Ever since the Stonebridge Golf Club in Gretna, LA opened for play in 1984, it has been the centerpiece of the Stonebridge subdivision and comes with a fascinating history.
In 2003, the country club complex was purchased by Ed Haddad, who had plans to refurbish the golf course and all of the amenities. Unfortunately, Hurricane Katrina derailed those plans in 2006 and in 2013, the entire project was placed into bankruptcy. Dunnick Group, the project management company for Stonebridge purchased the property but continued to operate the club on a shoestring. Management of the club was subbed out to several different companies who seemed to spend even less on the upkeep and maintenance of the course and club.
In early 2016, Dunnick announced they would be leaving the community within 18 months, abandoning the property, and letting the protective covenants of the golf community lapse. Stonebridge was unable to find someone to purchase the property, but with the assistance of state legislators, they were able to structure the state legislation which allowed the creation of the Stonebridge Neighborhood Improvement and Beautification District to purchase, restore, and operate the clubhouse and golf course.
Since 2018, Stonebridge has been self-reliant with no public funding and has invested nearly a million dollars to restore the course. The renovation of the clubhouse and other amenities is still ongoing.
Stonebridge GCNO has been a favorite of both visitors and local golfers alike for decades; many feel it’s the best value on the West Bank. The golf course was renovated by architect John Robinson in 2005. Robinson has designed/redesigned around 90 golf courses, primarily in the northern states and Canada.
One thing that makes Stonebridge unique is that it offers 27 holes. From the Black Tees, The 18-hole championship golf course plays 6,936 yards, making it a formidable challenge for low handicappers. Move up to the White Tees and the yardage drops to 5,881 yards. Ladies, juniors, and seniors will enjoy the Red Tees at 4,715 yards. With five sets of tees to choose from, you’re sure to find a suitable yardage no matter your skill level.
With picturesque views of downtown, this championship layout offers a good mix of holes with plenty of room and a few with narrow “corridors” that require a little bit of accuracy and distance control. The sand bunkers are well-maintained, and the greens roll fast and true. Several holes are lined with homes so if you spray it off the tee, you may want to bring a few extra balls. And your homeowners’ insurance!
Several holes are quite memorable. Number 2 is a short par 4, playing 304 yards from the Blue Tees, and offers longball hitters the opportunity to drive the green. Most players will play something less than a driver off the tee and the two ponds in front of the green steer you to the right. Go too far right and you may find one of the fairway bunkers. Find the fairway off the tee and you’ll have a short pitch shot into the green.
The 4th hole is a narrow, dogleg left and plays 388 yards from the Black Tees. With trees and a canal on the right and houses and OB on the left the entire length of the hole, you’ll need accuracy and control from tee to green. The green features multiple tiers with a lot of undulation.
Number 9 is a 476-yard par 5 (White Tees) that may be reachable for some golfers. The hole is pretty straight and there’s plenty of room off the tee. Number 9 is all about your 2nd shot, whether laying up or going for the green in two. Trees create a narrow landing area short of the putting surface and water on the right necessitates an accurate approach shot.
The 16th hole is the longest and most difficult par 3 on the entire layout. From the back tees the hole plays 214 yards; move up two tee boxes to the Whites and it’s a manageable 161 yards. There is plenty of room to bail out on the left but if you miss the green long you may find the pond. The green is guarded by a bunker on the right and another bunker short of the green taking away the bump-and-run shot.
Your round at Stonebridge ends with a challenging par 4; 359 yards from the Blue Tees. The water on the right is reachable off the tee and continues down the fairway, eventually wrapping around the green. The long fairway bunker on the left sees its fair share of tee shots as well! Although there is no O.B. on the left, be mindful of people on the range. The angled, rectangular green is guarded by a single bunker front left and the water.
The Harvey Nine is Stonebridge’s ”executive” course and plays 2,442 yards with a par 33. The first hole is a 356-yard par 4 with water everywhere. From the back tees, you may be able to hit a driver off the tee. Find the fairway off the tee and you’ll have a short pitch shot – albeit over water – into a small green that’s protected front right by a lone bunker.
The 520-yard 26th hole is a long and narrow par 5 that requires accuracy off the tee with OB to the left and water on the right, which is not a good thing for most golfers. You’ll need an accurate layup shot too, to avoid the trio of bunkers on the left and water on the right. Another large bunker guards the right side of this odd-shaped green.
Before your round, warm up at the iron-only driving range and the oversized practice green. Inside the clubhouse, you’ll find the pro shop with all kinds of golf accessories and logoed apparel. You can also grab your favorite beverage along with a bite to eat at the Bridge 28 Patio Grill. They serve some delicious food including breakfast sandwiches and burritos for the morning crowd and mouthwatering burgers and sandwiches later in the day. They also offer a couple of “take-home meals” served in microwave-safe containers. All of this delicious food is cooked in their food trailer which serves as the kitchen until all of the clubhouse renovations are complete.
With 18 scenic holes, good food, and a full-service bar, Stonebridge is the perfect venue to host your next charity golf event, corporate outing, or league. Many couples will say that it’s also the ideal place to host a Louisiana wedding!
Stonebridge Golf Club of New Orleans is a “must-play” golf course for any golfer living in – or visiting – the New Orleans area. For more information on Stonebridge Golf Club of New Orleans or to book your next round, give them a call at (504) 394-1300 or visit them online www.golfstonebridge.com.