I was able to make arrangements to work from Florida for a few days around Thanksgiving, which allowed me to take a last-minute trip to visit my family! I didn’t end up golfing a bunch, but did manage to squeeze in a few rounds.

The first round of the trip was one which helped break up the long drive from Texas to Florida. I accidentally booked a hotel for Friday night off the I-10, not realizing the I-10 split to the I-12, which bypasses New Orleans. My route added to the drive, but my mistake allowed me to take a spin around the Golf Club Audubon Park!

In recent years there has been lots of news about short course re-designs – think along the lines of Sweetens Cove Golf Club or Winter Park Golf Course. Even though both of those courses are nine holes, I’d lump Audubon Park into the same category. This is an older, shorter course that was renovated and has gained some national recognition!

Audubon Park dates back to 1898 and went through a renovation in 2002, at the hands of Denis Griffiths. I’m not sure of the extent of the changes that took place in 2002 but the course currently plays as a par-62, with eighteen holes.

From the back tees Audubon Park is 4,220 yards, with a rating of 61.6 and a slope of 104. There are twelve par-3’s, four par-4’s and two par-5’s, which mix up the yardages when combined together.

What Griffiths ended up creating is a fun, walkable locals’ kind of place! Because the course isn’t regulation length it won’t take as long to play a round here. My round (walking) was finished in less than 3 hours, so it was a great choice for some exercise on my road trip.

While Audubon Park won’t “wow” you with its yardage, it is far from easy. There are a couple water hazards to navigate, small greens and many deepish bunkers (too many for my taste). The small greens angle one way or the other to add plenty of interest on the iron shots.

The thing that stands out most about Audubon Park is the course’s prime location! The course is in a park, tucked up against the Mississippi River. The day I golfed there was plenty of activity and excitement in the area, with a 5k happening in the park!

Also, you can see Loyola University from the course and hear church bells while you are playing, either from Loyola University or another nearby church. The course’s charming location gave off Winter Park vibes.

The walking rate was $38 and for that price the conditions were very satisfactory. A local said that the greens were on the mend and they rolled good. Some bumps, but acceptable. The ball sat well in the dormant fairways. My only complaint was the sloppy bunkers after the rain.

Overall, I have positive things to say about Audubon Park! Assuming that you don’t have anything against short courses this is one that is worth a look, if you are in New Orleans.

Course Pictures (click any picture to scroll through the gallery):