Sarazen’s Breakout in 1922
Gene Sarazen captured his first PGA Tour victory on these fairways, an eight-stroke statement in the Southern (Spring) Open that cemented NOCC’s place in golf history.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
New Orleans Country Club
New Orleans, Louisiana
Established
1914
Architect
Joseph L. Lee (orig.), Bobby Weed Golf Design (2024 renovation); earlier attributions: George Turpie
Access
Private
Par
Par 71
Length
4,602 – 6,637 yds
The verdict
Classic Parkland, Premier Conditioning
New Orleans Country Club shines as the city’s classically strategic, beautifully maintained private track. Expect a timeless experience shaped by ancient oaks, restored greens, and a course that rewards precision as much as power.
Course DNA
Difficulty
72
Scenery70
Conditioning93
Shot Variety75
Walkability97
Green Complexity89
Wow Factor78
Design Quality83
At a glance
Quick facts
Renovation Year
2024 (Bobby Weed Golf Design)
Green Type
TifEagle bermudagrass
Course Setting
Historic Uptown New Orleans property
Defining Trees
Hundreds of live oaks frame play
Course Style
Flat, walkable parkland; placement focus
Tournament Lore
Gene Sarazen’s first PGA Tour win (1922)
The design
The architecture
New Orleans Country Club is the epitome of a strategic, walkable parkland—minimal elevation, corridors of mature live oaks, and a routing so compact you could loop the course on foot with ease. Bobby Weed’s 2024 renovation further sharpened strategic angles, expanded and restored green complexes, and future-proofed playing surfaces with sand-capping and elite turf. Here, finesse off the tee and precise approaches are king—raw distance takes a back seat to well-chosen lines and deft putting on large, subtly contoured greens. The sideways Biarritz at 17 and crafty short par 4s amplify strategic interest throughout an old-school routing that rewards the smart player.
Bobby Weed’s 2024 renovation builds on the club’s historic framework, infusing modern standards of playability and infrastructure while preserving old-world charm.
Defining features
- Restored, expansive TifEagle greens
- Flat routing through ancient oaks
- Signature sideways Biarritz green at 17
- Emphasis on approach angles and placement
- Strategic short par 4s with risk/reward
- Walkable, member-friendly design
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 1
Mile-Long Opener
PAR
4
YARDAGE
611
A mammoth par 4 to greet you—the 611-yard first is more about strategic laying up and angle control than simply bashing away. It sets the tone for an elevated approach-centric round.
Play it smart
Play two measured shots to avoid out-of-position approaches and short-siding. Placement always beats power here.
Where it bites
Getting aggressive and missing the proper side of the fairway leads to challenging angles into a protected green.
Course management
Shots to think about
The 1st tee—611-yard par 4
Stick to a placement-first game plan; aggressive swings can lead to early trouble and an uphill start.
Short par 4s like 5 & 11
Resist the urge to overpower—hit to your best angle for the green, not just close to the pin.
Approaching the sideways Biarritz on 17
Target the proper tier and do not chase dangerous pins; accept a two-putt where risk outweighs reward.
Par-5 18th’s second shot
Evaluate your downhill lie and distance—laying up leaves a good angle and takes deep bunkering out of play.
Approaching from the rough
Take your medicine—prioritize hitting greens over chasing tight pins from limited lies.
Wind off the oaks
Mind the wind pockets created by mature trees; club selection can change dramatically even on flat ground.
Putting on restored TifEagle greens
Trust your read but always respect the subtle breaks and pace—speed is gold on these premier surfaces.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Elite, tournament-caliber conditioning with tightly mown fairways and superb TifEagle greens post-2024 restoration.
Pace
Private club pace; steady and unhurried, but exact round length may vary with day and member play.
Vibe
Old-school sophistication, understated Southern hospitality, and a gracious, tradition-rich setting.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Green Reading Masterclass
Brush up on reading subtle slopes and speed control—the restored greens will test your putting discipline.
02
Iron Game Tune-Up
Sharpen your mid-iron precision and wedge distance control—approaches to compact targets are mission-critical.
03
Classic Southern Attire
Check with the club for specific dress code, but prepare for traditional country club standards—collared shirts and slacks recommended.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1914
New Orleans Country Club opens in Uptown New Orleans
- 1922
Hosts the Southern (Spring) Open; Gene Sarazen’s first PGA Tour win
- 2003
Comprehensive Bobby Weed renovation modernizes routing and strategy
- 2020
Ranked #5 in Louisiana by GOLF Magazine
- 2024
Course-wide infrastructure and greens restoration by Bobby Weed Golf Design
Stories & legends
What makes it special
The Sideways Biarritz
The 17th, with its sideways Biarritz green, offers a unique spin on a classic template. Precision and distance control make or break the tee shot on this renowned par 3.
A Century on Uptown Ground
NOCC stands out as one of the South’s rare clubs to occupy the same property for over 100 years—its heritage, oaks, and walkable setting blend into every round.
A Masterclass in Modern Conditioning
The club’s 2024 Bobby Weed-led restoration delivered sand-capping, new irrigation, and perfectly tuned TifEagle greens—ensuring championship conditions all season long.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
Gene Sarazen’s first PGA Tour victory happened here in 1922.
2
Home to the rarely seen sideways Biarritz green template.
3
A true centenarian club—occupying the same property since 1914.
4
Restored greens feature TifEagle bermudagrass for championship smoothness.
Build the trip
If you’re making a New Orleans golf trip out of it
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
TPC Louisiana
Public
The area’s PGA Tour venue and top public option
Bayou Oaks at City Park
Municipal
Fun city golf with skyline views—easily accessible
English Turn Golf & Country Club
Semi-Private
Strong test near the city with a championship pedigree
Chateau Golf & Country Club
Semi-Private
Solid option close to the airport corridor
Garden District or Uptown New Orleans, for easy access to NOCC and the city’s best dining and sights
Course DNA
If You Like New Orleans Country Club
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match7.5
Met Links
East Providence, Rhode IslandConditioningWalkability
Why it matches: What links these two? Puts the same premium on presentation and moves through the round with the same walkable flow — a familiar feeling, expressed in Met Links's own setting.
Strong DNA Match7.7
Fort Myers Country Club
Fort Myers, FloridaWalkability
Why it matches: If New Orleans Country Club is your kind of course, Fort Myers Country Club is worth a look because it moves through the round with the same walkable flow.
Strong DNA Match7.5
Pinehurst Resort (No. 1 Course)
Pinehurst, North CarolinaWalkability
Why it matches: What links these two? Moves through the round with the same walkable flow — a familiar feeling, expressed in Pinehurst Resort (No. 1 Course)'s own setting.
Community Sentiment
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