Santa Maria Golf Course: Map, Design, and Rich History

Santa Maria Golf Course is one of Louisiana’s most admired public golf destinations. Known for its scenic layout, thoughtful design, and challenging holes, this course offers a world-class experience in Baton Rouge. Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr., it combines natural beauty with precise golf architecture.

Whether you’re planning your first round or curious about its story, learning about the map, design, and history of Santa Maria Golf Course helps you appreciate why it’s so beloved by golfers across the country.

A Brief History of Santa Maria Golf Course

The Santa Maria Golf Course opened in 1987 as part of the Baton Rouge Recreation and Park Commission’s (BREC) plan to provide high-quality public golf. It quickly gained recognition as one of the finest municipal golf courses in Louisiana.

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., the course embodies his philosophy of integrating golf with nature. Jones used the area’s natural features — rolling terrain, mature oak trees, and serene water bodies — to craft a layout that is both beautiful and strategic.

Over time, the course has undergone renovations to maintain its world-class standard. Today, Santa Maria remains a championship-level, par-72 golf course under the BREC Golf system, known for its quality maintenance and accessibility.

Course Map and Layout Overview

The Santa Maria Golf Course map outlines an 18-hole layout stretching over 6,900 yards from the championship tees. Each hole has a distinct design, offering a blend of challenge and enjoyment for players of all skill levels.

Front Nine: Strategic and Scenic

The front nine holes are slightly more forgiving, with wide fairways and open approaches. However, they gradually introduce water hazards and bunkers that require smart club selection.

• Hole 4 is a standout par-3 with an elevated green surrounded by bunkers, demanding accuracy off the tee.

• Hole 6 tests players with a dogleg fairway framed by water on the left and trees on the right.

Back Nine: The True Challenge

The back nine holes present more demanding shot-making and strategic decisions. Water hazards appear frequently, and elevation changes make club choice critical.

The 16th hole, a par-5, is the course’s signature challenge, running alongside a large lake. The finishing 18th hole requires precision, as water guards both sides of the fairway before the final green.

Golfers can view detailed maps online or at the clubhouse, showing hazards, distances, and elevation to help plan each hole efficiently.

Design Philosophy of Robert Trent Jones Sr.

Robert Trent Jones Sr. was famous for creating golf courses that challenge the mind as much as the swing. His work at Santa Maria Golf Course reflects his design philosophy perfectly.

1. Strategic Playability

Every hole offers multiple shot options. Players can choose a safe route or take on a risky line for better position. This flexibility keeps rounds exciting for both beginners and professionals.

2. Natural Integration

Jones designed Santa Maria with minimal disruption to the land. Fairways follow the natural contours of the terrain, while lakes and wetlands enhance both the beauty and difficulty of the course.

3. Visual Appeal

Elevated tees, bold bunkering, and shimmering water hazards make the course visually dramatic. Yet, each design feature serves a purpose — to make golfers think strategically before every swing.

The result is a course that balances beauty and challenge, offering an experience that feels organic and engaging.

Facilities and Amenities

Santa Maria Golf Course provides everything golfers need for a complete and comfortable visit.

Clubhouse and Dining

The clubhouse offers a full-service restaurant, a well-stocked pro shop, and locker rooms. After a round, golfers can relax, enjoy a meal, or browse for new equipment.

Practice Areas

The facility includes a driving range, chipping area, and putting greens. These areas are ideal for warming up before a round or improving short-game skills.

Lessons and Events

Professional instructors are available for private and group lessons. The course also hosts tournaments, charity events, and corporate outings, creating a vibrant golfing community in Baton Rouge.

Environmental Stewardship

One of Santa Maria’s greatest achievements is its commitment to environmental preservation. Built around natural wetlands, the course protects local wildlife habitats while maintaining world-class playing conditions.

Water conservation systems and sustainable turf management practices are central to the course’s maintenance strategy. This approach minimizes environmental impact while keeping the greens lush and healthy year-round.

Golfers often describe Santa Maria as peaceful and full of life — a place where nature and sport exist in perfect balance.

Playing Experience

Every golfer leaves Santa Maria with a story. The fairways are smooth, the greens are true, and the scenery creates a sense of calm.

For Beginners

New players appreciate the wide fairways and clear signage. The practice facilities and professional guidance make it an ideal place to start learning.

For Intermediate and Advanced Players

More experienced golfers find plenty of strategic challenges. Narrow approaches, water hazards, and well-placed bunkers test precision and mental focus, especially on windy days.

Located just minutes from Interstate 10, Santa Maria’s accessibility makes it a favorite among both locals and travelers.

Reputation and Recognition

Santa Maria Golf Course has earned consistent praise as one of the top public golf courses in Louisiana. It combines high-end course design with affordable public access — a rare combination in today’s golf world.

Golf publications and websites regularly feature Santa Maria for its classic design, natural layout, and outstanding value. Its connection to Robert Trent Jones Sr. also adds to its historical and architectural prestige.

The course’s enduring popularity proves that great design and thoughtful management create experiences that last for generations.

Conclusion

The Santa Maria Golf Course is more than a collection of 18 holes — it’s a living example of timeless golf design and environmental harmony. From its detailed course map to its rich history and challenging layout, Santa Maria offers something for everyone who loves the game.

For anyone visiting Baton Rouge or exploring Louisiana’s golf scene, this course is a must-play destination. Its story, scenery, and strategic design make it a standout example of Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s genius and a true gem in Louisiana’s golfing landscape.