Westlake, La. – The National Golf Club of Louisiana, managed by Billy Casper Golf, has been designated a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary for its high standards protecting the environment and preserving the natural heritage of golf.
Following the conservation group Audubon International’s approved steps for an environmentally-friendly golf course, The National reduces waste and promotes efficient operations. Other program results include a reduction of maintenance costs, including insurance premiums, energy, water, pesticides, fertilizer, equipment wear and labor.
In attaining Audubon certification, The National successfully executes ecologically-sound practices in six key areas: environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, outreach and education, chemical use reduction, water conservation, and water quality management.
“Working with Audubon International, we have minimized our impact on the environment,” says Graham Kornmeyer, Golf Course Superintendent at The National. “This allows golfers to enjoy a more natural and lush playing experience.”
All BCG courses are enrolled in the Certified Cooperative Sanctuary program.
The National Golf Club of Louisiana is the centerpiece of a new, 600-plus-acre, master-planned residential community in the popular City of Westlake. Stately soft pines (native to Louisiana) and dramatic vistas highlight golf-course architect Dave Bennett’s par-72, 6,946-yard design that features 14 lakes, 80 bunkers and many of western Louisiana’s largest and most challenging greens.
Five sets of tees offer fun and challenging rounds for recreational and accomplished golfers. Premium TifSport fairways and rough, and MiniVerde greens, maintain their deep green color and incomparable playing surfaces year-round.
The expansive practice area boasts a one-acre, all-grass driving range; 12,000 square-foot putting area; two 3,000-square-foot short-game areas and 1,500 square feet of bunkers. From the driving range, golfers take aim at 14 target greens from 50 to 400 yards. The practice range is open year-round.
BCG oversaw construction and grow-in of the course and now directs course and property maintenance, staffing and training, clubhouse operations, food and beverage, merchandising, golf instruction, marketing and public relations, special events and financial management.
Widely respected as a high-performance owner-operator of more than 120 golf courses, country clubs and resorts, Billy Casper Golf holds the second largest domestic portfolio. The company provides turnkey club management for public-agency and private owners, developers and investors. Founded more than 20 years ago in cooperation with golf legend Billy Casper, the firm is headquartered in Vienna, Va., with regional offices strategically convenient to courses’ locales.
Audubon International is a non-profit environmental organization with a mission to improve the quality of life and environment through research, education and conservation assistance. The organization developed the ASCP – endorsed by the United States Golf Association – to provide information and guidance to help facilities preserve and enhance wildlife habitats and protect natural resources. Golf courses from the United States, Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia have also achieved certification in the program.
