Golf Guide: Alexandria - LA

Almost in the geographical center of Louisiana in the middle of the Kisatchie National Forest, Alexandria's landscape is characterized by bayous, pine and hardwood forests. Early on it developed as a trading hub for agricultural products like cotton and its location on the Red River giving it access to the Mississippi, made it an important port. During the Civil War, the city was occupied by the Union Army when it caught fire had to be rebuilt.

Today there are pleasant tree-shaded neighborhoods and a few upscale residential communities. There are a number of revitalizations projects in the works which are expected to kick in once the economy picks up.

Local residents enjoy events like Jazz on the River and Downtown Rocks, a free outdoor concert series as well as the Rapides Symphony Orchestra. The Kent Plantation House, the oldest structure in Central Louisiana is open to the public and the Garden District contains many large historic homes and brick streets.

There are some very good golf courses in the area offering reasonable green fees along with play and stay packages with cooperating chain and local hotels. A big boost to the economy has been the building of courses like OakWing Golf Club, a member of the Audubon Golf Trail located in the England Air Force Base Heritage Park, home of the famous "Flying Tigers. "

OakWing, a 7,043 yard parkland-style course designed by Jim Lipe, features bayous, rolling hills and well maintained undulating greens. One of the unique features are the vintage aircrafts on the g rounds like on hole #6 where a mounted fighter sits beyond the green. Stay at Parc England, an adjacent boutique hotel and you can wake up at 8 and be on the tee by 8:30.

Another Audubon course near Alexandria is Tamahka Trails designed by Steve Smyers with a strong nod to nature. Special features include plenty of bunkers, wide fairways, blind tee shots and smooth-running TifEagle greens.

Of interest is Bringhurst Golf Course, the nation's oldest par 3 course recently renovated and popular with local folks and The Links on the Bayou at LSUA was named Best Municipal course in Louisiana by Golf Digest.