Bayou DeSiard Country Club, Monroe, LA

Over the past 15 years, The Golfin’ Guy’s travels have taken us to over 400 golf clubs including more than 100 private clubs. Each of these private clubs has something that makes them special in their own right; maybe it’s the practice facility, the practice area, or dining. Maybe it’s a memorable hole. There’s one particular club in Monroe, LA that seems to do everything right, especially listening to their members.

In a town best known for Delta Airlines and the Biedenharn Candy Company, the first bottlers of Coca-Cola and Delta, Bayou DeSiard, a private country club in Monroe, Louisiana is often overlooked by prospective members because of its location. But don’t tell that to the organizers of the Cotton State Invitational, who have played their annual golf tournament there since 1951.

Most golf scholars will tell you that the years between the creation of the National Golf Links of America on Long Island in 1911 ushered in the "Golden Age" of golf course architecture. Many of the world's most acclaimed golf courses were built during this time including Pine Valley, Augusta National, and Cypress Point. Several golf course architects focused on “strategic course design,” making courses more fun and less punishing. The likes of Charles Blair MacDonald, Alister MacKenzie, Donald Ross, A.W. Tillinghast, and Seth Raynor continue to influence golf course architecture to this day. One of those who was seemingly forgotten was Perry Maxwell.

Among Maxwell's signature design trademarks were his undulating greens which are typically large and well-contoured with swells and his ability to use the existing topography of the land to design challenging holes. As one sports writer, wrote in 1933, "His genius came from recognizing Mother Nature's design, his courses only slightly carved out of the existing landscape". Maxwell’s favorite design feature was to include naturally occurring geological cliffs and play both uphill and downhill. Maxwell, along with his partner Alister MacKenzie, designed Augusta National and several other well-known layouts but is best known for his prolific renovation of golf courses like Pine Valley Golf Club and Augusta National.

On Labor Day of 1948, Bayou DeSiard Country Club opened its doors as a 9-hole golf course on land donated by the Biedenharn family. Several of Bayou DeSiard’s charter members donated their time, equipment, and materials at cost to construct the golf course. In 1950, more land was acquired, and renowned golf course architect Perry Maxwell was brought in to design a second 9-hole layout and touch up the original nine. In 1951, Bayou DeSiard Country Club opened all 18 holes. Over the years the layout was touched up here and there and in 1988-89, course architect Ron Pritchard was hired to renovate the golf course and return it to its original design. Bayou DeSiard has been ranked one of the top courses in Louisiana ever since.

At Bayou DeSiard there’s a yardage for anyone that plays the game. Although the course plays 7,234 yards from the Championship tees (74.5/131), don’t let that alarm you. There are 6 tee boxes with yardages that range upwards from 4,340 yards, and two "blended" tees (Black/Blue and Blue/Gold) for a total of 7 yardages. You’re sure to find one that suits your game.

As you make your way around the golf course at Bayou DeSiard Country Club, you’ll find beautifully manicured golf holes with tree-lined fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and water on 10 holes. Lush 419 Bermuda grass fairways lead to challenging mini Verdi greens. Fairways tend to be wide open and off the tee and the greens are well-undulated. The golf course is easy to walk; Director of Golf Nick Ellison estimates that about 85% of their winter rounds are golfers who walk the course.

A great golf course should offer comparable practice facilities and Bayou DeSiard does not disappoint. The club was well known for having the best short game facility in the area. “The Triangle,” consisted of three practice greens that could be used for target shots up to 170 yards, with bunkers all around the greens. But what was missing was a chipping green. Bayou DeSiard hired well-known golf architect Nathan Crace to give the practice area a facelift. One of the greens was converted to a 6,000 sq ft chipping green. There is also a full-length driving range where you can hit every club in your bag as well as a practice putting green. The practice area is one of the biggest selling points of the club.

If you prefer the courts over the course, Bayou DeSiard has some impressive tennis facilities with 7 lighted courts - 2 HydroCourts and 5 hard courts. The HydroCourt system is the most advanced clay court watering system available for Har-Tru tennis courts. Several of the tennis hard courts double as pickleball courts. The tennis staff can help you with new equipment, apparel, and lessons to get the most out of those new purchases!

Bayou DeSiard prides itself on being a private “family-oriented club.” Nowhere is this more evident than at the swimming pool. Parents come here to relax and recharge while the kids are content just splashing about or participating in courtyard activities or the playground. There are lifeguards on duty at all times, plenty of lounge chairs, and the fully stocked and staffed Courtyard bar and grill will help satisfy your hunger and thirst. The area around the pool is also available for weddings and special events. Events are a large part of DeSiard's social calendar, and they offer a bevy of catering options and a stunning array of menu items for all occasions. One of their many dining areas is the perfect spot for your weddings, private dinner parties, or business events.

Many members of private clubs place a huge emphasis on dining, second only to golf. After all, what’s better than wowing your friends and business associates with a fabulous meal after a round of golf on a spectacular golf course? Bayou DeSiard has been pampering members and their guests with an incredible variety of dining options since the 1940s. The Mixed Grill and 19th hole offer a casual, relaxed atmosphere, and is the club’s daily dining room. This newly renovated room has a modern feel and provides diners with stunning views of the golf course.

The 19th Hole has the vibes of a Scottish pub and is a great place to grab a bite before or after your round. They offer a very unique menu between lunch and dinner. Both venues offer the same menu for lunch and dinner and if it’s available, I highly recommend the Southern Fried Chicken buffet, with greens, mashed potatoes, and sweet tea. You won’t leave hungry.

With exquisite views of the glistening Bayou DeSiard, The Main Dining Room and Fireside are exactly what you would expect from a country club – quietly elegant. They play host to all of the club’s formal and semi-formal events with great views of the golf course! Bayou DeSiard’s world-class chef and culinary staff use locally sourced ingredients to create tantalizing dishes that will excite your palette. Members and their guests are required to wear jackets or formal attire when dining in these areas.

Bayou DeSiard Country Club is currently accepting new members to their private, member-owned club. Each membership also includes the member’s spouse and children under the age of 24. There are several levels of membership available; just ask one of the friendly staff members.

This is just an overview of what makes Bayou DeSiard the best “private club value” in North Louisiana. Don’t pass up an opportunity to visit the club and play the course. Director of Golf Nick Ellison and the entire staff have created a club that is family-friendly and affordable.