Contraband Bayou at Contraband Bayou Golf Club at L'Auberge du Lac

Contraband Bayou Golf Club at L'Auberge du Lac occupies a distinctive setting in southwest Louisiana, where Tom Fazio routed eighteen holes through wetland terrain characteristic of the Gulf Coast region. The course takes its name from the historic Contraband Bayou that winds through the property, a waterway with roots in the area's colorful past as a haven for pirates and smugglers in the early nineteenth century. Fazio's design incorporates the natural bayou along with additional water features, creating a layout where water comes into play on most holes while maintaining playability for resort guests and members alike.

The routing works with the flat topography typical of coastal Louisiana, using strategic bunkering, elevation changes created during construction, and the omnipresent water to define holes and frame playing corridors. Native grasses and wetland vegetation border many fairways, reinforcing the regional character. The course serves as the centerpiece of L'Auberge du Lac, a casino resort property that draws visitors to the Lake Charles area for gaming and golf.

As a Fazio design at a resort destination, Contraband Bayou balances challenge with accessibility, offering multiple tee options to accommodate different skill levels. The course has hosted regional amateur events and serves both resort play and a membership base. The combination of Fazio's design pedigree and the unique Louisiana landscape setting distinguishes the facility within the Lake Charles market.