COURSE REVIEW

OakWing Golf Club gives Alexandria new life

By Shane Sharp,
Contributing Writer

ALEXANDRIA, La. (May 12, 2004) -- It's been a while since the good folks of Alexandria have had something to cheer about. Over a decade has passed since the closing of England Air Force Base. England was the home of General Claire Chenault's 23rd Fighter Squadron, the flamboyant offspring of the WWII Flying Tigers.

• David Toms dawns the blue jacket, eyes the green one and new design career • Louisiana Golf Course Guide • Golf Destination: Louisiana

Just as importantly, the base was the economic lifeblood of a town that has struggled to find a new identity since that fateful day in 1993.

While a handful of restored fighter planes (replete with Tiger teeth) commemorate the England's halcyon days, many of the barracks, parking lots and roads have fallen into the ambivalent disrepair that haunts so many of America's forlorn military bases.

These hallowing reminders of Department of Defense economics might be too much to bear if not for the recent opening of OakWing Golf Club, one of the latest additions to the Louisiana Audubon Golf Trail.

OakWing opened in the fall of 2002, smack dab in the middle of England, so to speak. Jim Lipe, a Louisiana native and product of Jack Nicklaus' formidable design stable, laid out the course atop an old nine holer that once served as the stomping grounds for the men of the 23rd.

Lipe worked for Nicklaus for 20 years, assisting the Golden Bear on projects both home and abroad. Since hanging his own shingle, the 57-year-old Shreveport resident has authored such stunners as the Mayan Palace Golf Club in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and the chic Club at Carlton Woods in Houston.

Those who know Lipe will tell you he's just as good at the playing part of the game as he is at the designing. Lipe captured back-to-back-to-back Louisiana Senior Amateur titles in 1999, 2000 and 2001. And while he's not one of the state's young gun, long knockers, Lipe's overall game is as stout as well-crafted roux.

OakWing Golf Club Oakwinggolfclub.com (318) 561-0260 Parc England Hotel Parcenglandhotel.com (318) 445-7574 The Audubon Golf Trail Audubontrail.com (866) AGT-IN-LA Orientation: Alexandria is located in the central part of Louisiana, just off of I-49 and approximately 223 miles from New Orleans. A handful of flights from major carriers are available to Alexandria International Airport.

His penchant as a player shines through at OakWing. Some golfers make the mistake of passing the crusty circuit as a "muni." Over 7,000 yards and a course rating of 73.7 provide evidence to the contrary.

OakWing, despite its crusty exterior, is a player's course at heart. A number of holes require shots to be worked left to right or right to left. Some, like the 363-yard par-4 sixth, call for a little of both. As far as bets, settle them on the par-3 10th - a pitching wedge worthy one shotter just outside the clubhouse door.

OakWing's calling card is its linksy back nine. With a stiff Central Louisiana breeze kicking up in the afternoon, the walk in plays a few shots harder than the tree lined front. The best offering is the 585-yard par-5 14th.

This tumultuous three shotter features no less than eight bunkers and a green snuggled up to the tarmac of the Alexandria International Airport (when in doubt, putts break towards the massive white radio tower).

The Verdict

OakWing Golf Club is a people and price golf course. As in, the people treat you like family and the price is always right. If you're looking for something upscale and ornate, you've landed on the wrong part of the Audubon Golf Trail. Eighteen holes with a cart runs just under $40 on the weekends and under $30 on weekdays.

Twilight rates are available and walking is not only permitted, it's encouraged. Word on the street is that PGA Tour player and native son David Toms is part of OakWing's ownership group, so the smart money says the course will only get better with age.

Where to eat

The Bistro on the Bayou at the Park England Hotel and OakWing make for strange bedfellows. That is unless you consider a working man's golf course and a gourmet restaurant a perfectly normal coupling. The menu includes USDA prime beef, lamb and fresh seafood fresh with a Cajun twist (blackened oysters anyone?)

Stay and play

Parc England is a boutique hotel located just two minutes from the airport and OakWing. Bistro on the Bayou is the prime spot for a late supper, and a full service cocktail lounge makes for an inviting 19th hole. Traveling golfers on a tighter budget can ease into the Clarion Hotel off MacArthur Dr. across from the La. Convention Center.

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.