General Manager Brian Long looks over the success at Bayou Oaks .
For Bayou District Foundation chairman Gerry Barousse , Bayou Oaks will show locals and tourists just what can be accomplished in the heart of the Crescent City , including the resourcefulness of using the designs of two previous courses that once graced the spaces in City Park .
“ I think a lot of folks will be surprised of what can be done in the middle of New Orleans ,” he said . “ It ’ s a great layout that uses the framework of the old East and West courses , but obviously improved upon . But it ’ ll highlight the old plantation oaks just like they did .”
The course is on track to open in late April , complete with a 13,000-square foot clubhouse , a feature in which Long can ’ t help but take pride . While the final stages of the clubhouse are put into place , including exterior bricking , roofing and a parking lot , Long noted that the interior still has some work to be done . With a larger-than-average golf shop , multiple private dining rooms , and an exceptional view of the course , Long made sure to note that the clubhouse tailors to each golfer ’ s experience both on and off the course .
“ You really don ’ t see a 1,250-square foot golf shop of newer construction anymore . We really wanted to have a good retail space for anyone playing the course . One of the dining rooms holds around 25 people , and another will hold 40 or so ,” he said . “ But to me , the best feature is the veranda in the back of the clubhouse that overlooks the course . It ’ s a fantastic place to have lunch and a drink after you finish your round .”
The mass appeal of Bayou Oaks lies in the multiple tee boxes , which stretch the course anywhere between 62,00 to 7,400 yards .
23