Mississippi Gulf Coast – A Golf and Gaming Treat

A golf trip to Mississippi is the real deal. High-quality courses and attractions sprinkle the entire Magnolia State. Yet nowhere is there a concentration comparable to that on the Gulf Coast – 62 miles of scenic coastline tucked between New Orleans, Louisiana and Mobile, Alabama.

The area boasts nearly two-dozen captivating layouts designed by renowned architects including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Davis Love III, Jerry Pate, Tom Fazio, Mark McCumber, Tom Bendelow and John Lafoy, all along a dramatic stretch of pinelands, lakes and marshes.

Little wonder why this little slice of southern coastal heaven has earned the nickname Mississippi’s “Golf Coast.”

Mississippi is also the third-largest gaming destination in North America. The Golf Coast’s dozen casinos serve as a one-stop shop for rest, relaxation and rollicking. These resorts offer upscale hotels and shopping, 24-hour gaming, nonstop headliner entertainment, places to wine and dine, luxurious spas, brag-worthy boutiques and dazzling pools, while enthralling museums anchor the area’s vibrant arts scene.

Along with the variety of ultra-luxurious casino resorts boasting countless amenities, a wide array of non-casino overnight accommodation choices suit any need. Whether you are traveling with a family, as a couple or on a buddies golf trip, the Golf Coast offers numerous enticing options and price points for every budget – from top-shelf area hotels to B&Bs by the beach, even spacious and private condos.

Then there’s the Golf Coast’s culinary temptation, from international eats to local fare, including barbeque and fresh Gulf seafood, po’boys, and more. Area chefs will sauté, fry, baste, broil, blacken or bake whatever you desire – and there is a menu to match every budget.

Mississippi’s Golf Coast earns its moniker honestly, with courses offering plenty of challenge for all skill levels, green fees surprisingly lower than those of comparable golf resort areas and a temperate “short-sleeved shirt” climate that is conducive for year-round golf. With several courses recently refurbished and new courses either under construction or in the planning stages, the “Golf Coast” is a choice destination for golfers looking for a unique and memorable golf vacation experience.

And spring golf planning is further enhanced with the launch of the robust new GolfCoast.com web site.

Among the Golf Coast’s most memorable golfing experiences are:

Diamondhead Country Club features two top-rated golf courses and some of the best greens along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The Cardinal Golf Course was designed by LaFoy, while Pine Golf Course was designed by Earl Stone and renovated in 2014.

Grand Bear is a Jack Nicklaus signature-designed golf course with well-manicured greens and secluded fairways that were carved from woodlands surrounding Desoto National Forest, framed by towering pines and natural cypress wetlands.

Great Southern Golf Club is Mississippi’s oldest golf course, a Donald Ross-design built in 1908 on land once owned by Jefferson Davis, whose home, Beauvoir, is located east of the golf course in Biloxi.

Hickory Hill Country Club is another Earl Stone design, this one situated on some of the most breathtaking terrain the Gulf Coast has to offer. Since 1962, Hickory Hill has played host to many state amateur events and the former Nationwide Tour.

Shell Landing Golf Club is ranked among Mississippi’s finest public-access golf courses, a host to the Web.com Tour and conveniently located no more than 20 minutes from Biloxi Casinos and Hotels such as IP, Golden Nugget, Hard Rock, Beau Rivage, Palace, Harrah’s, and others.

Sunkist Country Club is the only public-access golf course in the city of Biloxi. Opened in 1953, this meticulously maintained course will challenge and delight golfers of any skill level.

The Bridges Golf Club at Hollywood Casino is the Magnolia State’s lone Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course and is set on the banks of Mississippi’s beautiful Bay of St. Louis among 600 acres of moss-draped live oaks, stately pines, magnolias and sweeping vistas of saltwater marsh.

The Oaks Golf Club winds through Mississippi’s native wetlands and timberlands, providing a high-quality golf experience in an atmosphere that enhances the enjoyment of the game. The Oaks has played host to both Nike Tour and Buy.com professional golf tournaments.

Windance Country Club was designed by Mark McCumber in 1986 and has played host to both the Ben Hogan and Nike tours with past winners including 2003 U.S. Open Champion Jim Furyk, 2006 British Open champion Tom Lehman, and 2005, 2006 Senior Open Champion Alan Doyle.

Learn more about the golf offerings and spring packages at GolfCoast.com.