Staff Report

The Atchafalaya at Idlewild in Patterson has been recognized by Golf Digest Magazine as one of Louisiana’s Best Courses for 2013, garnering the eighth spot.

The list will be unveiled in the February 2013 issue.

Golf Digest publishes their list of top courses every year by state. All types of courses — public, private and resort — were considered.

“We’re delighted Golf Digest has recognized the Atchafalaya at Idlewild among many of the state’s finest facilities,” Commission Chairman Rudy Sparks said in a press release.

This latest accolade accompanies others including:

—Golf Digest’s “2006 Best New Affordable Courses in America”

—Golfweek’s 2007 Top 50 List - “Best New Courses in U.S - #22.”

—Golfweek’s 2007-2013 “Best Courses You Can Play in Louisiana”

In January 2006, the Atchafalaya was invited to become a member of the prestigious Audubon Golf Trail.

Baton Rouge Advocate sports writer Sam King summed the facility up as: “The Atchafalaya at Idlewild seems perched and ready to become one of the top courses not only in Louisiana, but along the entire Gulf Coast!”

In addition, the clubhouse opened March 2007.

Built with more than 130,000 board feet of cypress lumber, the facility features a 24-foot wide back porch overlooking the course, while a conference room and restaurant also are on site.

The restaurant has received awards for its cuisine.

The venue has become a favorite on the tournament trail. Site of the Louisiana Open Qualifying, LGA Senior 4-Ball, LGA Club Team Championship and Louisiana PGA Championship, the Atchafalaya is considered one of the top tournament destinations in the south. Tournaments and outings are conducted throughout the year and thousands of dollars have been raised for charity.

The course was designed by architects Von Hagge, Smelek, and Baril on land donated by the Kemper and Leila Williams Foundation.

It is surrounded by the wildlife in the heart of the Atchafalaya Basin. Each of the 18 championship holes is named for a unique cultural feature within the basin, and over 40 species of indigenous flora thrive on site.

Five sets of tees named after animals in the basin afford golfers of all skill levels a great experience. The layout stretches to 7,533 yards from the Gator Tees and is rated the toughest in the state.

Open to the public, tee times can be arranged within five days by calling the Golf Shop, 985-395-4653. Annual passes, bulk rounds, and hole sponsorships (coupling rounds with advertising) are also available.

For more information, call Ed Selser, PGA Director of Golf.