Golfers will be astounded by the scenic views at this 36-hole facility in the Pelican State
MANDEVILLE, Louisiana (Feb. 16, 2019) – The community of Beau Chêne in St. Tammany Parish was the dream of successful New Orleans-based developers Morgan Earnest and Lester Kabacoff. Their goal was to offer residents a wide variety of recreational activities within the gated walls of the community. Beau Chêne is home to about 1,550 single family homes and condominiums, spread over 1100 acres.
The Inman Family acquired The Earnest Corporation in July 2016 from The Earnest Family, in an effort to ensure the long-term success of the Club and the wonderful experience it offers its members. Under the leadership of the Inman Family the Club continues to make improvements to the facility, which enhances the membership experience. In fact, many of the members at Beau Chêne Country Club are members for life.
Beau Chêne Country Club is the centerpiece of the community and features 36 spectacular holes of Joe Lee golf on the Oak Course and the Magnolia Course.
The Oak Course was the first course built and opened for play in 1975. From the back tees, the Oak Course stretches out to 6,598 yards with a course rating of 72.2 and a slope of 131. Both the White tees (6,268/70.5/128) and the Green tees (6,003/69.3/122) will also provide a fitting challenge. Ladies find the Oak Course enjoyable from the Red tees (4,755/68.1/115).
In all, there are 5 sets of tees. In case you can’t decide which set of tees to play from, there’s a handy reference at the bottom of the scorecard which suggest which tees to play based on your handicap.
Several holes will leave lasting memories including the par 3, 5th. This is considered by many to be the Oak Course’s signature hole. From the back tees, it plays 162 yards, but don’t let the length fool you. This hole is loaded with trouble. For starters, a large bunker fronts the green while a second bunker awaits anything hit long. Club selection is the key to number 5 as the winds that swirl off the Tchefuncta River on the right can wreak havoc.
The Oak Course ends with a difficult finishing hole. Fairway bunkers frame both sides of the landing area off the tee and a water hazard winds its way down the entire left side. Aim your tee shot down the middle and fire away. If you succeed in avoiding the fairway bunkers, you’ll be left with a mid-iron shot into the green and a good chance at par or better.
The second Joe Lee course, the Magnolia, is located in the newer, eastern section of the property, formerly known as the Pailet Estate. The initial 9 holes (which are now 1-5 and 15-18) were completed in early 1982 while the second nine (6-14) were completed in 1985 as part of a final phase of the Beau Chêne subdivision. Magnolia’s difficulty is characterized with more bunkers and water hazards than the Oak Course. And just like the Oak Course, there is out of bounds on every hole.
Magnolia plays a little longer than the Oak, at 6,613 yards from the back tees with a course rating of 72.1 and a slope of 133. Move up to the White (6,351/70.9/129) or the Green (6,061/69.8/122) and you’re still going to be challenged no matter your skill level. Ladies will find the Red tees at 4,902 (69.4/116) to be an enjoyable and challenging distance.
The par 4, 5th hole on the Magnolia Course is one of the most challenging holes in the area and this layout’s #1 handicapped hole. It’s a long dogleg left that plays 430 yards from the back tees and requires a long drive to make it to the dogleg and have a clear look into the green. Success off the tee will leave a mid to long iron shot into a green protected on the left side by a large oak tree and a greenside bunker on the right. Make a par and consider the day a success.
Regardless of which course you play, you’re bound to be astounded by the scenic views as you make your way around. You’ll be treated to an abundance of area wildlife, massive cypress trees, ancient live oaks, freshwater lakes and lush vegetation.
Players of all skill levels will find both courses challenging while at the same time relaxing. In addition to these two outstanding golf courses, Beau Chêne offers an extensive, well-groomed practice area. Inside the clubhouse you’ll find a well-stocked pro shop with logoed apparel from all of your favorite designers and a nice selection of clubs, bags and accessories.
For members, Beau Chêne has active men’s and women’s golf associations and numerous informal groups and an active junior program. If you’re game’s not up to par, the club offers golf lessons and regular clinics for adults and children. The club also holds numerous Club tournaments with a variety of formats. The golf program is led by PGA professional Fred Schroeder.
If you’re looking for a great club to join, with friendly members, an active social calendar and some of the best golf in the area, then arrange to take a tour of Beau Chêne Country Club. You can get a lot of information on the Beau Chêne website at www.beauchenecc.com.