Golf in New Orleans?

[Deucie Bies]

Is there anything worth playing within an hour drive of New Orleans? 

[K. Krahenbuhl]

There are better ways to spend your time in New Orleans than on a golf course, but if you must play take a look at Metairie Country Club.  Try a Friday lunch at Galatoire's instead (ask for Brian or Homer).

[Dean Paolucci]

Metarie was restored by Ron Forse and Jim Nagle.  I understand it to be very enjoyable.  English Turn and Lakewood are tried and true.

[Brad Tufts]

I tried Money Hill up in Abita Springs north of the Lake and it was decent.  They also have a good range to shake off the rust from the plane ride.

And, if you have an extra hour, you can go check out the brewery nearby...

[Adrian_Stiff]

I liked English Turn, did it suffer much in the storm?

[K. Krahenbuhl]

I liked English Turn, did it suffer much in the storm?

It didn't (outside of the wine stored in the clubhouse). 

[Jason McNamara]

Best rule of thumb is that anything on the East Bank of the Mississippi (which is really kinda the north bank around New Orleans, but anyway...) got clobbered.  English Turn is on the West Bank, as is Lakewood.

May be exceptions both ways, but you can start there.

[Roland Waguespack]

English Turn was the only course in the area that didn't get killed by my old friend Katrina (we lost our house).

I belong to Metairie CC and I love it (obviously biased).

Lakewood just got redesigned and reopened in the spring.  The first 6 holes or so are a battle ground with tee shots from other holes cris-crossing in front of you as you play.  Once you get to the back nine the holes have a lot more character.  I haven't been back since the first time I played it.

TPC is also on the westbank.  Pete Dye with help from Kelly Gibson and Steve Elkington and home to the Zurich Classic.  Seems to be maturing well.  Very flat swampland and typically in good condition.  Dye fans will like.

English Turn was home to the pga event for many years and is a Nicklaus design.  Usually in very good shape and is nice.  Held the state amateur a couple of months ago.

Outside the golf towards the gulf coast is not bad until you get about 90 minutes away.  Grand Bear (gulfport) is a Nicklaus design that he tried to design to be less difficult than most of his work.  It is the best value in the entire area by far.  Fallen Oak is a tom fazio design that is designed to be the regions answer to Shadow Creek in terms of service (you must stay at Beau Rivage casino).  It is typically $200 (compared to vegas it is a bargain).  I don't know anyone who has played it that did not enjoy it.

Just some quick thoughts from a native coon ass.  Hope it helps and I will try to keep my eyes on this post for any other advice/opinion.  We are, unfortunately not know for our golf.

Please watch "golf in america" tomorrow on the golf channel for a story on the BayouDistrict Foundation which is trying to use City Park to revitalize old public housing projects.

[PThomas]

welcome Roland...and sorry about your house...hope you've been able to put your life back together