SHREVEPORT, La. — A massive fire broke out Saturday afternoon at the historic Shreveport Country Club, sending thick smoke into the air and drawing a large emergency response.
The Shreveport Fire Department says crews were called to the 3100 block of Esplanade Avenue around 3:45 p.m. after multiple 9-1-1 calls reported flames coming from the building. Engine 14 arrived within minutes and found the multi-story structure heavily engulfed in fire.
A second alarm was quickly issued, bringing in additional units. Firefighters launched a defensive attack, using aerial ladder trucks to battle the blaze from above while ground crews worked to keep it from spreading.
In total, 27 fire units and support staff, including a tanker from Caddo Fire District 3, responded. More than 75 firefighters fought the flames, and no injuries have been reported.
The Shreveport Fire Prevention Bureau is investigating the cause. Because of the building’s historic status, officials are asking anyone with information to contact Shreveport-Caddo Crime Stoppers at (318) 673-7373.
A century of history
Once the city’s first golf course, the historic clubhouse has sat vacant for years on roughly 200 acres.
1909 — The Beginning
Founded in 1909, Shreveport Country Club became the city’s first golf course and premier gathering place.Early golf was played in a pasture near Pierre Avenue and Milam Street, with sand greens and handmade fairways.
1920s–1950s — Growth and glamour
The club grew into one of Shreveport’s social anchors, rebuilding its clubhouse in the 1950s to host weddings, galas, and civic events.During this era, parts of the club’s land overlapped with neighboring cemetery property, forcing redesigns of portions of the course.
1970s–2000s — Golden years and decline
For decades, SCC drew Shreveport’s business leaders, athletes, and civic icons.As newer country clubs opened across the city, membership began to dip.By the early 2000s, operating costs and competition strained finances.
2008 — New ownership
In 2008, the property was transferred to Winners Circle International, a nonprofit linked to Shreveport Community Church and Pastor Denny Duron.The plan was to reopen the course to the public, but revenue never fully recovered.
October 3, 2016 — Closed for good
After 107 years, the club shut down permanently.About 28 employees were laid off, and more than 200 memberships canceled.Officials cited mounting maintenance costs and declining membership.
2017 — For sale
The property, including the course and clubhouse, was listed for $4.3 million — about 200 acres marketed for residential or commercial redevelopment.
2019 — Plans fizzle
2025 — Fire destroys the landmark
