City Park gets a nod from the LGACourtesy
Over a decade after the ravages of Hurricane Katrina , City Park in New Orleans will see the return of a championship level golf course to the property . The new South Course will open in late April at the recently renamed Bayou Oaks at City Park Complex .
The par 72 Rees Jones design uses some of the large oak trees and ponds that shaped the original layout . The South Course project was spearheaded by the non-profit Bayou District Foundation , which has also completely transformed the old St . Bernard Housing Project into a thriving mixed income residential community . This development model closely mirrors the successful “ East Lake model ” in Atlanta , Georgia .
Last week , prior to its opening , the Louisiana Golf Association ( LGA ) Course Rating team ( south region ) had the opportunity to rate the new course . This article will highlight first impressions of the of the Louisiana Golf Association
South Course by our LGA volunteers and the staff at Bayou Oaks at City Park .
City Park in New Orleans has been intertwined with golf since 1902 , when the 9-hole New Orleans Golf Club opened . It was one of only 80 golf courses in the United States at that time . From those early beginnings over a century ago , the number of holes and courses expanded on the property .
At one time , there were four distinct golf courses at City Park , the most distinct being the Championship layout , which hosted the PGA Tour ’ s New Orleans Open ( now Zurich Classic ) from 1938-48 and 1958-62 .
Before Hurricane Katrina , the golf footprint in City Park consisted of four courses on more than 700 acres . When the redesigned renovation of the golf facilities is complete , City Park will have two public golf courses and a practice facility encompassing approximately 350 acres .
The South Course will be a par 72 layout with six distinct sets of tee markers , allowing golfers of all skill levels to play from different yardages . Alex Abbruzza , Head Golf Professional at Bayou Oaks at City Park , said , “ I have been impressed with how the course is built for players of all abilities . The multitude of tee box options creates a course that can hold championship golf , while allowing us to provide fun , accessible golf for everyone .”
Kyle Nagdeman , LGA Director of Member Services , was part of the initial group with the LGA that came in mid- December to measure the South Course . After walking the golf course , Nagdeman said , “ The front nine is shaped by the large natural trees that border some of the holes ,