Laurence Lambrecht
Laurence Lambrecht
Laurence Lambrecht
Laurence Lambrecht
Laurence Lambrecht
Metairie Country Club
Metairie Country Club
580 Woodvine Ave
Metairie, LA 70005-4498
United States
Overview
Metairie Country Club, opened in 1925, was the jewel of New Orleans golf through the first decade of its existence. It was designed by Seth Raynor and possessed variations of his much-studied template holes originally introduced by his mentor, C.B. Macdonald, at National Golf Links of America and other courses. A land swap in 1928 fundamentally altered the second nine routing of holes 14-18, and hard economic conditions and infrastructure challenges in the late 1930s prompted further renovations that compromised Raynor's design, a trend that continued for decades. The club never retained Raynor's blueprints for the course and wasn't sure precisely what the architect had left behind. So, in 2021, they hired Brian Silva to reimagine a pure Raynor course on the property. Drawing on as much experience studying and reviving Raynor's designs throughout the country as anyone over the last 30 years, Silva reproduced vivid versions of the Bottle, Biarritz, Redan, Leven, Road, Eden and others. Though not a historical restoration, Metairie has been completely and imaginatively transformed.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
Best in State: Ranked third, 2023-'26.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“Metairie is a really enjoyable Seth Raynor design. Despite the flat and somewhat bland land, the golf course has a lot to offer. The green complexes are stellar, and they really provide excitement from the approach shot in. In particular, the double plateau 8th is one of the most severe I've seen. Back left hole locations offer a very different challenge on approaches and chip shots than holes on the lower portion. Really fun green that plays quite differently from day to day. Also notable is the par 4 13th...a mid-legnth par 4 with a very narrow green. The green is hard to hit with even a wedge, and repels anything to either side...a nice feature that I found created nice variety without feeling out of place. And lastly, the punch bowl 15th is one of the more interesting I've seen. The bowl tilts strongly from right to left, so any approach coming in from the right side of the hole is at a major disadvantage. Overall, the green complexes really force you to think about your positioning all the way back to your tee shot. This golf course has a lot of quality features, which can present varying challenges based on the numerous hole locations."
Read More2026
Review
“Raynor template course that has tremendous green complexes. They make the course, as some are diabolical. The fairway bunkering is not as severe as most Raynor courses. The Redan 7th needs to be redone. There is no tilt on the green until you putt, which is very fast. Your approach sits on the right without moving left. The thumbprint, road and lion's mouth greens are awesome and very reminiscent of their original templates. Silva renovated the course to play better for the membership. Probably the best course in a very bad state for golf."
Read More2026
Review
“Metairie Country Club: A Raynor Revival Rooted in Southern Charm In the leafy heart of Louisiana, just a stone’s throw from New Orleans, lies Metairie Country Club—a compelling fusion of Golden Age design, Southern hospitality, and architectural heritage. Originally laid out in the 1920s by the legendary Seth Raynor and completed under the supervision of Louisiana native Bartholomew, Metairie exudes history from its turf to its towering oaks. With past rounds played by President Gerald Ford and Bobby Jones, the club holds a dignified place in American golf lore. But it is the course itself, particularly after a sensitive restoration by Brian Silva, that continues to captivate serious golfers. Strategic Simplicity from Tee to Green Metairie is a deceptively simple course at first glance. It lies on flat terrain, offering broad fairways and clear sightlines, but as any seasoned player quickly discovers, the true challenge lies in the bunkering and the greens. Strategic bunkering is one of the defining features of the course. Raynor’s influence is most evident in the frequent use of centerline bunkers, fairway protrusions, and angled carries that subtly direct your decision-making. Many holes force a choice between aggression and caution, especially when fairway bunkers bisect potential landing zones or creep into the edges of otherwise generous corridors. These bunkers are not overly penal in appearance, but their placement—both off the tee and near the greens—requires disciplined shot planning. The flat land places extra emphasis on these design elements. With minimal elevation changes, it's the angled bunkers, false fronts, and elbows of fairways that shape each hole’s strategy. The bunkers are not merely ornamental; they define the risk-reward character of the layout and serve as the primary line of defense until you reach the greens. Firm, Fast, and Fair – Pristine Conditions The turf quality at Metairie is elite. The Bermuda fairways and greens were maintained in fast and firm condition, rewarding well-struck shots with runout and spin response. Chipping and putting surfaces are consistent and clean, allowing imaginative play around the greens. Tight lies around the putting surfaces create countless options—flops, bump-and-runs, low-checkers, or putts—each viable depending on your angle and nerve. Greens: The Soul of the Course The green complexes are where Metairie shines brightest. Massive, undulating surfaces are surrounded by closely mown runoffs and contouring that challenges even the best short game artists. Some greens slope dramatically, while others contain subtle interior ridges and tilts that affect both approaches and putts in ways that aren’t apparent until you’re standing over your ball. It’s a course where being on the green isn’t enough—you need to be on the correct quadrant or you risk three-putting or worse. A Course of Character and Craft Metairie Country Club may not feature dramatic elevation changes or towering vistas, but it doesn't need to. Its beauty lies in the subtlety of its architecture, the cleverness of its bunkering, and the complexity of its greens. It is a masterclass in how to design a great golf course on flat land, honoring the template traditions of Raynor while showcasing Silva’s nuanced restoration work. With top-tier turf, a rich history, and a design that encourages strategic decision-making over brute strength, Metairie is both a joy to play and a study in architectural restraint. For lovers of classic golf course design, it is a must-play and a reminder that some of golf’s greatest puzzles are laid out not on mountainsides—but on the quiet, flat lands of Louisiana."
Read More2025
Review
“Metairie CC was built in 1922 and Seth Raynor was its architect. The greens were put back to their original size and shapes a few years ago and OMG. If you are in the area, you should make it a point to play. One of the most fun and enjoyable rounds I have played in some time. A " Hidden Gem"."
Read More2025
Review
“Great use of this very flat land. Besides the use of Raynor greens, the fairway bunkering greatly improves the course strategy and interest."
Read More2024
Review
“Great course with lots of variety, especially considering the flat topography of the New Orleans area. The greens are in great shape and roll true. Many cheese boxes to accommodate various handicaps."
Read More2024
Review
“One of the best if not the best course in Louisiana. A joy to play and a true gem in the New Orleans area."
Read More2024
Review
“The club is a little rough around the edges but it was in very nice condition and I was really impressed with the design. Brian Silva redesigned this original Seth Raynor design with replica templates like a redan, cape, biarritz, etc. and it was a lot of fun to play. They made the most of a flat, boring flood plain to build an interesting layout."
Read More2024
Review
“Fun course with amazing Seth Raynor green complexes!"
Read More2024
Review
“Great old club, course was brought back to golden age original design. Lots of fun and great shot options. Property is a little shoehorned in and limiting."
Read More2023
