Tour TPC Louisiana, host of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans
AVONDALE, La. -- The host of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, TPC Louisiana is one of the more affordable and accessible courses on the PGA Tour schedule. Dynamically priced green fees, especially in the off season, can be found for under $100 (while peak season can be closer to $200). Designed by Pete Dye with player assistants Steve Elkington and New Orleans native Kelly Gibson, the course opened in 2004 and is entirely encircled by undeveloped native areas, giving the property a secluded and natural vibe. It's an Audubon Certified Cooperative Sanctuary, and in 2016 won the GCSAA chapter's ELGA award for environmental leadership. The property is full of wetlands and lagoons with oak and cypress trees, some of which can come into play in the fairway.
The course has five sets of tees and stretches to 7,402 yards from the championship tees, which is plenty long considering the course is at sea level. Catering to the double-tee starts that are employed on the PGA Tour opening rounds, each nine begins with a modest par 4 followed by a par 5.
From a strategic standpoint, Dye calls on players to be able to shape the ball both ways, and in many cases on the same hole. Holes that might set up well for a right-to-left shot off the tee often times promote a left-to-right shot into the greens. There are bunkers of all shapes and sizes, from small pot bunkers to large waste areas.
Similar to some other TPCs on the PGA Tour schedule (especially the AT&T Oaks at TPC San Antonio), TPC Louisiana finishes with a short par-4, watery par 3 and finally a par 5. Each is a birdie opportunity but also have plenty of water to navigate.
The facilities here are quite good, especially the practice areas. There are multiple short game greens and a large driving range with many targets. The clubhouse has a pro shop, dining and large locker room.
TPC Louisiana is one of a small handful of must-play golf courses that make up a New Orleans golf trip, click here to see Brandon Tucker's full trip report.