Great golf in Cajun Country

Lake Charles, Louisiana is bordered by the ocean, lake, and a few rivers that flow through the area. The golf results are picturesque holes with an abundance of foliage, unique topography and coastal wildlife. Despite being hit by a coastal storm two years ago, golf courses took advantage of the opportunity to improve holes, upgrade clubhouses and, in some cases, build new courses. Here are some impressive golf courses, all located within 20 minutes of downtown.

Mallard Golf Club #1

Brand new, the Mallard Golf Club features a remarkable course and a spacious clubhouse. The holes pass through wetlands and marshes, so expect sand, water and wildlife. Number one, a par 4, is iconic to the course as you negotiate the hills and sand with your tee shot and approach shot. The tee shot requires length and placement, while the second shot heads to an elevated green that slopes on all four sides.

Smuggling Bayou #18

A relatively short par four of 421 yards, but length is not the challenge on this hole. Water and bunkers flow all over the left side. The right side presents a bit of the rough from the cart path to the fairway. Two precise shots will bring you onto the green. Although the green is elevated, it’s quite easy to negotiate a putting for par once you get there, even if you’ve never played the course before. The Contraband Bayou is part of The Inn Casino Resort, so if you’re staying there you can walk to the pro shop.

The National Golf Club of Louisiana #7

The course has seen significant improvement over the past two years with bunkers and a dazzling new clubhouse including The Max restaurant/sports bar. The golf course is beautiful, with tree-lined fairways, bayou water features, and bunkers guarding the green. This 458-yard par four will test your tee shot with a narrow landing area, then an elevated green with enough sand for a beach vacation.

Gold Nugget #9

This par 4 looks tame, but the tee shot has many less pleasant options with sand, wetlands and brush. The view of one of the main waterways and the bridge will draw your attention rather than the landing area. The green has a slight upward slope and once again the background draws your attention away from the desired landing area. This hole is typical of the course which winds over water and sand.

Smuggling Bayou #8

A 193-yard par three where the view of the landscape and the L’auberge complex will test your concentration. Water on three sides, plus three bunkers. The right is not an optimal bailout because the ball will come and go. The chips on this side towards the green then catch the downslope to the water. The accuracy of the tee shot is more than important here.

Gold Nugget #18

This par five has all the hallmarks of a great finishing hole: views of the clubhouse, water, foliage and much more. At 592 yards from the tips, this is no simple tee shot no matter how you choose to play it. Your goal should be to hit the middle iron mark on your third shot onto the very fair, but slightly elevated, green.

Neil Wolkodoff

Neil Wolkodoff is a golf and travel writer from Denver, Colorado. It covers golf, dining, activities and accommodation from a luxury and uniqueness perspective. He even played golf with goats.