Best Public Golf Courses in Louisiana

by Bill Winters

Last summer, I drove three hours from Baton Rouge to play a course I'd only seen in photos — and it turned out to be one of the best rounds of my life. Louisiana doesn't get the golf attention that states like Florida or Arizona enjoy, but the best public golf courses in Louisiana deliver world-class layouts at prices that won't empty your wallet. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a traveling golfer looking for your next destination, this Louisiana golf course guide breaks down everything you need to know.

Louisiana's golf scene stretches from the rolling pine hills in the north to the flat, wind-swept coastal layouts near the Gulf. You'll find championship-caliber designs by names like Tom Fazio, Jack Nicklaus, and Pete Dye — all open to the public. The variety here is remarkable: links-style courses, bayou-lined fairways, and parkland tracks carved through hardwood forests.

Below, you'll get a full breakdown of the top courses, what they cost, how to plan your trip, and what gear to bring for Louisiana's unique conditions. If you've already explored courses in neighboring states like the best public courses in Dallas, you'll find Louisiana offers comparable quality with smaller crowds.

Louisiana's Golf Landscape

Louisiana sits in a unique geographic sweet spot. The state offers year-round golf thanks to its subtropical climate, and public courses here benefit from rich, well-drained soils that produce lush fairways. You're looking at over 100 public and semi-private courses statewide, with a concentration of top-tier tracks in the Shreveport-Bossier area and along the I-10 corridor.

Key Regions for Public Golf

Shreveport-Bossier City — Home to several nationally ranked layouts including courses at the Audubon Golf Trail
New Orleans Metro — TPC Louisiana and multiple municipal courses within 30 minutes of the French Quarter
Lafayette/Lake Charles — Affordable hidden gems with Cajun hospitality
Baton Rouge — A mix of university-adjacent courses and newer developments
North Shore (Covington/Mandeville) — Pine-lined courses across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans

Climate and Playing Conditions

Louisiana's growing season never truly stops. Bermuda grass dominates fairways while many courses overseed with ryegrass in winter for green playing surfaces year-round. Expect humidity from May through September — morning tee times are essential during summer months. The state averages 60 inches of rainfall annually according to the National Weather Service, so courses drain well but can get soft after storms.

Best months to play: October through April
Hottest period: June through August (90°F+ with high humidity)
Wettest months: June and July
Wind factor: Coastal courses get consistent Gulf breezes (10-15 mph average)

Green Fee Breakdown

One of the biggest draws of playing the best public golf courses in Louisiana is the value. You can play championship-level courses for a fraction of what you'd pay in golf-heavy states like Florida or California.

Peak vs. Off-Peak Pricing

Course Tier	Weekend (Peak)	Weekday	Twilight	Cart Included
Premium (TPC, Contraband Bayou)	$89–$149	$69–$119	$49–$79	Yes
Mid-Range (Audubon Trail courses)	$55–$85	$40–$65	$30–$50	Yes
Municipal/Budget	$25–$45	$18–$35	$15–$25	Sometimes
Resort Packages (per night + golf)	$150–$250	$120–$200	N/A	Yes

Ways to Save

Book tee times 7+ days in advance for early-bird discounts (typically 10-20% off)
Play weekday afternoons — many courses drop rates by 40% after 1 PM
Buy an Audubon Golf Trail pass for multi-round discounts across several top courses
Check GolfNow and TeeOff for last-minute hot deals
Join the course's email list — seasonal promotions and loyalty rewards are common

Compare this to what you'd spend playing the best public courses in Virginia — Louisiana consistently comes in 20-30% cheaper for similar quality.

Top Public Courses by Region

Here's where to find the best public golf courses Louisiana has to offer, broken down by region so you can plan efficiently.

Northern Louisiana

Squire Creek Country Club (Choudrant) — Tom Fazio design rated among the top 50 public courses nationally. Rolling terrain, elevation changes rare for Louisiana, and immaculate conditioning. Expect $75-$95 on weekends.
Olde Oaks Golf Club (Haughton) — A challenging layout near Shreveport with water on 14 holes. Great value at $40-$55.
Querbes Park Golf Course (Shreveport) — Historic municipal course, affordable and walkable. Under $30 for 18 holes.
Cypress Bend Golf Resort (Many) — Set along Toledo Bend Reservoir with stunning water views. The back nine is among the most scenic stretches in the state.

Central and Southern Louisiana

TPC Louisiana (Avondale) — Home of the PGA Tour's Zurich Classic. Pete Dye design with Tour-level conditioning available to the public. Premium pricing but worth every dollar.
Contraband Bayou Golf Club (Lake Charles) — Tom Fazio design at the L'Auberge Casino Resort. Wide fairways but strategic bunkering punishes lazy shots.
The Bluffs on Thompson Creek (St. Francisville) — Arnold Palmer design with dramatic bluff-top holes overlooking Thompson Creek. A true bucket-list course.
Atchafalaya at Idlewild (Patterson) — Links-style course in the heart of Cajun country. Wind is always a factor here.
Money Hill Golf & Country Club (Abita Springs) — Ron Garl design on the North Shore with tight, tree-lined holes that demand accuracy.

Essential Gear for Louisiana Golf

Louisiana's conditions demand specific preparation. The humidity, heat, and course conditions here are different from what you'll encounter in drier climates.

Clubs and Ball Selection

Driver — Courses are long but fairways are generous. A forgiving driver with moderate spin works best on soft turf.
Irons — Soft conditions mean you can attack pins. Higher-spinning irons stop faster on receptive greens.
Wedges — Carry at least three wedges (PW, 52°, 56° minimum). Wet conditions around greens demand precise short game — check out how to put backspin on a golf ball for techniques that work on soft Louisiana greens.
Putter — Bermuda greens are grainy and slower than bentgrass. A heavier putter or one with more loft helps get the ball rolling smoothly.
Golf balls — Soft-cover urethane balls perform best in humid conditions. The moisture won't affect spin as much as with surlyn covers.

If you're unsure about how many clubs to carry in your bag, stick with 12-13 and add an extra wedge for the tight lies around Louisiana greens.

Clothing and Accessories

Moisture-wicking polo shirts (cotton soaks through in 3 holes during summer)
Lightweight rain jacket — afternoon storms pop up fast
Extra gloves (bring 2-3; humidity destroys grip)
Sunscreen SPF 50+ and a wide-brim hat
Bug spray — mosquitoes near bayou-lined courses are aggressive
A quality towel clipped to your bag for wiping club faces and grips

How to Plan Your Louisiana Golf Trip

Booking and Scheduling

Pick your region — Choose between Shreveport (north), New Orleans (south), or Lake Charles (west) as your base
Book courses first — Premium courses like TPC Louisiana and Squire Creek fill up 2-3 weeks out on weekends
Reserve accommodations — Casino resorts in Lake Charles and Shreveport offer golf packages bundled with rooms
Plan for weather — Schedule backup courses or afternoon activities in case of morning storms
Arrange transportation — Courses are spread out; you'll need a car. Budget 30-60 minutes between courses.

Sample Itinerary

Here's a 4-day trip hitting the highlights:

Day 1: Arrive in New Orleans, play TPC Louisiana (afternoon twilight rate)
Day 2: Drive to St. Francisville, play The Bluffs on Thompson Creek (morning), explore the historic town
Day 3: Head to Lake Charles, play Contraband Bayou (morning), enjoy L'Auberge resort in the evening
Day 4: Play Gray Plantation or Atchafalaya at Idlewild before heading home

Knowing how long 18 holes typically takes helps you schedule multiple rounds or plan dinner reservations around your round.

Advantages and Drawbacks

Why Louisiana Stands Out

Value for money — Championship courses at mid-range prices compared to national averages
Year-round playability with mild winters
Less crowded than golf destinations in Florida, Arizona, or the Carolinas
Unique course designs that incorporate natural bayous, bluffs, and coastal features
Outstanding food and nightlife — New Orleans, Lake Charles, and Shreveport all deliver off-course experiences
Friendly locals and welcoming clubhouse cultures

Challenges to Consider

Summer heat and humidity — June through August rounds require serious preparation and hydration
Mosquitoes and gnats near water features, especially at dawn and dusk
Courses spread across the state — you can't hit 5 top courses in one metro area easily
Afternoon thunderstorms can cancel rounds with little notice (April through September)
Some courses have maintenance windows in late summer when Bermuda transitions get thin
Limited public course density compared to states like Florida or Texas

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to play public golf in Louisiana?

October through April offers the ideal combination of mild temperatures, lower humidity, and overseeded ryegrass fairways. You'll avoid the intense summer heat while still enjoying green, well-conditioned courses. Spring and fall weekdays give you the best availability and pricing.

Are Louisiana public golf courses walkable?

Most municipal courses are very walkable with flat terrain. However, premium courses like TPC Louisiana and Contraband Bayou are cart-mandatory due to distances between holes. Squire Creek's elevation changes also make walking difficult. Always check the course policy when booking.

How far in advance should I book tee times at top Louisiana courses?

For weekend rounds at premium courses (TPC Louisiana, Squire Creek, Contraband Bayou), book 2-3 weeks ahead. Mid-range courses typically have availability with 3-5 days notice. Municipal courses rarely require advance booking except during tournament weekends.

Do I need to worry about alligators on Louisiana golf courses?

Alligators are present on many courses near water features, especially in southern Louisiana. They're generally not aggressive and will avoid you. The standard rule is simple: never approach them, never retrieve a ball near one, and treat any water hazard as potentially occupied. Course staff monitor known habitats.

Next Steps

Pick your region (north, central, or south Louisiana) and select 2-3 courses from the list above that match your skill level and budget.
Book your top-choice course first — especially if it's TPC Louisiana or Squire Creek — then build your trip schedule around that anchor round.
Check current green fees and package deals on each course's website, and look for weekday twilight rates to stretch your golf budget further.
Pack humidity-ready gear: extra gloves, moisture-wicking shirts, bug spray, and a lightweight rain jacket regardless of the forecast.
Join the Audubon Golf Trail loyalty program before your trip to unlock multi-course discounts and priority booking at participating courses.

About Bill Winters

Those who have not yet tried the sport just can’t imagine what is driving these golfers to brave the sun’s heat and go around a course bigger than several football fields combined. It seems like an awful lot of work considering that the ball is quite small that is must be hard to hit, the ground of the course is not flat and, most annoying of all, there are sand traps lying around seemingly bent on preventing a player from finishing the course.

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