The Atchafalaya at Idlewild

The Atchafalaya at Idlewild is an 18-hole championship golf course that opened in 2006 in Patterson, Louisiana. Designed by renowned architects Von Hagge, Smelek, and Baril—known for projects including Doral, La Costa, and the TPC at Woodlands—the course plays 7,533 yards from five sets of tees.

The course is set within the natural landscape of the Atchafalaya Basin, featuring dramatic elevation changes and spectacular views of the basin ecosystem. Each hole is named for cultural features within the basin, where over 40 indigenous plant species thrive. The course is surrounded entirely by nature, with Kemper Williams Park located on the property.

Key characteristics include exceptional course conditioning and expansive greens. A notable feature is the unique "common green" shared by holes 9 and 18, which overlooks the clubhouse. The course is appreciated by golfers of all skill levels and offers a complete practice facility, GPS-equipped carts, and pro-line rental clubs. Since its opening, it has been regarded as a premier "must play" destination in Louisiana.