TPC Louisiana

When Dave Finn thinks of Louisiana, the first place that springs to mind is New Orleans. He thinks of Bourbon Street, balconies and beads. He can taste the gumbo and beignets served with chicory coffee. He can hear the jazz notes floating in the air, and the beat of feet tapping away to a Zydeco tune, but when it comes to golf, that’s only the beginning of the adventure.

Dave continues the story:

“Imagine sixteen of the state’s top golf courses stretching from New Orleans to the Arkansas, Texas and Mississippi borders. Imagine yourself following a path that will let you explore Northern Louisiana, a Sportsman’s paradise, Cajun Country, the Plantation Region and the Big Easy. Imagine challenging yourself on courses designed by legendary golf greats such as Pete Dye, Arnold Palmer, Hal Sutton, David Toms and Robert Trent Jones.

Imagine yourself following the Audubon Golf Trail as it weaves its way from The Big Easy to Baton Rouge and Monroe through bayous and wetlands, live oaks, cypress groves, and rolling hills.”

Dave followed the Audubon Golf Trail in 2017, beginning his journey at Audubon Park Golf Course. But he saved the best for last, and was thrilled to play in the 2017 Zurich Classic Pro-Am at TPC Louisiana, paired with seven-time European Tour winner Gonzalo Fernández-Castaño. To continue Dave’s story, scroll down this page to read his review.

The 18-hole layout at TPC Louisiana has hosted the Zurich Classic event on the PGA Tour since 2005 where Pete Dye’s stadium course design allows spectators to get up close and personal to the competing professionals.

Measuring an eye-watering 7,425 yards from the tips, many notable champions have lifted the Zurich Classic title in Avondale, including Bubba Watson (2011) and Justin Rose (2015). But in 2017 a new team strokeplay format came into being, featuring foursomes during the first and third rounds and four-ball during the second and fourth rounds. Jonas Blixt and Cameron Smith won the inaugural 2017 team event, beating Scott Brown and Kevin Kisner in a playoff.