How to Plan a Golf Vacation in Louisiana

Think Louisiana and you may think food, fishing and music. However, Louisiana features golf courses designed by the likes of Arnold Palmer, David Toms and Hal Sutton. Mother Nature adds her own special touch to each course, and whether you are a novice or experienced golfer, you can find courses suitable to your skill level. Take time to do a little research and planning and you can plan a golf vacation of a lifetime in Louisiana.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Decide on a budget for your golf vacation. Your costs may include airfare, rental car, lodging, meals, green fees, cart rentals and non-golfing entertainment. Resort or golf vacation package deals that include lodging and green fees often will save you money.
2. Gather information on the resorts and courses in the area of Louisiana you want to visit. New Orleans and Baton Rouge have the most golf courses to choose from, but you will find excellent courses throughout the state. You can also golf the 12 courses that make up the Audubon Golf Trail. The Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism and the Louisiana Golf Association can provide information on courses and resorts in the state.
3. Take note of any tournaments or special events in the area at the same time as your vacation. Plan your travel dates accordingly since these activities may prevent you from being able to stay at your preferred hotel or play your chosen courses.
4. Consider Louisiana's weather. Although the weather is considered suitable for golf year-round, spring and fall are considered the best times to visit Louisiana. Summers are hot and humid with frequent thunderstorms, and in the entire Gulf Coast region, hurricane season runs from June through November.
5. Evaluate the needs of your group. Family trips with children should be near attractions other than the golf courses. Louisiana's many festivals, fairs and museums provide opportunities for family fun. Skill levels of the golfers should also be taken into consideration to ensure that everyone can have a good time on the courses that are chosen.
6. Contact each resort and golf course you are interested in or use a travel agent to get more information and make reservations. Some package deals will have restrictions on dates and tee times. You will have more flexibility booking lodging and tee times yourself, but you will save money by purchasing a package deal.
7. Make all reservations, including tee times, well in advance of your vacation dates. Review all reservations and any restrictions or conditions prior to your trip.
   

Tips & Warnings

• If you will be spending a week on a golf vacation, try to arrange tee times at courses that are near each other. You'll spend less time traveling and more time on the links.
• Find out what your hotel's and courses' policies are if your trip is canceled due to a hurricane. Make sure you understand all refund and rescheduling policies.
• Note if the price of your golf vacation packages is for one person or a twosome and whether a cart rental is included. Some quotes include lodging and green fees, but the cart rental (which is often required) can represent an additional cost.
• Golf vacations are big business and, unfortunately, there are scam artists looking to take advantage of unsuspecting golfers. Be sure you use a reputable travel agent or golf vacation provider. Always verify flight, rental car, hotel and tee time information yourself prior to leaving for your vacation.