Louisiana boasts golf courses as unique as the state itself. The Audubon Golf Trail and many other exciting golf courses and golf resorts play a large part in why our state has earned the nickname of “Sportsman’s Paradise". Whether you’re focused on your game or want to stay and explore the city a little more, New Orleans is a great option for your next golf trip.
Arrive in New Orleans, Louisiana and start your experience by diving into the city’s world-renowned food scene. Just blocks from the French Quarter, in the Central Business District, Mother’s Restaurant offers classic New Orleans home cooking. Breakfast is served all day and they’re known for their Ferdi Special, a po-boy packed with baked ham, roast beef and the original debris with au jus gravy.
Play where the pros play at TPC of Louisiana, home to the annual Zurich Classic stop on the PGA Tour. The golf course, which is part of the Audubon Golf Trail, stretches over 250 acres of wetlands along the Mississippi River Delta. This Pete Dye-designed masterpiece features over 100 bunkers, including several large waste bunkers on the first six holes of the back nine. TPC Louisiana boasts a series of short and compelling par-4 holes to balance. The five sets of tees, ranging from a fair 5,121 yards all the way back to the 7,400-yard PGA Tour tees, offer golfers of all skill levels a great blend of challenge and playability.
For your first night, enjoy dinner in the heart of the French Quarter at one of the many restaurants famous for Creole cuisine. Mr. B’s Bistro, a Brennan family restaurant, is known for its friendly service and signature items such as Gumbo Ya-Ya and Barbequed Shrimp. Around the corner, The Pelican Club offers a casually elegant atmosphere and the rich legacy of Louisiana cuisine mixed with contemporary preparations of the finest ingredients including Gulf fish and oysters.
End your evening with some fun at Pat O’Brien’s Bar. Sit in the Patio Bar by the Flaming Fountain for a relaxing evening under the stars or request a song in the dueling piano bar. Pat O’s world-famous Hurricane cocktail comes in a souvenir glass, so you can take home the memories from New Orleans.
Begin your day with a traditional New Orleans style breakfast at the open-air Café du Monde with café au lait laced with chicory and a plate of sweet beignets. After your morning fuel, head out for a round of golf at one of these courses.
In the Mid-City neighborhood is Bayou Oaks at City Park, a 36-hole golf complex, that features two golf courses that can be enjoyed by golfers of all skill levels. The North Course incorporates four sets of tees ranging in length from 5,740 yards at the tips to 4,300 yards from the Gold Tees. Water comes into play on eight of the eighteen holes, adding to the competitive nature of the course by making club and shot selection a key factor in the ability to score. The pristine South Course was designed by renowned golf course architect Rees Jones and Greg Muirhead of Rees Jones, Inc., in association with Torre Design Consortium. Sitting on over 200 beautiful acres, the South Course measures between 5,054 and 7,302 yards.
Just a short drive away is Joseph M. Bartholomew, Sr. Municipal Golf Course, an 18-hole, public course with a yardage of 6,665 at its longest tees, playing to a par of 72. Owned and operated by the City of New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkways, the renovated course includes a double-ended driving range, putting green and a fully stocked pro-shop.
Grab a casual lunch nearby at a neighborhood-friendly restaurant. Head to Blue Oak BBQ for delicious Southern barbecue, a full bar and a sprawling patio, or Katie’s Restaurant & Bar for Creole-Italian fare in a lively, family-operated eatery.
Spend the rest of your afternoon learning a little New Orleans history by taking a complimentary tour at The Sazerac House or The Historic New Orleans Collection.
The Sazerac cocktail gained fame in New Orleans in the 1850s and is served all around the world to this day. Now, on the edge of the French Quarter, it has its grandest home yet: The Sazerac House. Here, you will learn how the Sazerac is part of the customs, traditions and culture of New Orleans with interactive exhibits and complimentary tours.
Travel further into the French Quarter neighborhood to explore The Historic New Orleans Collection, a museum, research center, and publishing company dedicated to preserving the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South.
After a full day, soak in a relaxing happy hour. Napoleon House is a 200-year old landmark, filled with European charm. For the whole experience, request a table in their hidden courtyard and order their signature muffuletta and a refreshing Pimm’s Cup. Or slip away into the perfect French Quarter hideaway, the Bombay Club, to sip on martinis, soak in live jazz and taste delicious dishes.
The party never stops in this 24/7 city. Follow the locals and enjoy the endless music venues along Frenchmen Street where you can find live performances of jazz, brass, R&B, funk, soul and more on any night of the week.
Travel to the tree-lined Garden District for jazz brunch at the James Beard award-winning Commander’s Palace Restaurant. For a more casual brunch in the area, but with creative Louisiana cuisine and a Bloody Mary Bar, visit Atchafalaya Restaurant. Brunch is available on select days – make sure to book reservations for these restaurants in advance!
Take a streetcar ride from your restaurant of choice down St. Charles Avenue to The Golf Club at Audubon Park (listed as one of the best short courses in the world). This golf course features a Denis Griffiths’ design with contoured Bermuda fairways, manicured TifEagle greens, four lagoons and exquisite landscaping. The competitive 18-hole par 62 course offers a 4,220-yard layout set among hundred-year-old oak trees.
On your last night in New Orleans, treat yourself to a memorable dinner at one of the French Quarter’s fine dining establishments. Try Arnaud’s Restaurant known for classic Creole cuisine and their signature French 75 cocktail or Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse where you will find table-side martini service and fine steaks with a New Orleans touch.
End your evening on a luxurious note by listening to live music at The Davenport Lounge in The Ritz-Carlton or The Jazz Playhouse in the Royal Sonesta New Orleans.
From spa treatments to luxurious restaurants - whether you're celebrating something special or are looking for a way to treat yourself, New Orleans has endless possibilities.
A major stop on the annual Professional Golfers Association (PGA) Championship Tournament Circuit, the Zurich Classic began life as the New Orleans Open in 1938. Since that time the tourney has gone...
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a five-star meal, here is a list of outstanding restaurants worth the price tag in New Orleans.