By Jim Grosjean
Lake Charles, in the southwestern corner of Louisiana has had a difficult couple of years. Since August, 2020 the city has suffered through two hurricanes, a devastating flood, and a shocking deep freeze. The property damage has been massive, almost inconceivable. Add a pandemic to the mix and you might expect the ongoing misery to defeat its population, but Lake Charles always bounces back.
Survival is imperative, because the nation depends on the wealth of natural resources from the region. The tourism industry around Lake Charles can offer every visitor a wealth of opportunities to enjoy nature, play a game of chance, at one of the modern casinos, or enjoy a round of golf on some truly spectacular courses.
On a recent visit to Lake Charles, I found the golf to be better than ever. At the National Golf Club of Louisiana, a public course, that offers the friendly feel of a private club, was a beautiful course full of lakes and well-maintained bunkers with ample opportunities for pars and birdies. I was thrilled by the new clubhouse and fabulous restaurant, The Max. The menu includes Louisiana delicacies such as, crab cakes, oysters, gumbo, and etouffee, as well as plenty of craft burgers and sandwiches. It would be a shame to play here without a stop at The Max.
Entertainment in the area centers around the L’Auberge Casino Resort and Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino, both just a short drive from Lake Charles Regional Airport. Activities for the entire family include swimming in world class pools, floating on the Lazy River at the L’Auberge, as well as boating along the canals and lakes, or the Calcasieu River, which flows directly into the Gulf of Mexico. Throw out a line and fish along the way, or just enjoy the scenery.
Louisiana is well known for its cajun and creole cooking, but I must give a special shoutout to Chef Lyle at Barstool in L’Auberge for preparing a tasting menu that was simply outstanding. All the restaurants we visited in Lake Charles, The James 710, Darrells, plus the Crying Eagle Taproom and Bistro provided mouthwatering Louisiana fare.
Contraband Bayou is a Tom Fazio designed gem at the L’Auberge. Hurricanes have thinned out the trees considerably, since a previous visit, but the course is very challenging and a joy to play. The marsh and lowland foliage add to the beauty, plus some of the sightlines have actually improved. Any course with the Fazio name attached is always a treat!
Next door lies the Country Club at the Golden Nugget which is more open than its neighbor. Its primary defense is water, pretty to look at, but a nemesis for golf balls. In March, the Country Club at the Golden Nugget hosted the inaugural Lake Charles Championship, a stop on the Korn Ferry Tour. It was a treat to play with the pros even though I embarrassed myself in the pro-am.
Due to unusual wet conditions, we could only play nine holes at the new Mallard Golf Club. I enjoyed the back nine immensely and look forward to playing the entire course. Only six months old, the future for this new course is very bright.
Mother Nature hasn’t been kind to Lake Charles recently, but the casinos, restaurants and courses are open. The friendly staff and Louisiana hospitality are off the charts. Come down to Lake Charles and be a part of its resurgence, plus have a great time doing it.
As they say down there: “Laissez le bon temps rouler!” Let the Good Times Roll!
For more information visit: http://www.visitlakecharles.org
