Even though I absolutely love to golf and travel, I’d never gone on a golf trip … until a writing opportunity came up this fall. I guess I always thought of golf trips as a guy’s thing. Yet, as I looked over the itinerary for my trip to Lake Charles, Louisiana, the idea of a golf trip – specifically a girls’ golf trip – started to sound really good.  My trip was with five fellow golf writers (all guys) and the trip organizer (a woman). Our mission was simple: play 18-plus holes a day, sample local cuisine, stay at the L’Auberge Casino Resort, and explore Lake Charles. 

As I looked at my itinerary, I realized it had the makings of a perfect girls’ trip. First, our resort was packed with entertainment and relaxation options, meaning non-golfing pals could be part of the golf getaway. With that in mind, let’s see what a girls’ trip to Lake Charles might look like. 

Getting to Lake Charles

Lake Charles is a 145-mile car trip and a quick flight, train, or bus ride from Houston. Lake Charles Airport offers nonstop service on American Airlines to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and United Airlines to the Houston Intercontinental Airport – convenient for friends from around the country to meet in Lake Charles.

Where to Stay

There are countless lodging options in Lake Charles. My suite at the L’Auberge Casino Resort was incredibly spacious and well-appointed – it had a mini-bar, a separate living area with a huge, flat-screen TV (great for cocktails with the group), and a huge bathroom with separate vanity areas on opposite sides (no fighting for the mirror if you’re sharing a room), a soaking tub, and a giant shower. 

Find another option next door at the Golden Nugget Lake Charles. Like L’Auberge, it had a gorgeous pool, shops, a spa, bars, restaurants, and its own golf course. The course proximity is handy – golfers just head outside their resort, and non-golfing friends can sleep in, work out, visit the spa, hit the casino,… whatever they please. (Other options: Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel and Horseshoe Casino & Hotel)

Golf

There are a plethora of course options in and around Lake Charles. 

Let’s start with the Contraband Bayou Golf Club at L’Auberge Casino Resort, a challenging but accessible 18-hole, Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course. Golfweek Magazine voted Contraband Bayou one of Louisiana’s Best Places to Play. I give it an A+  for the friendly staff, touchscreen GPS in every cart, immaculate course bathrooms,  and gorgeous clubhouse.

Next door to the Contraband is The Country Club at the Golden Nugget – named the #1 course in Louisiana in Golfweek’s Best of 2021.  The 18-hole, 72-par course provides just enough challenges to keep things interesting. Head to the Chart House for dinner or brunch on Sundays.  

Lake Charles’ newest premiere golf experience is the Mallard Golf Club, a Scottish links-inspired golf course designed by Jeff Blume. It’s great for all levels, the new clubhouse is stunning, and the Mallard Club & Grille is perfect for a post-round lunch or drinks.  

The National Golf Club of Louisiana has 14 lakes, 65 bunkers, and some challenging greens. It may sound intimidating,  but it’s enjoyable for golfers of all levels.  Plus, I love how the club is trying to grow the game as they partner with the local rec department to offer free golf opportunities to (West Lake) residents.  The club and its restaurant, The Max, have a great small-town feel. 

Spa Services

Can I even say girls’ trip without mentioning spa services? I was so happy with L’Auberge Spa du Lac – I worked out in the fitness center, then had a glorious 50-minute massage and took advantage of the hot tub, sauna, and lounge. Spa guests can access the spa all day when they come for a service. (Idea – hit L’Auberge’s spa one day and try the Golden Nugget Spa & Salon the next.)

Dining in Lake Charles

• L’Auberge Casino Resort was full of options from seafood to bar food. (Drago’s Seafood Restaurant, Johnny Sanchez, and ASIA are a few options.)
• Next door at the Golden Nugget, find 13-plus venues for food/drinks and the favorite Saltgrass Steakhouse. 
• Pat’s of Henderson – Third-generation restaurant with award-winning gumbo and cajun food, steaks, & seafood. 
• Crying Eagle Brewing Company – Craft brewery (plus wine & mixed drinks) with indoor and outdoor dining.
• Luna Bar and Grill –  Great variety & two locations. Jazz brunch on Sundays. Owners started Chuck Fest.
• Restaurant Calla – Relaxed yet elegant, featuring culinary delights from local farms and waters. 
• 121 ARTISAN BISTRO – Pristine attention to detail in traditional cuisine. 
• The James 710 –  Globally inspired, locally sourced ingredients and a southern flair. 

Shopping, Festivals & The Arts in Lake Charles

Off the course, shop your heart out, take in a festival, investigate the art scene, or enjoy outdoor recreation. 

The Verdict

After five days of swinging (clubs), eating, drinking, shopping, and enjoying myself, I conclude that Lake Charles is definitely girls-golf-trip-worthy. Adding to the beautiful courses, natural attractions, dining, and shopping options is good old-fashioned Southern hospitality. Ladies get your clubs and your pals, and head to Lake Charles!

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Cover Photo Courtesy of Golden Nugget Lake Charles.

Abbey Algiers is a freelance writer specializing in golf, travel, Spain, and lifestyle. She writes regularly for the LPGA Women’s Network and has written for GoNOMAD.com, including an account of her trip along the Camino de Santiago – one of GoNOMAD’s “Best of 2022.” Find more about Abbey on her website or in her weekly lifestyle newsletter.