There is no better time to dust off the golf clubs and hit the links. Lake Charles has several high-quality golf courses that can provide a terrific experience for golfers of all ages.
Here are reviews of three great golf courses in the Lake Charles area that offer a truly unique day on the links.
Golf Course #1: The National Golf Club
In nearby Westlake, The National Golf Club stands tall as one of the most beautiful golf courses in the region. Golfers from all over the south enjoy coming to The National for its open layout and challenging design.
Measuring over 7,000 yards from their professional tees, The National can play long for some amateurs, but that shouldn’t deter you from writing this course on your list. With 14 lakes and 65 bunkers, the course is an absolute pleasure to play from tee to green on each of the impressive 18 holes.
What I tell golfers looking to play The National is that you should arrive early and enjoy the first-rate practice facilities. The club has over an acre of hitting areas, two enormous chipping greens with sand bunkers, and a jaw-dropping 12,000 square foot green that gives you a complete putting practice experience.
My favorite hole on The National is the 5th hole, a par-3 that is worthy of a postcard. With water running along the left side of the hole to an elevated green, golfers will have to bring their accuracy to scramble for par.
Known for its beauty and solid play, The National Golf Club is a gem worthy of the short drive to Westlake.
Golf Course #2: Contraband Bayou Golf
The L’auberge Casino Resort features the second course on our list, the remarkable Contraband Bayou Golf Club. Golfers looking for a full day will be treated like royalty at the club with access to stay and play packages at the resort that offers green fees as well as gaming and fine dining.
The Contraband Bayou is a highly rated layout that regularly ranks in the top five courses in Louisiana. The course is known for well-kept grounds that feature carpet-like fairways and smooth greens.
Even during the warmest months, the golf course looks as fresh and trimmed as it would on a cool spring day, providing an exceptional golfing experience.
After a recent revamp, the course plays better than ever as golfers have all the information they need on each shot with interactive GPS touchscreens in the carts.
You’ll never find yourself lacking for excellent service at the Contraband as the staff does a terrific job of providing access to food and drink while on the course.
If you are looking for a premium casino experience with some championship golf on the side, then the L’auberge Casino Resort featuring the Contraband Bayou is going to take great care of you and your party.
Golf Course #3: Country Club at the Golden Nugget
Another exceptional golf course attached to a premium casino resort is the Country Club at the Golden Nugget. Named the #2 course in Louisiana in 2018 by Golfweek Magazine, the Country Club features one of the most enjoyable golfing layouts in the state highlighted by the club’s immaculate fairways and greens, impeccable for drivers of all types.
If you decide to head over to the Country Club, then you’ll be treated to world-class golf, extraordinary dining, and an extensive pro shop that boasts the variety of clothing and high-quality equipment you’d expect at a five-star golf resort.
At the course, the golfer can expect a layout that uses sand, water, and a spot of strategy to provide a remarkably fun and dynamic day on the links.
Even if you aren’t a guest at the hotel, the Country Club is available to the drive-up golfer for a reasonable rate that won’t gouge you, leaving you plenty of money to take in a slot machine or two. After your round, you can visit the famous Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse or have a drink at the Rush Lounge.
With amenities you’d expect at a first-rate golf-casino resort in Vegas, the Country Club at the Golden Nugget can provide the foundation for making some terrific memories in Lake Charles.