Our Top 10 Golf Courses in Louisiana for 2026
Louisiana is famous for its world-class food, vibrant culture, and legendary outdoor adventures, but it’s also home to some of the finest golf courses in the South. From championship layouts designed by golf’s greatest architects to historic country clubs rich in tradition, the Bayou State offers exceptional golf experiences for players of every skill level. Whether you’re planning a golf trip, searching for your next bucket-list course, or simply looking to experience the best fairways Louisiana has to offer, this guide highlights our picks for the Top 10 Golf Courses in Louisiana for 2026. We ranked each course based on design, conditioning, scenery, challenge, history, and overall golfing experience to help you discover the very best golf destinations across the state.
Every golfer has their own list of favorites, and no ranking is ever set in stone. Our selections are based on overall course design, conditioning, playability, scenery, history, amenities, and the complete golfing experience. Whether you’re a longtime Louisiana golfer or visiting for the first time, these are our picks for the Top 10 golf courses in the state.
1. Squire Creek Country Club – Choudrant
If there is one golf course that defines championship golf in Louisiana, it is Squire Creek. Designed by Tom Fazio, this spectacular layout winds through towering pines, rolling hills, natural creeks, and pristine lakes while offering immaculate playing conditions throughout the year.
Every hole feels unique, rewarding thoughtful shot-making without becoming unfair. The greens are consistently among the fastest and smoothest in Louisiana, while the practice facilities rival many nationally recognized clubs. From the first tee to the final putt, Squire Creek delivers a true championship experience and remains our clear choice for the best golf course in Louisiana.
2. Country Club of Louisiana – Baton Rouge
Jack Nicklaus created one of the state’s finest private golf clubs when he designed the Country Club of Louisiana. Beautiful water features, mature landscaping, challenging bunkers, and fast greens create a course that tests every aspect of your game.
Excellent conditioning and outstanding club amenities have made CCLA one of the most respected private clubs in the South for decades.
3. New Orleans Country Club – New Orleans
Rich in tradition and history, New Orleans Country Club is one of Louisiana’s most prestigious private clubs. Rather than relying on length, the course emphasizes strategy, precision, and shot placement.
Massive oak trees, classic architecture, and beautifully maintained greens provide a timeless golf experience that continues to impress generations of members and guests.
4. Baton Rouge Country Club – Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge Country Club blends historic character with modern championship conditioning. The course rewards golfers who can manage their way around strategically placed bunkers and well-protected greens.
Its classic design and outstanding member experience have helped make BRCC one of the premier golf clubs in Louisiana.
5. Oakbourne Country Club – Lafayette
Oakbourne is one of Louisiana’s true golf treasures. Designed by Dick Wilson, the course has hosted professional tournaments and remains one of the finest examples of classic golf architecture in the state.
Massive live oaks line the fairways while small, challenging greens reward accuracy over power. It continues to be one of Acadiana’s premier golfing destinations.
6. Metairie Country Club – Metairie
Following extensive restoration work that honored Seth Raynor’s original vision, Metairie Country Club has become one of Louisiana’s most architecturally significant golf courses.
Strategic template holes, exceptional green complexes, and outstanding conditioning make this course a favorite among golfers who appreciate classic course design.
7. TPC Louisiana – Avondale
As home of the PGA Tour’s Zurich Classic, TPC Louisiana gives golfers the opportunity to play where some of the world’s best professionals compete every year.
Pete Dye’s design features expansive bunkers, wetlands, water hazards, and exciting risk-versus-reward opportunities throughout the course. It remains the top public golf experience in Louisiana.
8. Southern Trace Country Club – Shreveport
Southern Trace showcases a different side of Louisiana golf. Arthur Hills designed the course to flow naturally through rolling terrain and pine forests, creating elevation changes that are uncommon throughout much of the state.
Excellent maintenance and challenging holes have made Southern Trace one of north Louisiana’s premier private clubs.
9. The Country Club at Golden Nugget – Lake Charles
Combining resort luxury with championship golf, the Country Club at Golden Nugget offers immaculate fairways, dramatic water features, and outstanding greens.
Visitors can enjoy a complete golf vacation while staying at the adjacent resort, making it one of Louisiana’s top golf destinations for both locals and travelers.
10. University Club – Baton Rouge
Designed by Louisiana golf legend David Toms, the University Club has become one of Baton Rouge’s finest golf facilities.
Wide fairways, strategically placed bunkers, excellent practice areas, and consistently outstanding conditions make it a favorite among competitive golfers and recreational players alike.
Honorable Mention
False River Country Club – New Roads
False River Country Club deserves recognition despite currently undergoing major renovations and rebuilding.
For generations, golfers have enjoyed this scenic course overlooking beautiful False River. Once renovations are complete, we believe False River has the potential to once again become one of Louisiana’s hidden golf gems and a course worth adding back to every golfer’s bucket list.
Planning Your Louisiana Golf Trip
Louisiana’s golf season lasts much longer than many parts of the country, making it an excellent destination nearly year-round. Spring and fall generally provide the best weather, with comfortable temperatures and excellent course conditions. Winter also offers outstanding golf for visitors escaping colder climates, while early morning tee times help beat the summer heat.
Many golfers choose to combine multiple courses into one trip. Baton Rouge offers outstanding options with the Country Club of Louisiana, Baton Rouge Country Club, and University Club all within a short drive. Southeast Louisiana allows golfers to experience both New Orleans Country Club and TPC Louisiana, while north Louisiana features Squire Creek and Southern Trace for a completely different style of golf.
What Makes These Courses Stand Out?
Each course on our list offers something unique. Some are known for championship tournament history, while others are celebrated for their architecture, conditioning, or unforgettable scenery.
When building these rankings, we considered:
- Overall course design
- Conditioning and maintenance
- Challenge for all skill levels
- Historical significance
- Scenic beauty
- Practice facilities
- Clubhouse and amenities
- Overall golfing experience
No ranking is perfect, and every golfer has personal favorites. However, these ten courses consistently represent the highest level of golf Louisiana has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best golf course in Louisiana?
Our top-ranked golf course is Squire Creek Country Club in Choudrant. Its Tom Fazio design, exceptional conditioning, and beautiful natural setting make it the premier golf experience in Louisiana.
What is the best public golf course in Louisiana?
TPC Louisiana in Avondale is our highest-ranked public-access course. As the home of the PGA Tour’s Zurich Classic, it offers golfers the opportunity to play a true championship venue.
Which Louisiana city has the best golf?
Baton Rouge offers one of the strongest collections of golf courses in the state with the Country Club of Louisiana, Baton Rouge Country Club, and University Club all located nearby.
When is the best time to golf in Louisiana?
Spring (March through May) and fall (October through November) typically provide the most comfortable temperatures. Winter is also an excellent time for golf, especially for visitors escaping colder northern climates.
Are there good golf resorts in Louisiana?
Yes. The Country Club at Golden Nugget in Lake Charles is one of Louisiana’s top golf resort destinations, offering championship golf alongside luxury accommodations, dining, and entertainment.
Will False River Country Club reopen?
Yes. False River Country Club is currently undergoing major rebuilding efforts. Many Louisiana golfers are excited to see the course return to prominence once renovations are complete.
Related Articles
Top Louisiana Restaurants Worth the Drive – Explore some of the state’s best restaurants, from fine dining to hidden local favorites.
Best Hiking Trails in Louisiana – Explore Louisiana’s most beautiful hiking destinations, from Tunica Hills to coastal nature preserves.
Sportsman’s Paradise Guide – Discover the best fishing, hunting, boating, and outdoor adventures Louisiana has to offer.
Top 10 Restaurants in New Orleans for 2026 – Discover our rankings of Louisiana’s best restaurants, from legendary fine dining destinations to beloved local favorites that are worth the drive.
Final Thoughts
Louisiana may not always be the first state that comes to mind for golf, but those who play here know just how special these courses truly are. From the nationally acclaimed fairways of Squire Creek to the historic charm of New Orleans Country Club, the championship challenge of TPC Louisiana, and the timeless layouts found across Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Shreveport, and Lake Charles, Louisiana offers an impressive variety of golfing experiences.
Whether you’re planning a golf vacation, searching for your next bucket-list round, or simply looking to experience some of the finest courses in the South, these rankings provide an excellent place to start. And with exciting renovations underway at False River Country Club, the future of Louisiana golf continues to look even brighter.
