Louisiana golf usually brings to mind one of two things: swampy, flat marshland or the high-end luxury of the Audubon Golf Trail. But then you hit Westlake.
The National Golf Club of Louisiana doesn't really fit the "municipal" stereotype, even though it basically functions as one for the city. It’s a Dave Bennett design that opened back in 2009, and honestly, it’s a bit of a beast. Most people expect a casual walk in the park when they pull into a city-owned lot. They’re wrong. You’re looking at a course that stretches over 7,000 yards from the tips, packed with enough water and bunkers to make a scratch golfer sweat.
It’s a vibe.
The Layout That Most People Underestimate
Let’s talk about the land. It’s Southwest Louisiana, so you aren’t getting mountain vistas. What you do get is a massive, sprawling 240-acre site that feels surprisingly secluded. Bennett didn't just bulldoze a few fairways into the dirt. He carved out something that feels "big." The fairways are generous—mostly—but if you miss, you’re in the tall grass or staring at a splash.
There are 14 lakes. Yeah, 14.
That’s the thing about the National Golf Club of Louisiana; it rewards the bold but absolutely punishes the stupid. You can’t just grip it and rip it on every hole. Take the par 5s. They are reachable if you’ve got the distance, but the bunkering is strategic. It’s not just "eye candy." Those traps are placed exactly where a 250-yard drive wants to land.
The greens are typically TifEagle Bermuda. In the heat of a Louisiana July, they hold up. They’re fast. They’re grainy. If you haven't played southern grass before, you’re going to be confused why your "straight" four-footer just leaked six inches to the left. It's the grain, man. It always pulls toward the water.
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The "National" Experience Without the National Price Tag
Usually, when a course has "National" in the name, you expect a gate, a guard, and a $300 greens fee. This place is the opposite. It’s accessible. You’ll see locals in t-shirts practicing on the massive range next to guys in full country club attire. That’s the charm.
The practice facility is legit. It’s not just a patch of grass. They have a huge double-ended range, a dedicated short-game area, and a putting green that actually mimics the speed of the course. A lot of people just go there to grind on their game without even playing a round.
Why the Back Nine Will Break Your Heart
The front nine is a nice warmup. It’s open. It’s friendly. Then you turn.
The back nine at the National Golf Club of Louisiana is where the real drama happens. The holes tighten up. The wind, which usually whips off the Gulf, starts to matter more. You’ll find yourself hitting a 5-iron into a par 4 that you’d normally tackle with a wedge. It’s a grind.
But it's fun. It’s that "good" kind of frustration.
One thing most visitors don’t realize is how much the course has matured since the late 2000s. The trees are filling in. The edges are more defined. It feels established. And because it's part of a larger residential development (The National), the amenities are actually polished. You’ve got the Family Event Center and the clubhouse, which—frankly—serves better food than most "high-end" private clubs I’ve visited. Get the boudin. It’s Louisiana. You have to.
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Dealing With the Louisiana Elements
Golfing here isn't just about your swing. It’s about survival.
Between June and September, the humidity is basically a physical weight. You aren't just playing golf; you're swimming in the air. The National Golf Club of Louisiana is wide open in many spots, meaning the sun is relentless.
- Hydrate early. Don't wait until the 6th hole.
- Check the wind. If the flags are stiff, add two clubs. The heavy air kills ball flight.
- Mind the gators. No, seriously. They live there. Don't go poking around the reeds for your $5 ProV1. It’s gone. Let it go.
The Financial Reality of a Top-Tier Muni
Running a course like this isn't cheap. The City of Westlake has put a lot of skin in the game to keep this place at a championship level. There’s always a debate in local politics about the cost of maintaining a "National" caliber course on a city budget, but the payoff is clear: it brings people in from Lake Charles, Lafayette, and even over the border from Texas.
It’s a destination.
A lot of golfers skip Westlake and head straight for the casino courses like Contraband Bayou or the Golden Nugget. Those are great, don’t get me wrong. They’re flashy. But the National Golf Club of Louisiana offers a different kind of challenge. It’s more "pure." It feels like a golfer’s course, not a resort amenity.
What You Need to Know Before You Book
Don't just show up on a Saturday morning and expect to walk on. It stays busy.
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The rates are tiered. If you’re a local, you get a break. If you’re coming from out of town, you’ll pay a bit more, but compared to what you’d pay for a similar layout in Florida or Arizona, it’s a steal. We’re talking $50 to $80 depending on the day and time. For a course that has hosted high-level amateur events and professional qualifiers, that’s incredible value.
The course is located just off I-10. It’s easy to find, but once you get past the entrance, the highway noise disappears. You’re just in the pines and the marsh.
Moving Beyond the Scorecard
Forget your handicap for a second. The National Golf Club of Louisiana is one of those places that forces you to play "boring" golf to score well.
If you try to hero-shot your way through the par 4s, you’re going to card an 88. If you play for the fat part of the green and respect the hazards, you might actually break 80. It’s a strategic test. Most people get wrong the idea that they can overpower it. The wind and the bunkering say otherwise.
The bunkering is actually one of the most underrated features. They aren't just shallow pits. Many are deep, flashed-sand bunkers that require a real explosion shot to exit. It’s a professional-grade setup.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you’re planning to tackle the National, do it the right way.
- Book the early tee time. Not just for the heat, but for the wind. The breeze usually picks up after 11:00 AM, and it can turn a mid-iron into a long-iron real fast.
- Use the GPS. The carts usually have them. Use them. Distances to the hazards are more important than distances to the pin here.
- Play the right tees. Look, if you’re a 15-handicap, stay off the black tees. You won't have fun. The forced carries will eat you alive. Play the blues or whites and actually enjoy the scenery.
- Eat at the Clubhouse. Maxima's Grill is the spot. The burger is legit, but the local Cajun-inspired specials are where it’s at.
- Practice your lag putting. These greens are huge. You will likely face a 50-foot putt at some point. If your touch is off, you’re looking at a three-putt fest.
The National Golf Club of Louisiana is a rare breed. It’s a public-access course with a private-club soul. It’s tough, it’s beautiful, and it’s unapologetically Southern. Whether you're a local regular or just passing through on I-10, it’s a mandatory stop for anyone who actually cares about the game. Just watch out for the water—it’s everywhere.