I have fond memories of Atchafalaya at Idlewild Golf Club. I played the course in mid May and, while I didn’t score that well, I do recall it was one of the most pleasant rounds I’ve played in many a long time. Atchafalaya at Idlewild is an 18-hole, championship layout set deep in the heart of the Atchafalaya Basin; fans of James Lee Burke will enjoy the bayous and wetlands featured so graphically in his novels.
Conveniently located off Highway 60 in Paterson, and less than 90 minutes from New Orleans, Baton Rouge & Lafayette, Atchie was recognized by Golfweek as one of the Best Courses You Can Play in the state of Louisiana in 2008, moving from third to first place. The course also made Golf Digest's 2006 list of "Best New Public Courses to Play in the United States for under $75," coming in at number five in the nation.
Water plays a huge part in the game at Atchafalaya. I’m not sure exactly how many holes actually have water in play, but it seemed to me that most of them do. Aside from the six lakes that are scattered around the course, there are a dozen or more ditches, creeks, streams, small ponds and vast tracts of wetland to contend with, too. All this water makes for a nail-biting, though thoroughly enjoyable, round of golf. The fairways and landing areas are generous, the rough deep and lush, and the greens vary in size and speed, often guarded by bunkers, mounds and swales of heavy rough, and they are often somewhat more than gently undulating.
Course Specifications:
The 18-hole course at the Atchafalaya At Idlewild in Patterson plays a long 7,536 yards from the “Gater” tees for a par of 72. Five sets of tees make play enjoyable for players of all levels of skill. From the shorter “Owl” tees, the course plays 5,932 while maintaining its par of 72. The golf course features six lakes and 10 tracts of wetland that take in almost 40 of the 175 acres over which the layout is constructed. Atchie is home to more than 40 species of indigenous flora, and almost as many species of local wildlife, including alligators. Designed by Robert von Hagge, the golf course opened for play in 2005.
Green Fees:
- From $40 to $65 depending upon the day and time.
Where to Stay:
I suggest you try the Hilton Garden Inn in Lafayette. Compare Prices. It’s conveniently close to the course and offers an extensive range of amenities.
How to get There:
The easiest way to Atchafalaya at Idlewild Golf Club is, in my opinion, to fly into New Orleans International Airport and rent a car. The course is just 80 miles from the airport which is served by several major US airlines, including US Air, United, Delta, Continental, American, Northwest and many international airlines.
Look for the best airline and car rental deals with these two aggregators, which provide travelers with an up-to-date search tool to compare prices on airfares and car rentals of all ratings:
Contact:
Atchafalaya at Idlewild Golf ClubAtchafalaya Golf Course
400 Cotten Road
Patterson, LA 70392
(985) 395-4653
There are plenty of great golf courses along the Audubon Golf Trail - read a complete review. Atchafalaya at Idlewild is set deep among the bayous in Cajun country, and it's fun to play.
