Santa Maria Golf Club

I've been playing Santa Maria for many years, and it has finally gotten back into good shape after the flooding took it's toll on a number of holes on the course.

You'll have a great time if it hasn't rained recently and you don't land yourself in one of the course bunkers.

The course continues to have poor drainage, so when there's any moderate amount of rain, expect to be cart-path only.

My biggest complaint on the course however is the condition of the sand traps, which absolutely suck! Where do I even start. First of all there is no sand in the traps, unless you consider dirt a sand substitute. Getting the ball out of the bunker and onto the green without even a quarter inch of sand will challenge the best golfers. I've seen more balls skulled out of the sand trap over the green because the club literally bounces off the ground in the bunker and into the ball. Drainage within the traps is so bad or non-existent, the traps will hold water for days even after it has rained. As I've seen at many courses I've travelled to, I have never seen any of the Santa Maria grounds crew riding around to pump out the water and rake the bunkers. I even overheard some of the marshals talking with other patrons saying they have no intentions of fixing the sand traps, which is an absolute shame.

All that said, I still play there regularly because it's the best course in Baton Rouge outside of the private courses.

So be wary of hitting out of the bunkers or you could find yourself in an unhappy scoring situation. After a recent rain, its not a bad idea to agree with your playing partners to just take a drop out of most all sand traps.

I had a very good round. Course was in great shape. I started a little late because of a tournament that ran a little long, but, the staff called and let me know about it. I was still able to get my round in before dark.

Great layout. Always has been. My last few rounds, the course hasn’t been in the best shape. Saturday, the course was impeccable. Their biggest problem is one, for the money, there are better local places to play. Two, the marshalls are grouchy old men who ruin the experience. The starter walked onto the range 20 minutes prior to my tee time and argued with me about starting early. I still had a few clubs left to hit and told him we had 20 minutes. He threatened to put a foursome out in front of us or pair us with others. Not how I want to start my round. So rather than cause a scene, we packed up and headed to the tee box. Right before I started my backswing, he stopped me and asked for my receipt. Fortunately I let it roll off my shoulders and shot a 75.

Only reason I gave a 4 star in course condition is due to sand traps wasn't raked the day we played.

The stater did not let us tie off until 12:30 we arrivel at 11:30 No other player was ahead of us and two hole open. That also left us at the tie box to go on a lunch brake, and did not say any thing to us, I had to call the clubhouse and ask them to let us tie off. " VERY RUDE"

I had a very enjoyable round of golf. The greens and fairways were in great shape, pace of play was good, and I had a great time.

Nice course will play again the only problem sand traps packed extremely tight hard to get the club to cut through it.

Overall the course was in good condition. Fairways and greens were excellent. Sand traps needed work.. value was good for what I paid.

For $16 you can't pass up playing Santa Maria.

The course is well maintained and offers some challenging holes for an average amateur golfer. I mostly play during the work week and can complete a full round in 3 hrs easily very little waiting if any. They also offer an excellent practice facility one long chipping area out to 80yards with green and sand bunkers, a short chipping and putting green, driving range and a putting only green. Top notch facilities, I would recommend giving it try you won't be disappointed

The greens are very close to coming back from being plugged a few weeks ago. The fairways are in great shape. My only complaint is the sand traps. More than one were filled with water. Those that were dry, need more sand. Otherwise the course is very ch challenging.

I have played this course in the past and have paid a lot more to do so. Even with the little bit of construction on the course it was still in good shape and fun to play.

Great layout played here many times. This year has been a little rough but bunkers have improved. Greens were pinched sure they'll be great as always. The course just doesn't handle rain very well in part to run off from development. Also the Canadian geese that have taken up residence are a disgusting nuisance. There is literally goose fecal matter everywhere. Tee boxes, greens, all over. On the eigth fairway I found it completely covered with goose feces and feathers from 120 to 50 yards in. Absolutely disgusting and just a shame. Quit after 9.

I have played here before. My only complaint was that the greens and some tee boxes had been punched and sanded. This course however, is one of my favorite courses here in Baton Rouge. The layout is awesome and challenging . Pace of play has always been good. The facility offers 2 putting areas, chipping green with sandbox and a driving range. The staff is very friendly and it is a pleasant course to play.

Santa Maria is my favorite BREC course. It is consistently in great shape and the staff is friendly and accommodating. With elevated greens, plenty of water and large bunkers this course offers plenty of opportunity to get into trouble. I have played Santa Maria for over twenty years and have rarely been disappointed with the condition. This course is a must play if you are visiting B.R. Look for a Hot Deal on GolfNow as green fees can be a little pricy on Saturday and Sunday mornings but they do offer a senior citizen discount.

Great condition, great staff. I had the second tee time and the staff was very nice and let me play by myself. Course was wonderful as usual. Joined up with a retired electrician at the turn and really enjoyed playing golf with this gentlemen, he added to the overall experience.