Louisiana's Audubon Golf Trail

Following the devastation of hurricanes Katrina and Rita the Louisiana tourism industry has gallantly been fighting to restore the state's reputation and image as one of America's top travel destinations.

Golf, which often had an understated and perhaps underappreciated role in the state's ability to lure travelers, is now one of the leaders in that effort. 

Originally organized in 2001 as a six-course collection, the Audubon Golf Trail is now 13 courses strong and is helping to enhance the Louisiana experience. The Trail was created with goals of stimulating economic development, enhancing tourism, attracting new residents and retirees to the state and elevating the quality of life experience in the state - all while incorporating the rich Louisiana flavor.

Named for naturalist/artist John Audubon, the trail spans a number of Louisiana cities such as Shreveport, Lake Charles, Lafayette and New Orleans. Some of the notable names from golf that have contributed to the Trail include Louisiana native David Toms, Hal Sutton, Steve Elkington and world-famous course architect Pete Dye. All of the courses on the Trail are members of the Audubon Cooperative Society, a program dedicated to protecting the environment and preserving the natural heritage of the game of golf.

Along the trail golfers will also have the opportunity to sample many of the state's staples such as Cajun cooking, jazz music, pristine natural scenery, great fishing and of course, Bourbon St.

While there is plenty to do when traveling between venues, the golf itself is the trail's main attraction. Many of the courses have received national recognition.

Located near the historic town of Springfield and just 30 minutes from Baton Rouge, Carter Plantation is the signature design of LSU alumni and former PGA Champion David Toms. The spectacular 18 hole facility which measures just over 7,000 yards from the back tees plays to a par 72 course and incorporates three distinct Louisiana landscapes - live oaks, cypress wetlands and upland pine forests. In 2003, Golf Magazine named the course among its list of "Top 10 Places You Can Play."

Gray Plantation, which is located just outside of Lake Charles, ranked 75 out of 100 on Golf Digest's list of "America's Greatest Public Courses" in 2005. In addition, in September 2004, Golf Magazine ranked it as one of the "top three among 50 best U.S. Courses for $50 or less."

Gracing 340 acres of pristine rolling hills near Shreveport is Olde Oaks Golf Club, designed in close collaboration with PGA Ryder Cup Captain Hal Sutton. A native of the area, Sutton calls his first signature course one of the finest in the region.

The crown jewel of the Audubon Trail is TPC Louisiana, which is located just 15 minutes from the French Quarter. The course is home to Louisiana's only PGA TOUR event, the Zurich Classic.

TPC Louisiana was designed by Pete Dye in conjunction with PGA TOUR players Steve Elkington and Louisiana native Kelly Gibson.

A golf course can apply for membership for a fee of $2,000 and once membership has been granted each course pays an annual fee of $1,000. The Audubon Golf Trail Commission consists of 31 members, 20 appointed by the Lt. Governor and one each from the member golf courses. The commissioners are responsible for evaluating the member courses.

Whether you're a twosome or group of up to 20 golfers, an Audubon Trail Vacation Planner can help you put together the perfect Louisiana golf vacation. From finding the best accommodations to securing your airfare and rental car reservations to reserve tee times, they can put together every aspect of your trip.

To book a Louisiana golf vacation to the Audubon Golf Trail call 1-888-AGT-INLA (248-4652) to speak with a customer service representative or visit www.audubongolftravel.com on the Internet. For more information or to learn more about the Audubon Golf Trail's courses and locations, please visit www.audubontrail.com.

Facts about Louisiana Golf Industry

·        In 2006, Louisiana's golf industry generated about $810 million of direct, indirect and induced economic output, $275 million in wage income and 11,110 jobs according to a study completed in November.

·        The $446 million in direct revenues from Louisiana's golf industry in 2006 were comparable to other significant manufacturing industries in the state: Seafood preparation and packaging ($468 million), plastics packaging ($334 million) and oil and gas machinery and equipment ($490 million).

·        Louisiana is still struggling to return to pre-Katrina golf numbers. In 2006, about 5.2 percent of the rounds of golf played in the state were played by people who traveled to play from other parts of Louisiana, out of state or from other countries. The pre-Katrina ratio was about 6.8 percent.

·        Seven of the 13 courses weren't affected by either hurricanes Katrina or Rita and the six that were affected are back and better than ever.