Louisiana’s Best Courses and Cuisine

By Joe Burkhardt, Publisher

Louisiana is a state known for its unique cuisine, rich history, and beautiful landscapes. It’s also home to some of the most spectacular golf courses in the country. Golf enthusiasts who are looking to explore the golf courses in Louisiana can take advantage of the state’s many stunning courses, including The Golf at Audubon Park in New Orleans, TPC Louisiana, Atchafalaya Golf Course in Patterson, Mallard Golf Club in Lake Charles, The Island Golf Course in Plaquemines, Country Club at Golden Nugget Lake Charles, and Farm D’Allie golf course in Carencro.

One of the most beautiful and scenic courses in Louisiana is The Golf at Audubon

Park, located in New Orleans. The course is located within the Audubon Park, which is known for its beautiful gardens and winding lagoons. The course itself is a par62, 4,220-yard course that offers a unique and challenging experience for golfers of all skill levels. With plenty of trees and water hazards, this course requires players to bring their best game but lots of fun to play.

Another course that should be on every golfer’s list is the TPC Louisiana Golf Course. Located in Avondale, Louisiana, this course has hosted the Zurich Classic, a PGA Tour event, since 2005. The course is known for its challenging layout and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. With a par-72, 7,399-yard layout, this course is sure to provide a memorable golfing experience.

For those looking for a more relaxed and leisurely golf experience, the Atchafalaya Golf Course in Patterson, Louisiana, is a great option. This course offers a beautiful layout that meanders through the Bayou Teche and Atchafalaya Basin. The course is a par-72, 6,958-yard layout that features plenty of water hazards and bunkers, making it both fun and challenging.

If you’re looking for a course that’s both challenging and beautiful, the Mallard Golf Club in Lake Charles, Louisiana, is a must-visit. The course is a par-72, 7,000yard layout that features beautiful views of the Calcasieu River. With plenty of trees, bunkers, and water hazards, this course is sure to test your skills.

If your looking for a unique golfing experience, The Island Golf Course in

Plaquemines, Louisiana, is a great option. This course is located on an island in the Mississippi River Delta and offers stunning views of the surrounding wetlands. The course is a par-72, 6,800-yard layout that offers a unique golfing experience that can’t be found anywhere else.

If you are looking to do a little golf and gamble trip here a course that should be on every golfer’s list is

The course is well-maintained and offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels. After a round of golf, visitors can indulge in a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant, which serves up a variety of mouth-watering dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients. From the farm-fresh produce to the succulent seafood, every bite is sure to satisfy. With its charming atmosphere and top-notch amenities, Farm D’Allie Golf Course and Restaurant is the perfect destination for a day of golf and relaxation.

The Country Club at Golden Nugget. Located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, this course is a par-72, 7,000-yard layout that offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. With plenty of water hazards and bunkers, this course is sure to challenge even the most experienced golfers especially when the winds kick up and with the tricky greens. After the round be sure to stay at the L’Auberge Casino Resort that has a great menu and drinks at Barstool Sportsbook.

MORE DINING OPTIONS:

Farm D’Allie Golf Course and Restaurant is a beautiful and relaxing getaway located in Carenco, Louisiana. The golf course itself boasts 18 scenic holes that wind through rolling hills and mature trees, making it a favorite among golf enthusiasts.

The Palace Cafe is a historic restaurant located in the heart of New Orleans’ Central Business District. Originally built in 1893 as Werlein’s Music Store, the building was transformed into the Palace Cafe in 1991. The restaurant’s decor boasts a mix of classic and contemporary styles, with high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and black and white tile floors. The menu features a blend of traditional New Orleans cuisine and modern twists, such as the popular Crabmeat Cheesecake and Andouille-crusted Fish. The Palace Cafe is also known for its awardwinning cocktails, including the signature Pimm’s Cup and the Louisiana Lemonade. With its upscale ambiance and delectable food, The Palace Cafe is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable dining experience in New Orleans.

Another great dining option in Louisiana is Bon Temps Grill in Lafayette. This restaurant is known for its Cajun and Creole cuisine, including dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish étouffée. The restaurant also features a lively atmosphere and live music, making it a great spot to unwind after a long day on the golf course.

Extra Holes: The Tabasco Museum, located on Avery Island, is a unique and fascinating destination for anyone interested in the history of one of America’s most beloved condiments. The museum is dedicated to the story of Tabasco sauce, which has been produced by the McIlhenny family on Avery Island since the 1860s. Visitors to the museum can explore the history of the sauce, learn about the production process, and see vintage bottles and advertisements from throughout Tabasco’s long history. The museum also features a gift shop where visitors can purchase a variety of Tabasco-related products, including sauces, clothing, and kitchenware. Overall, the Tabasco Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves this iconic hot sauce or is interested in the history of American food culture.

Overall, Louisiana is a great destination for golfers looking to explore some of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in the country. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely round of golf or a more challenging experience, there’s a course in Louisiana that’s sure to fit the bill. And with so many delicious dining options nearby, you can enjoy a great meal and a great game of golf all in one trip. So pack your clubs, grab your appetite, and head to Louisiana for a golfing adventure you’ll never forget. TSG

Pocono Golf Courses Announce Tentative

Opening Dates for 2023 Season

No, it’s not an April Fools Joke – Spring is here, and the golf courses across the Pocono Mountains are eager to open for the 2023 season, some sooner than last year. The scenic Pocono Mountains is a golfer’s paradise for beginners and seasoned pros alike, with a variety of courses from small, private clubs to sprawling resorts with championship courses designed by industry legends. While a few courses are already open for the season, others have announced their tentative, weather-dependent opening dates:

Buck Hill Golf Club – Sat, April 15

The Country Club at Woodloch Springs – Wed, April 5

Country Club of the Poconos Municipal Golf Course – Fri, March 31

The Golf Course at Paupack Hills – Saturday, Apr 15 (currently open daily for pre-season, as weather allows)

Hideaway Hills Golf Club – Open as of Mon, March 20

Jack Frost National Golf Club – Sat, April 1

Mount Airy Golf Club – Fri, March 31

Pocono Farms Country Club Association – Fri, April 7

Pocono Hills Golf Course – Sat, April 1

Pocono Manor Golf Course – Fri, March 31

The Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort – Open as of Wed, March 22

Skytop Lodge Golf Course – Saturday, Apr 1

Split Rock Golf Club – Saturday, Apr 1

Avid golfers can once again save on golf this season by purchasing a 2023 Golf-A-Round Card. Pay $45 for the card, then play twice at each of the five participating courses for just $30 per round with cart. The card is valid Sunday after 2 p.m. through Friday, excluding holidays. Purchase a Golf-A-Round Card on PoconoMountains.com or from any participating course.

Golf courses in Wayne, Pike, Monroe, or Carbon counties that are interested in becoming members of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB) are invited to email membership@poconos.org for more information.

Cherry Hills Set to Host the 123rd U.S. Amateur Championship in August

Iconic Club Will Host America’s Top Men’s Amateur Golfers Competing For The USGA’s Oldest Championship.

Cherry Hills, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary as a club this summer, previously hosted the USGA’s oldest national championship in 1990 and 2012. Future sixtime major winner Phil Mickelson brought home the U.S. Amateur title in 1990. The 2012 championship at Cherry Hills is now remembered for welcoming one of the deepest fields of future professional stars in the history of the event. Tennessee’s Steven Fox, who had to survive a 17-man playoff for 14 spots in stroke play to qualify for match play in the event, defeated Michael Weaver in an epic 37-hole final match. History, though, will point to the deep collection of future golfing superstars who each of the finalists had to outlast to vie for the championship.

Future PGA Tour winners and major champions in the 2012 U.S. Amateur field included Justin Thomas (15 PGA Tour wins, two majors), Jordan Spieth (13 PGA Tour wins, three majors), and Bryson DeChambeau (eight PGA Tour wins, one major). Other eventual PGA Tour winners include Hideki Matsuyama, Xander Schauffele, Max Homa, Daniel Berger, Taylor Gooch, Mackenzie Hughes, Trey Mullinax, Sepp Straka, and Aaron Wise. Together, this group has compiled 68 PGA Tour wins and seven major championships, making the case of arguably the greatest field for a U.S. Amateur in modern times.

Since the inaugural event in 1895, the U.S. Amateur has enjoyed an illustrious history of legendary champions, including Bobby Jones, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson, and Tiger Woods. In 1930, Jones completed his epic Grand Slam by winning the U.S. Amateur at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa. Woods, in 1996, became the first golfer to win three consecutive U.S. Amateur titles.

When the best amateurs in the world arrive at Cherry Hills this year, they will see a noticeably different golf course than the one they competed on a decade earlier. In 2007, celebrated golf course architect Tom Doak and his Renaissance Golf Design firm were commissioned to begin a long-term restoration plan that was partially completed for the 2012 championship but continued for another decade under associate Eric Iverson until completion last year.

The biggest change players will encounter will be with the restoration of Little Dry Creek throughout the golf course. To restore Flynn’s original design, Little Dry Creek was rerouted closer to the front of the green on the 14th hole, next to the green on the seventh, and continuing to flow tightly alongside the newly re-designed eighth hole. Little Dry Creek was also moved more into play on the 15th hole, where the recent rediscovery and restoration of Flynn’s original left side of the green helped create a more thought-provoking approach. The creek now runs closer to the 15th green, down the 16th fairway and alongside the green, further highlighting the genius and creativity of Flynn’s original design and fortifying the challenge for the best amateurs in the world.

The starting field of 312 players for the U.S. Amateur Championship will play 18 holes of stroke play on Aug. 14 and 15, with one round at Cherry Hills and one at Colorado Golf Club, the stroke-play co-host for the championship, after which the field will be cut to the low 64 scores. Six rounds of match play begin on Wednesday, Aug. 16. The championship concludes with a 36-hole championship match on Sunday, Aug. 20. The winner and runner-up are exempt into the following year’s U.S. Open and The Masters.

Just as vital to Cherry Hills as hosting national golf championships on a regular basis, is a dedication and passion to give back to the game and create turningpoint opportunities for youth in the local community. Proceeds from the Championship will be donated to charities across Colorado including the Palmer Scholarship, the Western Golf Association’s Evans Scholars Foundation and The First Tee with the goal of growing the game of golf, assisting with scholarships, and impacting the lives of young people across the Centennial State.

“We’re obviously proud to present unparalleled championship golf to the world-class participants and the spectators of the U.S. Amateur at Cherry Hills, but the charitable impact in the community made possible through this championship is a legacy that means everything to the club,” says Koehn.