From Swamp to Sanctuary
The course owes its existence to an ambitious reclamation project that converted swampy bayou land along LA Highway 311 into a playable and beautiful course, setting the stage for decades of memorable golf in Houma.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
Ellendale Country Club
Houma, Louisiana
Established
1967
Architect
Joe Finger (original); Nathan Crace & Max Maxwell (renovations)
Access
Private
Par
Par 72
Length
5,818 – 7,120 yds
The verdict
A True Louisiana Parkland Test
Ellendale Country Club delivers a classic, challenging parkland experience shaped by Joe Finger and later renovations. Expect a strategic test from the tips and a course that rewards precision amid a lush Southern landscape. While not on national lists, it's a beloved Gulf Coast staple for members and their guests.
Course DNA
Difficulty
83
Scenery69
Conditioning73
Shot Variety75
Walkability63
Green Complexity71
Wow Factor62
Design Quality70
Don't miss
Ask a member about the club's transformation from true Louisiana swamp—it gives a new appreciation for every dry swing.
At a glance
Quick facts
Course architect
Joe Finger (1967)
Major renovations
2002 (Crace & Maxwell), 2013 greens
Longest hole
7th – 580 yards
Greens turf
Ultradwarf bermuda (miniverde)
Signature par-3
13th, 234 yards
Annual event
Adams Golf Pro Tour Series
Clubhouse
Completely rebuilt in 2010
Transformation
Built on reclaimed Louisiana swamp
The design
The architecture
Ellendale Country Club’s Joe Finger design is a classic Southern parkland challenge—broad fairways winding through mature trees, with bold water hazards and mounding introduced in later renovations. The course leverages its history as reclaimed swamp, threading holes between lakes and risking approaches that tempt the bold. Recent work by Nathan Crace and Max Maxwell added strategic shaping, and in 2013 the greens were fully reconstructed with fast miniverde ultradwarf Bermuda, making approach shots and putting far from routine.
Joe Finger excelled at translating bayou terrain into playable strategy, with later architects enhancing drama and challenge.
Defining features
- Extensive water hazards on several holes
- Mature trees framing most corridors
- Challenging modern green complexes
- Strategic bunkering added in renovations
- Mix of demanding long par 4s and short risk/reward holes
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 7
Relentless Bayou Stretch
PAR
5
YARDAGE
580
The 7th is the longest hole at Ellendale, stretching a daunting 580 yards from the tips and running alongside water and treacherous rough. Laying up to a perfect wedge position is smart, but big hitters may be tempted to challenge the entire length for a rare eagle try.
Play it smart
Place your layup to a preferred distance and avoid biting off too much on the second; the green rewards a precise approach.
Where it bites
Water lurks along the right and a misjudged second can quickly lead to a big number.
Course management
Shots to think about
Attacking the long par 3s
Club up and favor the fat of the green—it's easy to miss short when adrenaline spikes.
Approaching water-guarded par 4s
Play to the high side and don't chase pins tucked near hazards.
Playing into prevailing wind
Lower your ball flight and select more club than usual—wind off the bayou can deceive.
Layup decision on par 5s
Don't force a risky second over water; leave a comfortable wedge.
Recovery from mounded rough
Accept a safe route back to the fairway—hero shots are punished severely.
Putting on new miniverde greens
Trust subtle breaks and quick speeds; practice lag putting before your round.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Modern greens and well-kept fairways, but double-check for recent rainfall affecting turf.
Pace
Generally brisk member pace, though tournament days can stretch rounds out.
Vibe
Classic private club atmosphere—Southern hospitality with a sporting edge.
Dress code
Traditional country club standards: collared shirts and no denim.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Dial in long-iron accuracy
You'll need to hit confident, high-quality long irons into several tough par 3s and daunting second shots on par 4s.
02
Practice lag putting
The recently rebuilt miniverde greens are quick and subtle; expect lengthy first putts if you miss your landing zones.
03
Pack for humidity
South Louisiana's heat and humidity can sap energy—hydrate well and prep with extra gloves and towels.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1967
Course open, designed by Joe Finger
- 2002
Major renovation by Nathan Crace and Max Maxwell
- 2010
Original clubhouse replaced with new facility
- 2013
Complete green complexes reconstruction
- 2015
Host venue for Adams Golf Pro Tour Series
Stories & legends
What makes it special
Greens Reborn
In 2013, every green was torn out and rebuilt, introducing ultradwarf bermuda and subtly reshaped surfaces that present a new challenge to Ellendale's loyal members and tournament players.
Tour-Ready Tradition
As a regular stop for the Adams Golf Pro Tour Series, the club has tested aspiring professionals and given members a sense of pride—proving this course can demand the best from anyone’s game.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
The course was built on reclaimed swamp using techniques unique to South Louisiana.
2
The greens were completely rebuilt and resurfaced with ultradwarf bermuda in 2013.
3
Ellendale regularly hosts stops on the Adams Golf Pro Tour Series.
4
The original clubhouse was demolished and replaced with a modern facility in 2010.
Build the trip
If you're making a southeast Louisiana golf trip out of it
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
TPC Louisiana
Public
PGA Tour-worthy design and the best-conditioned public course in the region
The Atchafalaya at Idlewild
Public
True marshland golf experience and acclaimed layout
Audubon Park Golf Course
Municipal
Walkable city course ideal for a warm-up or city-day round
Abita Springs Golf Club
Public
Convenient northshore option for a regional loop
New Orleans or Houma for best access and amenities
Course DNA
If You Like Ellendale Country Club
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match7.4
The Club at Indian Creek
Omaha, NebraskaDifficulty
Why it matches: If Ellendale Country Club is your kind of course, The Club at Indian Creek is worth a look because it brings a comparable level of challenge.
Strong DNA Match7.3
The Cobb Course at the Resort at Glade Springs
Daniels, West VirginiaDifficulty
Why it matches: If Ellendale Country Club is your kind of course, The Cobb Course at the Resort at Glade Springs is worth a look because it brings a comparable level of challenge.
Strong DNA Match8.0
Wine Valley Golf Club
Walla Walla, WashingtonWhy it matches: Wine Valley Golf Club is a natural next stop after Ellendale Country Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
The architect's other work
More from Joe Finger
Carter Plantation
Springfield, LAModern Louisiana favorite and tour event venue
The Oaks at South Park
Shreveport, LANoted parkland test in north Louisiana
Community Sentiment
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