The 5 Most Challenging Public Golf Courses in Baton Rouge, LA

Matthew Holder

The 5 Most Challenging Public Golf Courses in Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is home to some of the most challenging public golf courses in the state. These courses are celebrated for their unique layouts, strategic hazards, and scenic beauty. Here, we rank the five most difficult public golf courses in the area, listed from least to most difficult. Additionally, we provide honorable mentions for those seeking an extra challenge.

5. Beaver Creek Golf Course

Beaver Creek Golf Course

Beaver Creek Golf Course Tee Times

Beaver Creek Golf Course Tee Times

  • Location: Zachary, LA
  • Hardest Tees: Gold
  • Yards: 6950
  • Slope: 129
  • Rating: 73.3

Beaver Creek Golf Course is BREC’s latest addition to their collection of golf courses. Expertly crafted by designer Craig Schreiner, the course is situated on 200 acres of rolling terrain, complete with picturesque lakes and natural waterways. Its beautiful landscape is adorned with sand and grass bunkers, luxurious fairways, and stunning ancient oak trees that will surely make for a memorable test of golf. The course boasts 18 holes, measuring over 7,000 yards in length from its championship tees. The clubhouse comes with a fully-stocked pro shop and a full-service restaurant, where patrons can enjoy a delectable meal while overlooking the front nine.

4. Santa Maria Golf Club

Santa Maria Golf Club

Santa Maria Golf Club Tee Times

Santa Maria Golf Club Tee Times

  • Location: Baton Rouge, LA
  • Hardest Tees: Black
  • Yards: 6920
  • Slope: 132
  • Rating: 73.4

Santa Maria is an award-winning municipal golf course located just one mile off of historic Highland Road and near I-10. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., the course spans 150 acres of rolling terrain and boasts 15 lakes and two natural waterways. Its sand and grass bunkers, exquisite Bermuda fairways, and ancient oaks provide a picturesque setting for a challenging test of golf. The course measures 6,826 yards from the championship tees and offers a Spanish-style clubhouse complete with a pro shop, full-service restaurant, private conference/dining room, and fitness center. The Champions Grill overlooks the stunning par-five finishing hole. Recently, Santa Maria invested over 2.1 million dollars in renovations, including the addition of new greenside and fairway bunkers to restore the original Robert Trent Jones, Sr. design, improvements to concession and clubhouse facilities, reshaping and replanting of tees, greens, and fairways, new bulkheads and sheet pilings along waterways, new restrooms, and major repairs to cart paths. Santa Maria also recently purchased a new fleet of golf carts, all of which are equipped with optional-use GPS units.

3. Island Country Club

Island Country Club Tee Times

Island Country Club Tee Times

  • Location: Plaquemine, LA
  • Hardest Tees: Black
  • Yards: 6856
  • Slope: 137
  • Rating: 73.7

Island Country Club, located in Plaquemine, offers a challenging yet enjoyable golfing experience. This course is known for its well-maintained fairways and greens, ensuring a satisfying round for golfers of all skill levels. The friendly staff is always ready to offer helpful tips and tricks to improve your game. Island Country Club is an excellent choice for those looking to test their skills in a beautiful setting.

2. Greystone Golf & Country Club

Greystone Golf & Country Club Tee Times

Greystone Golf & Country Club Tee Times

Greystone Golf & Country Club, situated in Denham Springs, is known for its diverse layout and strategic hazards. The course is well-manicured, ensuring a pleasant playing experience. Golfers appreciate the friendly and knowledgeable staff who are always available to provide tips and advice. Greystone Golf & Country Club is perfect for those looking to enjoy a challenging round in a beautiful setting.

1. Links – Pelican Point Golf Club

Links – Pelican Point Golf Club Tee Times

Links – Pelican Point Golf Club Tee Times

  • Location: Gonzales, LA
  • Hardest Tees: Black
  • Yards: 7017
  • Slope: 131
  • Rating: 74.5

Links – Pelican Point Golf Club, located in Gonzales, is the most challenging public golf course in the Baton Rouge area. Designed by renowned architects, this course features a stunning layout with dramatic elevation changes and strategic hazards. The course is meticulously maintained, with excellent greens and fairways. Golfers appreciate the friendly staff and the top-notch facilities, making Links – Pelican Point Golf Club a must-play destination for serious golfers.

Honorable Mentions

Copper Mill Golf Club

Copper Mill Golf Club Tee Times

  • Location: Zachary, LA
  • Hardest Tees: Black
  • Yards: 6866
  • Slope: 131
  • Rating: 73

LSU Golf Course

LSU Golf Course Tee Times

  • Location: Baton Rouge, LA
  • Hardest Tees: Blue
  • Yards: 6772
  • Slope: 129
  • Rating: 72.7

Baton Rouge offers a variety of challenging public golf courses for avid golfers. Whether aiming for the top spots or seeking an extra challenge, these courses provide a unique and exciting golfing experience.

Updated May 25, 2024