Louisiana offers golf with a distinctive character: courses among live oaks draped with Spanish moss, bayous and wetlands, and flat parkland layouts where water is everywhere. Add New Orleans' music and food, Cajun country and southern hospitality, and it's a memorable golf destination, especially in the cooler months.
The main golf areas
- New Orleans: courses in parks and suburbs, combined with the French Quarter, jazz and cuisine.
- Baton Rouge: the state capital, with public and university courses.
- Lafayette and Cajun country: good-value golf and Cajun food and music.
- Shreveport and the north: rolling hills and pine forests.
- Lake Charles: resort golf near the Gulf.
When to go
| Months | Conditions |
|---|---|
| October to April | Mild to warm; best for golf |
| May to September | Hot, humid, afternoon storms |
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November. Read golf travel insurance.
Playing tips
- Water everywhere: plan your targets. Read forced carries and island greens.
- Soft, wet conditions after rain; little roll.
- Bermuda grass and grain. Read how to read greens.
- Heat and humidity: read hot weather golf.
- Alligators and wildlife: read golf courses and wildlife.
Practical tips
- Combine with festivals and food tours.
- Book weekends during big events in New Orleans.
- Rent a car to reach courses outside the city.
Golf and food: planning around the cuisine
Louisiana is one of the few golf destinations where the food may be the highlight of the trip. Plan rounds around it:
- Play early, then spend afternoons exploring neighbourhoods, markets and restaurants.
- Book dinner reservations in New Orleans well ahead on busy weekends and during festivals.
- Try regional dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, po'boys, crawfish (in spring) and beignets.
- Go easy at lunch if you're playing in the afternoon heat.
Sample itineraries
| Trip | Length | Outline |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans long weekend | 3–4 days | Two or three rounds around the city and its suburbs, with evenings in the French Quarter |
| Cajun Country | 5–6 days | Base around Lafayette, play local courses and explore bayous, music and food |
| Louisiana road trip | 7–8 days | New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Lake Charles, with a round in each area |
| Northern Louisiana | 4 days | Shreveport and Monroe for quieter, good-value golf |
Festivals and events
New Orleans hosts large festivals, especially in late winter and spring. They bring a great atmosphere but also higher hotel prices and busier roads. Check the calendar before booking: some golfers time trips to join the fun, others avoid those weeks for value and quieter tee sheets.
Weather and storms
- Hurricane season runs from June to November, with the greatest risk from August to October. Buy travel insurance and watch forecasts. Read golf travel insurance.
- Summer thunderstorms are frequent in the afternoons. Leave the course as soon as the siren sounds or lightning is seen.
- Humidity makes summer golf tiring. Drink water constantly and read hot-weather golf.
Playing on warm-season grasses
Most courses use warm-season grasses such as Bermuda, with grain that affects putts and chips. Putts running with the grain are faster; into the grain, slower. Around the greens, a firmer strike and less loft can help in grainy rough. Read golf grass types.
Frequently asked questions
Is Louisiana good for golf?
Yes, with distinctive bayou and parkland courses and great culture.
When is the best time to play golf in Louisiana?
From autumn to spring.
Are there alligators on Louisiana golf courses?
On some, yes. Keep well away from the water's edge.
Can I play golf near New Orleans?
Yes, there are several courses in and around the city.
Is Louisiana good for a golf trip in winter?
Yes. Mild winters make it a popular escape from colder states, though occasional cool spells and rain are possible.
Are alligators on golf courses dangerous?
They can be. Keep well away, never feed them and don't retrieve balls from water where they may be present.
The bottom line
Louisiana offers golf among live oaks and bayous, with unbeatable food and music. Visit between autumn and spring and respect the wildlife. For neighbouring golf, read golf in Alabama and Mississippi.