In 2003, the country club complex was purchased by Ed Haddad, who had plans to refurbish the golf course and all of the amenities. Unfortunately, Hurricane Katrina derailed those plans in 2006 and in 2013, the entire project was placed into bankruptcy. Dunnick Group, the project management company for Stonebridge purchased the property but continued to operate the club on a shoestring. Management of the club was subbed out to several different companies who seemed to spend even less on the upkeep and maintenance of the course and club.

In early 2016, Dunnick announced they would be leaving the community within 18 months, abandoning the property, and letting the protective covenants of the golf community lapse. Stonebridge was unable to find someone to purchase the property, but with the assistance of state legislators, they were able to structure the state legislation which allowed the creation of the Stonebridge Neighborhood Improvement and Beautification District to purchase, restore, and operate the clubhouse and golf course.

Since 2018, Stonebridge has been self-reliant with no public funding and has invested nearly a million dollars to restore the course. The renovation of the clubhouse and other amenities is still ongoing.

Stonebridge GCNO has been a favorite of both visitors and local golfers alike for decades; many feel it's the best value on the West Bank. The golf course was renovated by architect John Robinson in 2005. Robinson has designed/redesigned around 90 golf courses, primarily in the northern states and Canada.

One thing that makes Stonebridge unique is that it offers 27 holes. From the Black Tees, The 18-hole championship golf course plays 6,936 yards, making it a formidable challenge for low handicappers. Move up to the White Tees and the yardage drops to 5,881 yards. Ladies, juniors, and seniors will enjoy the Red Tees at 4,715 yards. With five sets of tees to choose from, you're sure to find a suitable yardage no matter your skill level.

With picturesque views of downtown, this championship layout offers a good mix of holes with plenty of room and a few with narrow "corridors" that require a little bit of accuracy and distance control. The sand bunkers are well-maintained, and the greens roll fast and true. Several holes are lined with homes so if you spray it off the tee, you may want to bring a few extra balls. And your homeowners' insurance!

Several holes are quite memorable. Number 2 is a short par 4, playing 304 yards from the Blue Tees, and offers longball hitters the opportunity to drive the green. Most players will play something less than a driver off the tee and the two ponds in front of the green steer you to the right. Go too far right and you may find one of the fairway bunkers. Find the fairway off the tee and you'll have a short pitch shot into the green.

The 4th hole is a narrow, dogleg left and plays 388 yards from the Black Tees. With trees and a canal on the right and houses and OB on the left the entire length of the hole, you'll need accuracy and control from tee to green. The green features multiple tiers with a lot of undulation.

Number 9 is a 476-yard par 5 (White Tees) that may be reachable for some golfers. The hole is pretty straight and there's plenty of room off the tee. Number 9 is all about your 2nd shot, whether laying up or going for the green in two. Trees create a narrow landing area short of the putting surface and water on the right necessitates an accurate approach shot.

The 16th hole is the longest and most difficult par 3 on the entire layout. From the back tees the hole plays 214 yards; move up two tee boxes to the Whites and it's a manageable 161 yards. There is plenty of room to bail out on the left but if you miss the green long you may find the pond. The green is guarded by a bunker on the right and another bunker short of the green taking away the bump-and-run shot.

Your round at Stonebridge ends with a challenging par 4; 359 yards from the Blue Tees. The water on the right is reachable off the tee and continues down the fairway, eventually wrapping around the green. The long fairway bunker on the left sees its fair share of tee shots as well! Although there is no O.B. on the left, be mindful of people on the range. The angled, rectangular green is guarded by a single bunker front left and the water.

The Harvey Nine is Stonebridge's "executive" course and plays 2,442 yards with a par 33. The first hole is a 356-yard par 4 with water everywhere. From the back tees, you may be able to hit a driver off the tee. Find the fairway off the tee and you'll have a short pitch shot - albeit over water - into a small green that's protected front right by a lone bunker.

The 520-yard 26th hole is a long and narrow par 5 that requires accuracy off the tee with OB to the left and water on the right, which is not a good thing for most golfers. You'll need an accurate layup shot too, to avoid the trio of bunkers on the left and water on the right. Another large bunker guards the right side of this odd-shaped green.

Before your round, warm up at the iron-only driving range and the oversized practice green. Inside the clubhouse, you'll find the pro shop with all kinds of golf accessories and logoed apparel. You can also grab your favorite beverage along with a bite to eat at the Bridge 28 Patio Grill. They serve some delicious food including breakfast sandwiches and burritos for the morning crowd and mouthwatering burgers and sandwiches later in the day. They also offer a couple of "take-home meals" served in microwave-safe containers. All of this delicious food is cooked in their food trailer which serves as the kitchen until all of the clubhouse renovations are complete.

With 18 scenic holes, good food, and a full-service bar, Stonebridge is the perfect venue to host your next charity golf event, corporate outing, or league. Many couples will say that it's also the ideal place to host a Louisiana wedding!

Stonebridge Golf Club of New Orleans is a "must-play" golf course for any golfer living in - or visiting - the New Orleans area. For more information on Stonebridge Golf Club of New Orleans or to book your next round, give them a call at (504) 394-1300 or visit them online www.golfstonebridge.com.

Tamahka Trails was designed by Lakeland, FL native Steve Smyers who took the natural contours of the property and created one of the best daily fee golf courses in Louisiana. There are five sets of tees to choose from, so finding a distance that suits your game shouldn't be a problem. Juniors, seniors, and ladies can move up to the Gold Tees and play the course from 4,370 yards while low handicappers and masochists can move back to the Black Tees and play from 7,019 yards. Par out here is 71.

Smyers has taken resort golf to a whole new level where brains over brawn will yield the best results. The golf course winds its way through 230 acres of rolling terrain, majestic century-old trees, and a bevy of native wildlife. You'll encounter strategically placed hazards and traverse creeks that wind their way through the property, all designed to keep you honest. The native grasses not only add to the look and feel of the course, but they can also prove to be a formidable hazard as well. The putting surfaces are incredible, well-undulated, and a joy to putt on.

In late 2020, Tamahka Trails underwent a major renovation including a new set of junior tees that measured around 4,000 yards, seven new Champion tees, upgrades to fairway and cart paths, a new chipping bunker and practice green, and new landscaping throughout the course, clubhouse, and parking lot.

But the biggest changes were made in the bunkers; poor bunkers were the reason Tamahka Trails was unable to attract top amateur tournaments for the past 15 years. The renovation included the conversion to the Better Billy Bunker system which improves drainage and creates longer-lasting sand traps. To do so meant they had to replace all of the drain lines, reshape several bunker complexes to eliminate steep slopes, and replace all of the sand. Tamahka Trails also converted about 40,000 square feet of bunkers to grass and added several small pot bunkers. They have already secured several big-name tournaments: The Louisiana State Women's Four-Ball Championship, The Gulf States PGA Chapter Championship, the All-Pro Tour Paragon Championship, the Golfweek Amateur Tour, and the Eagle Amateur Tour Inaugural Tournament.

The Tamahka Trails yardage book can be a valuable asset, especially if you've never played the course before. With several blind shots and a few doglegs, there's nothing worse than standing on the tee box and not knowing where the hole goes.

There are several memorable holes, starting with Number 1, a 518-yard, slight dogleg left, par 5 with a very generous fairway. A good drive will give you a chance to get your round off on the right foot. There's a dense strand of trees down the left side where finding your ball let alone having a shot will be a task. The right side is no picnic either, although the trees are less dense. You may find your ball, don't expect a clear shot to the green. Play your layup shot out to the right side; the cluster of bunkers you see in front of the green starts about 100 yards out and approach shots from left of them will be blind. The green is large and a lot wider than deep. Regardless of how you played the first hole, stop by the comfort station for an iced mango towel and slushy ice water. They're very refreshing on a hot summer day.

There are three par 3s on the front side and all are challenging from the White Tees. Move to the back tees and they get even more challenging. Number 2 plays 112 yards from the Whites and is all carry over water. The kidney-shaped green is flanked with a bunker between it and the water. Anything short of the green is probably in the water and anything over the green will find the deep collection area. The green slopes steeply from back right to front left.

From the back tees, Number 6 plays 199 yards from an elevated tee box, so it's considerably less than the stated yardage. Distance and accuracy are both important because of the three sand and one grass bunkers that guard the multi-tiered green. Watch out for the false front too. Par is a good score here.

If you think the par 3s are getting longer, that's because they are. Number 8 plays 204 yards from the White Tees. Don't let the length get to you; well-struck tee shots tend to run onto the green. Two large, deep bunkers guard the green, which is large and has been known to produce a lot of three-putts.

The toughest hole on the entire layout is Number 7, a par 4 that plays 380 yards from the White Tees. Keep your tee shot right of the fairway bunkers; there's more room over there than meets the eye. The approach shot is semi-blind, although the front of the green is wide open. There's a lot of contour in this green, so pay attention.

Number 17 is a good risk/reward par 4. From the White Tees, this short dogleg left plays 276 yards. If you can hit a draw, now's the time. A good line is the tree right of the green. Hit a good drive and catch the downslope and you can easily find the green. Three fairway bunkers guard the right side, waiting for errant tee shots while those that try to cut the dogleg will have a separate set of traps to deal with. If you have any questions about whether or not you can make the green, play a long iron off the tee and leave yourself a manageable pitch shot into a green that slopes left and away from you.

The friendly, knowledgeable staff at Tamahka Trails want your golf experience to be unique and memorable. After your round, head to the Tamahka Grill where they serve some delicious food. I highly recommend the Tamahka Black Oak Smoked Sausage, 1/4 lb. smoked sausage grilled to perfection and served with grilled peppers and onions. You can't go wrong when you build your own Tamahka Burger, a half-pound burger, served with lettuce, tomato, and onion on a toasted bun with your choice of several toppings.

Once you play it, Tamahka Trails Golf Club is a course you'll want to come back to again and again. They offer several affordable membership programs for singles, couples, and out-of-towners. They also offer some incredible Stay and Play and Play packages, too. To see that everything that Tamahka Trails Visit their website for more information, www.tamahkatrails.com.

On a first trip to Louisiana, most people will gravitate to the state's largest and most popular city, New Orleans. The Golf Club at Audubon Park is a great place to start your visit. Although golf has been played on these grounds since 1898, Dennis Griffiths redesigned the course in 2001 to bring it up to modern standards. You wouldn't think that a par-62, 4220-yard course with twelve par-three holes would be much of a challenge, but the close-in lakes and 100-year-old live oak trees provide some thrills.

Speaking of thrills, Audubon Park is just twenty minutes from the famed French Quarter, where bar hopping, listening to live music, and people watching are fun evening diversions. Be sure to try one of the cocktails invented in New Orleans such as the Hurricane, the Ramos Gin Fizz, the Sazerac, the Pimm's Cup or the Brandy Milk Punch. The nearby Marriott Warehouse Arts District Hotel is an upscale property with very reasonable prices and is just a short walk to Harrah's Casino and the French Quarter. Renowned restaurants dot the Quarter and the Palace Café which offers modern Creole dishes is always excellent. Visit www.NewOrleans.com for more information.

If you'd like to play where the pros play, TPC Louisiana is 15 minutes from downtown New Orleans in Avondale. Home of the Zurich Classic since 2005, Pete Dye's TPC offers immaculate conditions with fast greens, 5 lakes, over 100 bunkers and waste areas to draw your attention. With tee options from 5,121 yards up to a stout 7,425 yards, you should be able to find your comfort zone. Golf Digest named TPC Louisiana "best new upscale golf course" upon its opening in 2004 and it has kept up those high standards throughout its lifetime.

While it's understandable that you might want to stay in the New Orleans area for the golf, the food, and the entertainment, the rest of Louisiana has plenty to offer as well. West of NOLA near the small town of Patterson is the Atchafalaya Golf Club at Idlewild. You have now arrived in Cajun Country. Live oak trees drooping with Spanish moss and cypress "knees" doubling as 150-yard markers could only be found in this lowland basin near the Atchafalaya River and the Gulf of Mexico. Famed architects Von Hagge, Smelek and Baril created the course in 2006 and by 2013 it was named a best course in the state by Golf Digest. Being a wetlands course, streams and lakes are prevalent. The area is known for its fertile land and extensive wildlife, including black bear and bald eagles. It's rare to find such an immaculate course off the beaten path. Big hitters will be challenged at 7,533 yards, but even juniors can play here with tees at 3,893 yards. Don't miss the highly- rated clubhouse restaurant with veranda views overlooking the shared 9th and 18th green.

Home base for your trip to the Cajun Coast should be Morgan City. I recommend trying to make time to visit the Rig Museum there. It's the only authentic offshore drilling rig open to the public in the world. Now anchored just off the shore of the Atchafalaya River, the rig known as Mr. Charlie was a working oil rig from 1954 until 1986. Besides functioning as an educational tour facility, training for new oil rig workers is provided here. It's a one-of-a-kind experience. At nearby Doiron's Landing the fishermen in your group can book a charter with a bona fide Bass Pro champion. You can find charters galore in any of the southern parishes of Louisiana and choose inland fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, etc. or fish the Gulf of Mexico for redfish, tuna, flounder and more at www.CajunCoast.com<./a>.

At the Farm d'Allie Golf Club near Lafayette you'll have the opportunity to play on a beautiful course that is beginning to blossom into something special. Designed by Jeff Blume, the course sits on land that was once part of the Mississippi Riverbed. Because of its previous incarnation as a farm, the land is quite fertile so golf turf and grasses flourish. Water hazards abound here and there are a few forced carries over them. The 18th hole is spectacular with a 90-degree dogleg and a lake running down the left side from tee to green. There are plenty of lodging options near Lafayette's quaint downtown and the Cajun culinary experiences are numerous. The Bon Temps Café is a standout choice, but you can find everything you need to plan a visit at www.LafayetteTravel.com.

Lake Charles is known as Louisiana's Playground and it's easy to see why. Next door neighbors the Golden Nugget and L'Auberge Casino Resort are massive, luxury properties that rival casino resorts anywhere. The L'Auberge offers everything a vacationer might want. Chef Lyle Broussard is the star of the Barstool Sportsbook Restaurant where he serves up Louisiana favorites but there are many other options from casual to fine dining. The Country Club at the Golden Nugget was the home of last year's Lake Charles Championship on the Korn Ferry Tour. It is long and wind-swept, with views of the Calcasieu River and Prien Lake. The course lost many trees due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Laura in 2020 and there is now a much more open feel to it than in years past. Laura's damage was widespread throughout Lake Charles and even today there are still blue tarps covering some roofs and in fact, repairs to the dome of the L'Auberge Hotel are only now complete. Tom Fazio's Contraband Bayou, the course at L'Auberge, also suffered the loss of trees, but it is still a great challenge and quite an interesting layout. Even though the two courses are neighbors, they are distinctly different and worthy of your time.

Hurricanes and covid had quite an effect on the opening of Mallard Golf Club in Lake Charles. However, the donated property has become an amazing track. Jeff Blume has built a course with 18 distinctive holes. He added enough interest through mounding, raised greens, and lakes and bunkers in all the right places to transform a flat piece of property with no trees into a golf playground that's a fun challenge to all golfers. There are more golf courses, more great restaurants, and more activities to keep you busy in Lake Charles. For more information, head to www.VisitLakeCharles.org.

If you would prefer to stay close to a city, but on a smaller scale than New Orleans, Baton Rouge would be an excellent choice. The capital city sits alongside the Mississippi River and is home to Louisiana State University. Stay at the beautiful L'Auberge Casino & Hotel for well-appointed rooms, casino action and entertainment, and diverse cuisine. The Tin Roof Brewery and Oxbow Rum Distillery distinguish themselves as artisans who make the finest beers and rum using only home-grown ingredients. Golfers will certainly enjoy a round at Santa Maria Golf Course, a standout muny designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. You will need to be very attentive to the 18 lakes and two natural waterways, as well as housing which is dissected by the course. The Island Golf Course in nearby Plaquemine is another standout public facility. Most of the dog legs here are left to right which would seem to favor slicers but beware of the ever-present lakes and streams that line most fairways. For more highlights and information on Baton Rouge, visit

The best place to start planning a trip to Louisiana is by visiting www.LouisianaGolfTrails.com. There you can find all the information about accommodations, restaurants, golf, and tours that you will need. They can put together the golf trip of your dreams: golf and gaming, fishing, culinary, music, craft beer, distilleries and more. Whatever you choose, you won't be disappointed.

In response to being notified of his award, J.T. said, "I have been blessed to serve and lead with many very talented golf professionals. To think that I have been recognized amongst the best of our 28,000 strong is truly humbling. I am proudest of my 20 plus assistants that have gone on to head professional/head coaching jobs as well as my current staff that will most certainly go on to greatness. I am continually astonished by the talent and fraternalism that the Gulf States Section churns out."

Reg Adams, PGA, Head Professional at Huntington Park Golf Course in Shreveport, LA, was named the recipient of the Gulf States PGA Patriot Award. This award is presented to a PGA professional who personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment and dedication to the men and women who have valiantly served and protected the United States of America.

Brad Pullin, PGA, Director of Instruction at Squire Creek Country Club in Choudrant, LA, has earned his first Gulf States PGA Teacher & Coach of the Year Award. This award recognizes the recipient's exceptional teaching ability and dedication to teaching the game.

In recognition of his continued efforts to grow the game of golf at the youth level, General Manager at OakWing Golf Club in Alexandria, LA, Robbie Gueringer, PGA, has been awarded the 2022 Gulf States PGA Youth Player Development Award. This award acknowledges the recipient's passion to promote the game by sharing knowledge and skills with today's youth, benefiting the future of golf in the Section.

Marie Gateley, PGA, Assistant Professional at Baton Rouge Country Club, LA, has been chosen as this year's Gulf States PGA Professional Development Award winner for the first time, acknowledging her commitment to furthering the education of fellow professionals.

Robbie Gueringer, PGA, General Manager at OakWing Golf Club in Alexandria, LA, has been selected as the Gulf States PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award winner in recognition of his leadership and valued involvement with the community. This marks Robbie's second Gulf States PGA award this year.

Bill Baker, PGA, Assistant Professional at Bayou De Siard Country Club in Monroe, LA, has displayed exemplary leadership as an assistant professional and continues to serve as an outstanding representation of his class earning him the title of Gulf States PGA Assistant Professional of the Year.

The Merchandisers of the Year are selected based on their skills in the promotion of golf including merchandising ability and technique, inventory levels and turn rate, shop display, and attention to detail.

Dustin Diez, PGA, Head Professional at Pelican Point Golf Club in Gonzales, LA, has been named Gulf States PGA Merchandiser of the Year in the Public category.

In the Private category, PGA Head Professional Billy Holtz of Baton Rouge Country Club, LA has earned the distinction of Gulf States PGA Merchandiser of the Year.

PGA Head Professional Allan Martel of Grand Bear Golf Club in Saucier, MS, has earned the Gulf States PGA Merchandiser of the Year in the Resort category.

Accepting his first Gulf States PGA award this year is Bobby Flanagan, PGA, Assistant Professional at Baton Rouge Country Club, LA, who has been named the Gulf States PGA Player Development Award winner. This award honors his extraordinary and exemplary contributions and achievements in the area of player development.

Leading the class of 2022 award winners in the Louisiana Chapter is Golf Professional of the Year Chris Burkstaller, PGA, General Manager at The Island Country Club in Plaquemine, LA. "I have been in this business for well over 30+ years and I am so humbled to win this award. I certainly don't do it for awards but for the love of the game and all aspects of this business. To be recognized for this particular award is amazing. Thank you to all of my fellow Professionals for this amazing recognition."

Louisiana Chapter Assistant of the Year has been awarded to Bobby Flanagan, PGA, Assistant Professional at Baton Rouge Country Club, LA. This marks Bobby's second Gulf States PGA award this year.

Matt Brunetz, PGA, Head Professional at Whisper Lake Country Club in Madison, MS, has been awarded the Mississippi Chapter Golf Professional of the Year Award. Matt remarked, "Thank you for the award and the title of MS Professional of the Year. I am humbled and honored to have been chosen out of the outstanding group of candidates that we had this year. Thank you so much to all my fellow professionals that voted for me. I believe that a big part of this award is being involved in the Chapter and the Section activities and I look forward to continuing to do so in the future."

Representing the Mississippi Chapter Assistant of the Year category is this year's award winner, Nate Kitson, PGA, Assistant Professional at Mississippi State University Golf Course in Starkville, MS. This marks Nate's second time winning this award.

Two special Chapter awards are set aside to honor individuals that tirelessly and unselfishly work to support the game of golf.

The Louisiana Chapter has chosen Jimmy Headrick, PGA of Slidell, LA as the recipient of the Barbato-Thomas Award. This award is named after Mike Barbato and Henry Thomas who both played a major role in the birth and development of the Gulf States Section. The award is presented to individuals in recognition of those who have unselfishly served and supported the game of golf and the PGA professional.

Jimmy said, "The Barbato/Thomas Award is very personal to me. When I came to New Orleans in 1976 as a PGA Apprentice, Mr. Barbato and Mr. Thomas were true legends. When they got to know me and they would recognize me by my name, it was as if I was hearing it from Arnold Palmer. They inspired me then to what my potential could be, and they inspire me to this day. I am grateful to the selection committee for recognizing my service to the game."

The Mississippi Chapter Carpenter-Lindsay Award was named for James Ray Carpenter and Ken Lindsay, both of whom served as PGA of America Presidents and have given so much to the Association. This year's recipient is Tommy Snell of Diamondhead, MS.

"Someone once said that the greatest award is the appreciation of people, and to receive an award named after Carpenter-Lindsay, two people whom I have admired for years makes me absolutely happy and grateful. I've always tried to give back to the game I love, something that those two names epitomize. I am truly appreciative and thankful."

This year's honorees will be celebrated at the Gulf States PGA Special Awards Ceremony to be held on December 4th at Diamondhead Country Club in Diamondhead, MS.

The Gulf States PGA Awards Committee consists of past award winners and Chapter officers.

About the Gulf States PGA Section

The Gulf States Section, Professional Golfers' Association of America, is an association of golf professionals whose mission is to promote interest, participation, and enjoyment in the game of golf; establish and maintain professional standards of practice and enhance the well-being of golf professionals.

Tucked away on the Texas-Louisiana border in the charming town of Many, Louisiana, Cypress Bend Resort is a true outdoorsman's paradise. The property offers fishing, 600 acres of nature trails and - its number one attraction - a championship golf course. The resort hotel recently became a Wyndham property and a major multi-million renovation is currently underway.

The 18-hole course has been popular with professional-level golfers for years, with its sweeping views of the Toledo Bend Lake and rolling terrain. As part of the renovations, the course is being redesigned by award-winning golf architect Jeff Blume who is known for his work improving playability throughout the region. Under his careful direction, the redesign will now open the course up to players of all levels - from budding amateurs to seasoned pros.

"We want to offer our guests the best experience possible," said Eric Kasper, Cypress Bend Resort's resident golf pro and former PGA professional. The full reconstruction will breathe new life into the course, building upon its natural beauty while increasing overall playability. "It's a total beauty," said Kasper. "This rebuilding will make it one of the top golf courses in the Southern states, certainly a premier destination for all golfers."

For those who may prefer more time off the green, the renovation will also include updates to the resort's Conference Center - with an indoor amphitheater and ballroom that can accommodate up to 250 guests - indoor and outdoor swimming pools, winding on-site nature trails and central common areas.

The new and improved resort, featuring a wide range of reimagined experiences, is expected to debut in spring 2023. While the golf course is currently closed for the extensive renovations, the hotel and resort is welcoming guests daily for delicious Southern cuisine and relaxing opportunities throughout. The putting green and driving range are open for swing practice, and all other resort amenities including the restaurant, bar, fishing excursions, nature trails, bird watching, swimming and event spaces are all open.

Do I go that direction and play it safe?

Do I aim that way and open myself up to delicious trouble?

Do I let one of my buddies take the lead and follow him down the fairway of possibilities, or, yeah, into the rough?

No matter how many times you tee it up on that hole or visit this town, there's something new to savor and sock away in your memory's hall of fame.

New Orleans is a small city with America's biggest heart. It's got gobs of local pride - a deep blood bond with history mixed with a relentless look-to-the-future spirit - and brews up a unique mix of Southern propriety with anything-goes abandon.

Events drive the visitors' narrative. While Mardi Gras is the city's calling-card celebration, casting a colorful spell over late winter whose essence lasts throughout the year, myriad other sporting, musical and food festivals fill up the calendar. The French Quarter is there every day (and, crucially, every long, neon-lit night). The Lower Garden District beguiles in the swelter of summer and in the glow of the holidays. The restaurants - some 1,100 of them - conjure the nation's best cuisine day-in and night-out.

All these things appeal to golfers, too.

While New Orleans isn't a top-of-mind destination in terms of sheer number of courses, it clearly ranks at the top for off-course fun, quality of lodging and dining, rich local culture and friendly, welcoming attitude.

The Big Easy is also ground zero for launching a journey along a food, drink, music, gaming fishing or whatever-themed Louisiana Golf Trail, the state's new initiative for raising its golf travel profile.

So, let's pick our Crescent City line and take dead aim.

WHERE TO PLAY

From the very first tee shot on the straightaway first hole, it's pure Pete (with some input from a couple PGA Tour vets, in keeping with the TPC model. Bunkers range from sprawling to frying pan-sized, but are never extraneous or out of place. As with his most well-known work at Sawgrass and PGA West, he masterfully places mounds that fool the eye - aiming away from them usually leaves a slighter landing area, but then you've got a cleaner shot at the pin. The greens are inviting but subtly contoured to repel the ball if you're not on the proper level.

Dye dials up the drama as the round plays out, with plenty of forced carries over and around water, well-placed lone trees pinching driving lanes, and serpentine par 5s that ask you to work the ball. Halfway through the back nine, starting with No. 13s - a gotta-go-for-it par 4 - the make-or-break stretch starts. No. 16 only plays 355 yards from the tips but there's water deadaway if you bust one too far, and no real bailout left or right. Holes 17 is a classic Dye green-on-a-cliff par 3, and 18 is a cool par 5-finisher with water up the entire right side, a couple of pencil-thin bunkers between it and the fairway, a layup zone left with bunkers and mounds lurking beyond - and a narrow but tempting chute toward the green that big hitters can't resist. Birdie or bogey? Pete gives you a stark choice.

TPC Louisiana is only 20 minutes or so from downtown and has all the Tour-style extras - spacious clubhouse and grill, solid locker room and practice facilities. Public daily fee rates start at $89.

More Information: www.tpc.com/louisiana

Bayou Oaks at City Park - Located a few miles north of the French Quarter America's largest public park (yes, even bigger than Central Park in New York) also serves up one of the best pure munis in the South. The original East and West courses on this site, which dated back decades - the original nine holes debuted in 1902 - gave way to the full-length South Course, which in turn got a 2017 overhaul from architects Rees Jones and Greg Muirhead. It's flat and wide-open but by no means a pushover - in fact, it's a fine test that attracts celebs and sports figures as well as loyal locals.

Big love oaks help define each hole and will definitely block out errant drives. And since this is south Louisiana, there's plenty of water in play, too, especially on the back nine's first five holes; sneak through there in good shape and you can cruise to the recently expanded and remodeled clubhouse with its casual grill. City Park's shorter North Course reopened in 2008 after Katrina and makes for a great emergency round on those longer spring or summer days.

Greens fees start at around $60. A portion proceeds support the city's anti-poverty community programs.

More Information: www.cityparkgolf.com

Golf Course at Audubon Park - This is the only course in America where you can take a streetcar from, say, Lee Circle, straight down St. Charles Avenue and find yourself on the links. At only 4,200 yards and par 62, it's a worthy addition to the rotation, with tricky bunkering and small push-up greens that are always in great shape - some say they're the best in town. Plus, you'll get to check out a truly historic part of town, from Tulane University to the city zoo. Rates start at $25.

More Information: www.audubonnatureinstitute.org/golf

These three courses are part of the statewide Audubon Golf Trail, a popular circuit of environmentally sensitive clubs that also form the foundation of today's Louisiana Golf Trails. Most Audubon tracks are within a few hours' drive of New Orleans and include favorites like Koasati Pines at Coushatta Resort-Casino, Tamahka Trails at Paragon Casino-Resort, Black Bear at Poverty Point State Park, the Wetlands in Lafayett and The Atchafalaya at Idlewild in Morgan City.

WHERE TO STAY

The Hilton Curio member hotel's 230-rooms and suites have only been open for a few years, but designers made them up to feel like classic, classy 1940s digs. Saint Charles streetcars at Lee Circle are a short walk away - south to the Garden District, Canal Street and the Quarter to the north. The food at Higgins is first-rate, with the lobby-level Café Normandie for a refined breakfast, lunch or dinner, and Rosie's on the Roof (for Rosie the Riveter) serving up sandwiches, appetizers and a few entrees in a cozy indoor bar area or a large outdoor terrace with great views of the city skyline.

More Information: www.higginshotelnola.com

WHAT TO DO

The French Quarter is priority one, with its countless bars, hole-in the-wall eateries, funky shops, cigar emporia and art galleries - Bourbon Street for the bold and party-bound, Royal Street one block over for a more mellow vibe, Decatur Street for beignets from Café du Monde, Toulouse Street for a direct shot to the pier, waterfront and riverboat tours - and a cool cigar bar called Cuban Creations. Parades are liable to break out an anytime on any boulevard, and street performers are legion. Into cemetery tours? There are several, but just off Rampart Street on the western boundary of the Quarter is St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, where several of the city's most storied denizens are at rest.

Then there's the WWII Museum - one of the most impressive, well-curated and designed historic showcases anywhere. Get ready to be moved, educated and humbled.

Start with "Beyond All Boundaries," a 45-minute "4D" movie experience narrated by Tom Hanks. Then visit Omaha Beach, D-Day, North Africa, the Pacific Theater - every major battle is given its bloody and valorous due, peppered with personal stories portrayed through multimedia and excellent physical exhibits of armaments, uniforms, documents, photographs and film. Most spectacular of all?

The U.S. Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center is impressive in its scale, with full-sized bombers and fighters suspended from the ceiling and multimedia displays filling us in on the brave pilots and commanders connected to each vessel. New exhibits are under construction, and the place just gets more amazing by the year. You can spend an entire day there, no problem.

More Information: www.nationalww2museum.org

New Orleans' deep craft cocktail and distillery past is brought to colorful and tasty life at Sazerac House Museum at Canal and Magazine streets. This free museum has three stories of booze-fueled fun - informative exhibits, a working distillery onsite, stations for sampling famed cocktails such as the rye-based Sazerac and bourbon-based Teresa, a huge retail area and more. Definitely worth an hour of your time on your way to or from the Quarter.

More Information: www.sazerachouse.com

WHERE TO EAT

Down French Quarter, the Brennan clan serves up steaks and seafood in several locations run by various family members. Brunchers will enjoy Court of Two Sisters on Royal Street shrimp and grits, made-to-order omelets, King Cake and plenty more. Bombay Club is a cool spot for a top-notch cocktail and tasty small plate before heading to the back patio for a cigar from the humidor. The Financial District, starting at Canal Street and heading south, has its share of great spots, too. And just two blocks from The Higgins Hotel is Pêche, an open-format, bustling spot with standout dishes like the fish sticks with urban south beer batter appetizer, classic seafood gumbo, pepper-infused hush puppies, and baked drum with mushroom broth and calas. Or, just order a 22-ounce ribye for the whole table.

In the Lower Garden District you'll find Commander's Palace, famed for Creole cuisine like Turtle Soup and gumbo, and one of the most popular local's joints in the city - Pascal's Manale. Its signature dish is the best barbecued gulf shrimp in creation, though its combination pan roast, fried oysters and key lime pie are winners too.

OK, to get the New Orleans golf-and-whatever experience in full, set aside three days minimum. Four would be better. Then head out into the heart of Louisiana to rack up as many Golf Trails miles, and memories, as you can.

Visit www.louisianagolftrails.com for sample Trail itineraries, special offers and stay-play packages, and www.neworleans.com for more on the other city that never sleeps, and certainly never disappoints.

The Island is the only golf course in Plaquemine, a small town just outside of Baton Rouge, and closed in April 2020 with the onset of the pandemic looming. A new owner at the time originally opted against plans to reopen the course, but residents agreed to a proposal for the HOA dues to be increased so the pool and golf course could be reopened. An additional incentive for new annual memberships also helped to raise funds for improvements and a new lease was arranged with a local restauranteur Brent Barbier to reopen the grill. One resident added that he was tired of seeing so many things leaving Plaquemine.

The grassroots effort has led to a new lease on life for The Island. Bill Greenfield, a resident since 2018 and President of The Island Homeowners Association, said, "residents were not ready to take their golf gear elsewhere." A proposal was put forth to the residents and approved, and the golf course reopened in June 2021. Luckily the facilities never fell into disrepair during the shutdown because the owner continued to pay the maintenance staff to keep the facility in shape.

The community members at The Island took a hands-on approach to reopening the golf course. Work parties were arranged to spread sand, rework bunkers, or clear overgrown areas regularly. The new owners have gone all-in with working with the HOA and see the need to keep The Island 'above ground.' New memberships have joining incentives and more new homes are being built near the course. Now it is a matter of getting the word out that The Island is open for business. They recently had a ribbon-cutting event inviting the residents of the town of Plaquemine. Come on Out and enjoy a "Sweet Course" in a tranquil setting.

City Administrator John Cardone said transferring Mallard Cove to Chennault ownership is a tremendous benefit for the airport. "We want to see the airport expand," said Cardone. "We support economic diversity, and this is part of that development for not only Lake Charles, but all of Southwest Louisiana.

Several years ago Chennault approached the city about developing the golf course property, which the city owned. The agreement called for Chennault to pay $6.6 million to fund the design and construction of the new course. In addition the airport will pay the city $15,000 per month for 20 years, or $3.6 million to cover the costs of utility extensions and building the clubhouse.

City Council members authorized Mayor Nic Hunter to amend the existing cooperative endeavor agreement to transfer city insurance proceeds to Chennault which will allow them to repair the interior of the clubhouse, which was damaged by Hurricane Laura last year. The city used part of the fund for mitigation work, installing a new roof and repairing the exterior of the clubhouse.

The new Mallard Cove is located on 160 acres donated by MorganField Development and is ready to open. PGA Professional Jonathan Jester has moved from Gray Plantation to become the Head Professional at Mallard Cove, bringing his excellent teaching skills and management prowess to the new facility. The city chose Sterling Golf Inc. from Houston to manage the course. Lake Charles is one of the fastest growing cities in the country and now has a brand new golf course for golfers to enjoy.

As a continuation to a previous course renovation in 2019, the project - which began in October 2020 - included 14 of the 18 holes being renovated, rebuilt, grassed and/or having through-the-green areas installed - shrinking the overall square footage of the bunkers from 9.9 acres to 2.7 acres. During the project, many of the bunker floors were raised and new drainage systems were installed, allowing the maintenance staff to bring the course back significantly faster after rain storms. Additional work completed included the installation of nine rock surfaced stabilized pads for staging of evacuation vans that supports the complete course Zurich Classic Evacuation Plan, along with a rock surface stabilized road and installation of drainage in the practice facility floor. The 2019 course and 2020 bunker renovation was funded by the Louisiana Stadium Exposition District (LSED), the authorizing agency within the Executive Branch of the State of Louisiana.

"This project was vital maintenance to uphold our high standards as the host facility for the Zurich Classic," said Luke Farabaugh, general manager of TPC Louisiana, "Through these enhancements our playing surfaces are ready for both the much-anticipated TOUR players arrival later this week, as well as valued members and guests throughout the remainder of the year."

As the region's headquarters of professional golf, TPC Louisiana offers an unparalleled experience of the sport in the area. Home of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans since 2005, the club boasts a renowned championship golf course with 18 professional-level holes, meticulously maintained to the PGA TOUR's highest standards of operation. Master architect Pete Dye designed the course, working in conjunction with TOUR players Steve Elkington and Kelly Gibson - a New Orleans native. Named by Golf Digest in 2019-2020 as one of the Best in State, the course is located in Avondale, just 15 miles from the hustle & bustle of the "Big Easy" and Bourbon Street. The golf course, which is part of the Audubon Golf Trail, stretches over 250 acres of wetlands along the Mississippi River Delta. True to Pete Dye's style, the golf course 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. The five sets of tees, ranging from a fair 5,121 yards from the forward tees all the way back to the 7,400 PGA TOUR tees, offers golfers of all skill levels a great blend of challenge and playability.