Joseph Bartholomew designed City Park's first courses in the 1930s and still could not play them; today the par-72 in Pontchartrain Park wears his name. From that Gentilly course to the Zurich Classic's fairways in Avondale, thirteen tee boxes, ranges and bays worth the drive.
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Joseph Bartholomew designed New Orleans golf courses segregation kept him from playing. This par-72 city course in Pontchartrain Park, a historic Black neighborhood, opened in 1956 and carries his name since 1979. Double-ended range, putting green, and The Back Nine grill in the clubhouse.
Pip’s Tip Play the course history tried erasing
A Rees Jones layout stretching past 7,300 yards, with 46 bunkers waiting under the oaks. It got a $2.2 million refresh in early 2026 ahead of LIV Golf's New Orleans debut. Public tee times, so bring your best ball and your patience.
Pip’s Tip The tour-level test inside City Park
The friendlier sibling across Filmore, playing about 5,700 yards from the tips and 4,300 up front. First City Park course back after Katrina, reopened in 2009. Good pick for a mixed group, a date round, or the friend still learning.
Pip’s Tip Shorter track, easy Saturday with friends
Regraded and resurfaced in 2026 with new practice tees and turf. Grab a bucket after work, dial in the wedges, and stay until the light goes gold over the park. Last bucket sells an hour before close, so do not stroll in late.
Pip’s Tip Evening buckets until 8pm most nights
Pete Dye built this one across 250 acres of wetland, with more than 100 bunkers and water down the 18th. Home of the PGA Tour's Zurich Classic since 2005, yet open to the public. Fifteen miles from downtown and worth every mile.
Pip’s Tip Walk the Zurich Classic's own fairways
A par-62 executive course, about 4,220 yards, laid out inside Audubon Park. Short enough to finish before brunch, pretty enough to slow down for. The clubhouse café sits on the course, so the round ends with a table and a cold drink.
Pip’s Tip Par 62 under Uptown oaks, lunch after
The city's answer to Topgolf, opened April 2025 on the old Times-Picayune site. TrackMan bays, a 68-foot video wall, and Creole plates on every level. Saints running back Alvin Kamara bought in as a partner. Book a bay for the crew and stay late.
Pip’s Tip Three floors, three bars, 78 bays
Seven thousand yards of daily-fee golf on the Westbank, renovated by Ron Garl. The 18th, called Fire in the Hole, has flame-shaped bunkers of red sand for the city's firefighters. There is a real short-game area too, rare in this town.
Pip’s Tip Red-sand bunkers honor the firefighters
A Robert Trent Jones Sr. par 72, brought back by its own neighborhood district in 2018. Sixteen covered Toptracer stalls, a nine-hole pitch and putt, and Café Hope on the deck. Come for the range, stay for a round.
Pip’s Tip Toptracer range under the lights
Links-style public golf with five sets of tees, so everybody in the foursome finds a fair fight. Green fees that leave room for lunch at The Magnolia, the bistro on site. Easy Saturday play without the uptown price.
Pip’s Tip Best value on the Westbank, locals say
Jack Nicklaus signature design that hosted the PGA Tour from 1989 to 1991 and again in 2006. Private club, so you play as a member's guest. Tulane and UNO call it home. Worth working the phone for an invite.
Pip’s Tip Private Nicklaus track; know a member
Five simulator bays, a full bar, and games on every wall. When August heat or a storm cancels the tee time, move the round indoors and play famous courses from a couch-side bay. Good for birthday groups and league nights.
Pip’s Tip Rainy-day simulator bays with cocktails
Lessons and club fitting with video swing analysis, not a party room. Book a session before the big golf weekend and show up to TPC with something to prove. Coaches work with first-timers and low handicaps alike.
Pip’s Tip Fix the slice before the trip
A Black New Orleanian designed the city's golf courses and was barred from playing them because of segregation. His name now sits on the public par 72 in Pontchartrain Park, the neighborhood built for Black homeowners, and every round there is a thank-you.
Members-first Saturday foursomes at Bartholomew in Gentilly, then drinks with the family after the 18th.
Golf is one chapter of Pip's Lifestyle, find the lounges, whiskey bars, steakhouses and the Domino Club below.
