When my husband and I were in Hawaii we struck up a conversation with one of the guests in our hotel and noticed that she was always with her two young daughters – while her husband went off and played golf from dawn to dusk every single day. I didn’t say anything to her but I thought this was very unfair – even though she said, “He works quite hard and this is his only vacation.” Later I found out that she worked full-time also. I definitely thought the husband was a bit of a cad. Since guys love golf so much here’s a list of five courses in New Orleans.

Audubon Clubhouse – a facility of Audubon Nature Institute

6500 Magazine Street

504-212-5290

This golf course is in the top 50 municipal golf courses in the U.S. and has earned a 4 1/2-star rating from Golf Digest. It is located 4.2 miles from the Convention Center and 4.7 miles from the French Quarter. It is impeccably landscaped and offers a challenging par-62 layout.

Bayou Oaks at City Park

1040 Fillmore Avenue

504-483-9410

Prepare yourself for an unparalleled golfing experience just minutes from downtown New Orleans. This 36-hole golf complex features two golf courses that can be enjoyed by golfers at all skill levels. Bayou Oaks aims to create the best golfing experience for both locals and visitors.

It opened in 1902 and quickly developed into a four-course facility, namely: North, South, East and West. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina forced a complete closure that resulted in a major rebuilding. The North reopened in 2008 and, in 2017 the South joined it to make a 36-hole complex. Now, you’ll find that parts of the former East/West courses have many historic oak trees and lagoons that define the beauty of City Park.

Chateau Golf Country Club

3600 Chateau Boulevard

504-467-1351

Chateau Golf Country Club’s 6,800-yard golf course is one of the top courses in New Orleans. This par-72 course, complete with Champion Bermuda greens, has hosted events for prestigious organizations such as the Louisiana Golf Association and the PGA.

Their hybrid fairways, consistent sand bunkers and strategically placed water hazards offer challenging golf. Greens vary in size and undulation. You’ll also find a golf pro shop and clubhouse.

English Turn Golf Country Club

One Clubhouse Drive

504-392-2200

This Jack Nicklaus-designed championship golf course can turn a business meeting into a memorable affair. It is known for its undulating greens that will test even the most seasoned players. Each hole has a unique design that combines strategically placed bunkers, including large waste bunkers and sloping grass swales.

There is also carefully sculpted mounding along the edges of the fairways. On top of that, water comes into play on nearly every hole. English Turn's signature hole, the 15th, is a par-5 with an island green – but it's the final hole – a par-4 with water all along the left side, that is rumored to be the golf course's toughest. Go for it.

TPC of Louisiana

11001 Lapalco Boulevard

504-436-8721

TPC Louisiana was named “The #4 best upscale public golf course” by Golf Digest magazine when it debuted in 2004. This course boasts a series of short but compelling par-4 holes to balance the longer ones and delivers a great blend of challenge and skill. The signature hole on the golf course is the par-5, 18th hole. Water is in play for the entire right side of the hole, making for a challenging finish for golfers of all levels. Go for this one, too!

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? We are at 1244 Esplanade Ave. Here’s how long it takes to get to (1) Audubon Clubhouse, 20 MINUTES, (2) Bayou Oaks, City Park, 12 MINUTES, (3) English Turn Golf Country Club, 25 MINUTES. Give the guys a golf break. Then the gals can go wild at Saks, 301 Canal Street, NINE MINUTES. All’s fair in love and war.  

PLEASE PHONE, USE EMAIL OR CHECK THE WEB for the current status of whatever golf course (or store) you choose.

Shaun Nelson-Henrick