro Courts and two Hard Courts
- Infinity swimming pool with resort-style ambiance
- Fitness center equipped with two dedicated exercise rooms
- Golf training facility featuring dual bays and launch monitors for precise practice
This combination of championship golf, complete amenities, and accessible membership pricing positions Squire Creek as Northern Louisiana's premier golf destination for serious players seeking both challenge and value.
TPC Louisiana – Where the Pros Play in New Orleans
Pete Dye crafted TPC Louisiana in 2004 specifically to host professional tournament golf, and the course has served as the annual home of the PGA Tour's Zurich Classic of New Orleans since 2005.
Golf Digest immediately recognized the quality of Dye's work, naming it the #4 best upscale public course in America upon opening.
Championship Design in the Delta
The course sprawls across 250 acres of Mississippi River Delta wetlands, creating a 7,425-yard test that challenges tour professionals while remaining accessible to public golfers.
Dye incorporated over 100 bunkers throughout the layout, including his signature large waste bunkers that define both strategy and visual appeal.
The dramatic par-5 18th hole serves as the course's signature, with water hazards protecting the entire right side and creating high-stakes drama for tournament finishes.
This finishing hole exemplifies Dye's philosophy of rewarding bold play while severely punishing poor execution.
Accessibility Across All Skill Levels
Five distinct tee sets accommodate every golfer, ranging from 5,121 yards from the women's tees to the full 7,400-yard championship layout used during PGA Tour events.
This thoughtful design ensures recreational players can enjoy the same course where professionals compete without facing impossible challenges.
Public Access and Pricing Structure
TPC Louisiana offers multiple ways to experience championship golf:
Daily Rates:
- Louisiana residents: $89-$175 depending on season and time
- Non-residents: $129-$320 with significant seasonal variation
- Peak rates reach $299 during prime times, representing exceptional value within the TPC Network
Annual Memberships:
- NOLA Card (Louisiana residents): $329 plus $74 per round
- Weekday Annual Pass: $2,850 plus tax
- Full Annual Membership: $4,500 plus tax
This pricing structure positions TPC Louisiana as one of the best values on the entire TPC Network, offering public access to tour-quality conditions and a championship layout that hosts professional golf annually.
The Country Club of Louisiana – Jack Nicklaus Excellence in Baton Rouge
Jack Nicklaus created a timeless masterpiece in 1986 that continues to hold Golf Digest's number two ranking in Louisiana, demonstrating the enduring quality of his championship design.
The course boasts an impressive track record of Golf Digest first-place state rankings spanning three distinct periods: 1987-89, 1997-99, and 2013-18, before settling into its current second-place position from 2019 through 2026.
Championship Specifications and Unique Design Elements
The 7,106-yard, par-72 layout delivers a stern test with a course rating of 74.6 and slope of 139, numbers that reflect both the strategic challenges and premium conditioning expected from a Nicklaus design.
The course features an unusual characteristic for Nicklaus work—five greens are completely devoid of bunkers, creating putting surfaces that rely entirely on contouring and natural hazards for defense.
Signature Holes and Strategic Features
Three holes define the course's character and challenge:
The 6th Hole (172 yards): A direct replica of Augusta National's famous 16th, bringing Masters-level drama to Louisiana golf with precise distance control demanded over water.
The 8th Hole (402 yards): Water protects the front of the green, requiring strategic approach shot placement and creating risk-reward decisions for aggressive pin positions.
The 16th Hole: This short par-four features the smallest green on the course, with a creek cutting across the front that punishes both short approaches and overly cautious play.
Natural Setting and Routing Integration
The course unfolds among centuries-old oaks, magnolias, and scenic lakes that create both beauty and strategic challenge.
Fairways are thoughtfully laid out around residential units, while several holes route alongside Selene Bayou, integrating natural water features into the playing strategy without feeling forced or artificial.
Complete Country Club Experience
Members enjoy comprehensive amenities that extend the club experience beyond golf: world-class practice facilities including driving range and putting greens, an elegant plantation-style clubhouse featuring dining options and pro shop, tennis courts for year-round play, an Olympic-size swimming pool, and separate men's and women's fitness centers.
This combination of Nicklaus design excellence, natural Louisiana beauty, and complete country club amenities positions The Country Club of Louisiana as Baton Rouge's premier private golf destination.
English Turn Golf & Country Club – Former PGA Tour Host in New Orleans
Jack Nicklaus designed English Turn in 1988 with a specific mandate: create a championship layout capable of hosting PGA Tour events while delivering an equally enjoyable experience for recreational golfers and spectators.
The course fulfilled this vision by hosting the New Orleans PGA Tour event from 1989 through 2006, establishing itself as a premier tournament venue before the event moved to TPC Louisiana.
Championship Design with Spectator Appeal
The 7,078-yard, par-72 Nicklaus Signature design showcases water as the dominant strategic element, with hazards affecting play on 17 of the 18 holes.
This extensive water integration creates both visual drama and genuine shot-making challenges that separate skilled players from weekend golfers.
The signature par-5 15th hole features an island green surrounded by strategically placed bunkers, creating one of the most photographed and challenging holes in Louisiana golf.
This hole exemplifies Nicklaus's philosophy of risk-reward design, where aggressive play can yield significant rewards but poor execution results in severe penalties.
Strategic Features and Playing Characteristics
Undulating greens throughout the layout demand precise approach shots and reward players who understand green contouring and pin positions.
Sculpted mounding along fairway edges frames each hole while creating defined playing corridors that guide strategy and enhance visual appeal.
The course's design accounts for both tournament play and recreational enjoyment, with strategic options that allow different skill levels to navigate the same challenges through varied risk-reward decisions.
Access and Value Proposition
English Turn operates as a semi-private facility, combining the exclusivity of private club amenities with welcoming public access.
Located just 15 minutes from downtown New Orleans, the course offers convenient access to championship golf without lengthy travel times.
Pricing Structure:
- Listed green fees: approximately $125
- Mobile app discounts: around $70 for significant savings
- Semi-private model provides flexible access options
Complete Club Experience
The Southern-style clubhouse anchors a comprehensive facility that extends beyond golf.
Members and guests enjoy tennis courts, swimming pool, fitness center, and specialty dining events that create a complete country club atmosphere.
This semi-private model successfully combines traditional golf club charm with an approachable atmosphere, making championship-level golf accessible while maintaining the service standards and amenities expected from a premium facility in New Orleans.
Metairie Country Club – Golden Age Design Reborn
Metairie Country Club stood as the jewel of New Orleans golf through the first decade of its existence, originally designed by Seth Raynor in 1925 as part of the golden age of American golf course architecture.
In 2021, the private club completed a transformative renovation under Brian Silva's direction, returning the course to pure golden age design principles and creating what Golf Digest speculates could propel the club to the number two ranking in Louisiana.
The 2021 Renaissance Under Brian Silva
Silva's comprehensive renovation involved rebuilding all tees, fairways, and greens to reimagine a pure Raynor course on the property.
The project represented more than restoration—it was a complete reimagining that took the course back to the foundational principles of golden age design while incorporating modern construction techniques and drainage systems.
The renovation showcases flat land design mastery across approximately 6,900 yards of par-72 golf, demonstrating how strategic architecture can create compelling challenges without relying on dramatic elevation changes or natural features.
Classic Template Holes Brought to Life
Silva reproduced vivid versions of Raynor's most celebrated template holes, each representing a masterpiece of strategic design philosophy.
The renovation features faithful recreations of the Bottle, Biarritz, Redan, Leven, Road, and Eden holes—templates that originated from famous holes in Scotland and became Raynor's signature design elements.
These template holes function as a masterclass in strategic golf architecture, where each design serves a specific purpose in challenging different aspects of a golfer's skill set.
The Biarritz demands precise distance control, the Redan rewards strategic angle selection, and the Road hole creates complex risk-reward decisions that define championship golf.
Historical Construction Legacy
The course carries unique historical significance through its original construction by Joseph Bartholomew, who studied with Seth Raynor for several months in New York before returning to oversee the project.
This direct mentorship ensured authentic interpretation of Raynor's design philosophy and construction techniques.
Bartholomew's original concept featured replicas of celebrated holes from the United States and Scotland, creating an American course that honored the game's Scottish heritage while adapting to Louisiana's unique terrain and climate conditions.
Future Recognition and Design Significance
Golf Digest's speculation about a potential jump to number two in state rankings reflects the quality of Silva's renovation work and the enduring appeal of golden age design principles.
The course now serves as a demonstration of how great golf architecture can transform challenging flat terrain into compelling strategic golf.
This combination of historical authenticity, modern construction quality, and pure design philosophy positions Metairie Country Club as both a tribute to golf's golden age and a contemporary masterpiece that honors the game's architectural heritage.
Planning Your Louisiana Golf Experience – Access, Timing, and Expectations
Successfully experiencing Louisiana's premier golf courses requires strategic planning across access, timing, and logistics.
Each course presents unique considerations for visitors, from private club protocols to seasonal pricing variations that can significantly impact your golf travel budget and experience quality.
Private Club Access Strategies
The three private clubs—Squire Creek, The Country Club of Louisiana, and Metairie Country Club—require advance planning and proper introductions.
Contact club professionals directly to inquire about guest policies, as most private clubs allow visitors when accompanied by members or through reciprocal agreements with other private clubs.
Corporate outings and charity tournaments often provide access opportunities to private courses.
Many clubs also host member-guest tournaments where local contacts can extend invitations.
Consider joining national golf organizations that facilitate private club access through member networks.
Optimal Timing and Weather Considerations
Louisiana's subtropical climate creates distinct playing seasons that affect both course conditions and pricing:
Peak Season (October-April):
- Ideal weather with temperatures 60-80°F and lower humidity
- Premium pricing at all courses, especially TPC Louisiana
- Best course conditions with dormant Bermuda overseed
Summer Season (May-September):
- Hot, humid conditions with afternoon thunderstorms
- Significant pricing discounts, particularly for midday rounds
- Early morning tee times essential for comfortable play
Budget Planning Across Access Levels
Course costs vary dramatically based on access level and timing:
Public Access:
- TPC Louisiana: $89-$320 depending on residency and season
- English Turn: $70-$125 with app discounts available
Annual Memberships:
- TPC Louisiana NOLA Card: $329 plus $74 per round
- TPC Louisiana Full Membership: $4,500 annually
- Private club memberships: Contact clubs directly for current rates
Geographic Distribution and Trip Planning
Louisiana's top courses span 300 miles from north to south, creating opportunities for comprehensive golf trips:
Northern Route: Squire Creek (Monroe/Ruston area) combined with Shreveport-area courses Central Route: The Country Club of Louisiana (Baton Rouge) as a midpoint destination Southern Route: TPC Louisiana, English Turn, and Metairie Country Club in the New Orleans metropolitan area
Skill Level Recommendations
Course difficulty varies significantly based on tee selection and playing conditions:
Championship Challenge (Slope 135+):
- Squire Creek: 74.3/143 slope demands precise course management
- The Country Club of Louisiana: 74.6/139 slope requires strategic thinking
Accessible Challenge (Slope 130-139):
- TPC Louisiana: Multiple tee options from 5,121 to 7,400 yards
- English Turn: Water hazards on 17 holes reward accuracy over distance
Choose tees based on your typical driving distance and course management skills rather than ego, as Louisiana's premium courses punish poor strategic decisions regardless of raw distance.
Accommodations and Regional Activities
Monroe/Ruston Area (Squire Creek): Stay near Louisiana Tech University or downtown Monroe for dining and entertainment options. The region offers outdoor activities at Black Bayou Lake and Kiroli Park.
Baton Rouge (Country Club of Louisiana): Downtown hotels provide access to Louisiana State University, the State Capitol, and diverse dining scenes. Consider plantation tours and Mississippi River activities.
New Orleans Area (TPC Louisiana, English Turn, Metairie): French Quarter and Garden District hotels offer world-class dining, music, and cultural attractions. The three courses are within 30 minutes of downtown, making New Orleans an ideal base for multi-course experiences.
Transportation and Multi-Course Logistics
Rental cars provide the most flexibility for visiting multiple courses. TPC Louisiana and English Turn are 45 minutes apart, while Metairie Country Club sits between them.
Plan at least two days in the New Orleans area to experience all three courses without rushing.
For comprehensive Louisiana golf trips, allow 4-5 days to cover all five courses, with strategic overnight stops in Monroe/Ruston and Baton Rouge to minimize driving time and maximize golf time.
Conclusion
Louisiana's five premier golf courses offer world-class experiences from legendary architects like Tom Fazio, Pete Dye, and Jack Nicklaus, spanning championship layouts that have hosted PGA Tour events to recently renovated golden age masterpieces.
Whether you prefer the public access of TPC Louisiana, the private exclusivity of Squire Creek, or the historical significance of Metairie's Seth Raynor design, each course delivers distinct challenges and memorable experiences across the state's diverse geography.
Plan your Louisiana golf adventure with proper timing and access strategies to experience some of America's finest golf in settings that showcase both architectural excellence and Southern hospitality.
