Mighty Golf Choices in Mississippi

Three Courses within an Hour Drive Make Gulf Coast Magical

Somewhere in America there are a collection of three courses that are devoid of class or character. That's because the golf courses I experienced in the surrounding area of Gulfport/Biloxi, Mississippi have taken it all from them. . . and then some. During a sun-splashed week in March, I was fortunate enough to play a who's who list of southern Mississippi layouts that continually got better. And from the condition of all three layouts, one would never know that Hurricane Katrina ravaged the area just over four years ago. Complete credit and admiration must go out to the course owners responsible for such a dramatic revival.

Much like the title of Vanessa Williams' 90s hit, my trip to Mississippi saved the best for last with a round at Fallen Oak. I will bold the next sentence to make sure it stands out. You do not play Fallen Oak, you experience Fallen Oak. As the #1 rated course in the Magnolia State according to GolfWeek Magazine, Fallen Oak is arguably the most elegant establishment I have ever been privileged to enjoy. Every accolade I heard about Fallen Oak definitely heightened my anticipation, but they really didn't tell me the whole story. In fact, my 4 1/2 hour walk on hallowed ground was almost too much for my infantile senses to absorb. Thank goodness for my notepad, a digital camera, and the finest forecaddie around, Allan, or else I may have had to pinch myself until it hurt.

The 7105 yard Tom Fazio design is set inside the borders of the Desoto National Forest just north of the Gulfport/Biloxi metro area. Even though the front nine meanders through a more open portion of the forest, the golfer is always treated to spectacular views of the flora and fauna in a 360 degree landscape. What I love most about Fallen Oak is that every hole is not only fair for all skill levels, but you'll be able to remember them long after your round concludes.

If you want to play Fallen Oak you must be a guest at the Beau Rivage Casino in nearby Gulfport, MS. I've heard of player's club reward points at most casinos, but having the opportunity to play Fallen Oak has got to be the best gambling perk on the planet. Director of Golf John Hurt explains another bonus when teeing it up at Fallen Oak. "We effectively manage our tee times to a controlled number to enhance the guest experience. Also, by limiting our rounds we are able to offer our guests the feeling as if the entire course is theirs for the day." There is something to be said about having an 8:00 a.m. tee time when the next group isn't teeing off until 10:12 a.m. There was no one in front of us and no one behind - the definition of a Utopian Golf paradise. Robin Leach, where are you, because for a brief time I was starring in The Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.

Plus, the Beau Rivage has established a tradition of sending their guests to the course via limousine, which only adds to the excitement level. For more information one the Beau Rivage's one of a kind Stay and Play packages, visit their website at www.beaurivage.com or call 1-888-567-6667.

The restaurant inside of Fallen Oak was recently awarded one of Golf Digest's top 50 19th holes in the nation and with ample reason. Much like the course, it's the setting of the restaurant that separates it apart from the competition. A bay window that measures 8 x 25 ft overlooks one the best finishing holes in golf, the downhill, 426 yard par-4 18th. I can only imagine what it must be like going to work and seeing that view every day. I'd never want to leave. Fortunately for Bar Manager Chad Pruitt, he doesn't have to. "My favorite hole by far is number 18. The hole features deep bunkers and water left and our Acadian-style clubhouse in the background. It's all framed by the Fallen Oak, making for an unbelievable finishing hole. An almost Zen-like felling comes over you when you look at such a view that encompasses the true beauty of South Mississippi," described Pruitt.

Chad is right, all that needs to be said is I tried to call off our departing limo to no avail. I'm convinced though the thrill of going back will be enough to get me through the impending Midwest winter.

Grand Bear Golf Course -- Gulfport, Mississippi

Astute golf fans will probably not be shocked when I tell you the Grand Bear is one of only 20 Jack Nicklaus Signature Courses throughout America, but you may be shocked to learn it's one of Jack's most player-friendly layouts. The course plays between 7204 and 4802 thanks to five sets of tees. Opened in 1999, The Grand Bear also is situated in the DeSoto National Forest and offers secluded fairways in a non-claustrophobic atmosphere. An incomparable log-cabin clubhouse is rustic from the get-go and fits perfectly with the course's persona.

The course's owner is Tobby Strahan, who opened his first Jack Nicklaus Signature Course in 1979 in Naples, Florida. He also established The Country Club of Louisiana in 1986, the week after Jack Nicklaus won his last major tournament at The Masters.

"A golf course earns a signature based on the visits and on hand design of Mr. Nicklaus. He was involved in every aspect of the design. We gave him carte blanche on our 1750 acres at Grand Bear. Jack chose six hundred, which is a considerable amount of acreage for a golf course," said Strahan.

That carte blanche approach results in one memorable hole after another at Grand Bear. Tobby's top three includes the 195 yard par-3 14th, which has an interesting story behind it. "Nicklaus designed the hole along an oxbow, which local folk lore tells us was dynamited out to make moonshine during the depression," explained Strahan. After three-putting for a disappointing bogey, I would have loved a sample of their former beverage of choice while walking off the 14th.

But at the end of the day, it all comes down to the peacefulness you'll experience at Grand Bear. And it's not one or two objective factors that will lead you to that conclusion; it's a subjective, almost mystical force that will embrace you. Head Golf Professional Mike Buckley senses that feeling from members and first-timers alike.

"Nicklaus designed it so the holes do not run back and forth, lending to the feeling of 'your own private paradise.' Not having to play over a bunker or water can also help a player feel more confident. It might hurt our ball sales though," chuckled Buckley. For more information on Grand Bear visit www.grandcasinobiloxi.com.

The Preserve Golf Club - Vancleave, Mississippi

Our who's who in GolfWeek's Top 5 Courses in Mississippi list continues with The Preserve, a Jerry Pate design that opened in 2006. The 245 acre golf course is engulfed by an eighteen hundred acre federally protected nature preserve. With no development on this land you feel once again feel like the only one on the property - a true Gulf Coast trademark.

Like all of the other courses on the trip, the land is truly the star at The Preserve. The design team worked closely with The Nature Conservancy and Audubon International to protect the native cypress swamps, live oak groves, and prairie grasses that surround the 6774, par-71 layout. Eight of the 18 holes are impacted by water, although many of the hazards will only be found with a super-wayward shot.

I can honestly say this as a non-cliché, every hole at The Preserve is a photographer's dream. The layout is dynamic, yet simple, inspiring, yet playable. Jerry Pate has designed a ton of top-flight courses, but the canvas he had to work with at The Preserve is striking. Chris Champagne, The Preserve's Director of Golf discusses a few of his favorites. "I love our two closing holes, numbers 17 and 18. Hole # 17 is a short risk/reward par-4 in which you can hit anything from a 5-iron to driver off the tee. It has a lake skirting the left side of the hole and from the tee-box the view is remarkable. At 18th the landing area is pretty generous off the tee. You will need precision on your second shot to a large green that is guarded by bunkers and a lake to the left of the green," finished Champagne. For more information on The Preserve, visit their website at www.thepreservegc.com.

Finally, when staying in the Gulfport/Biloxi region, make sure to check out the golfer-friendly IP Casino. The IP stands for Imperial Palace of LasVegas fame, so it's obvious the ownership and staff knows how to treat you right. In fact, according to Marketing Director Leslie Barfield, the "IP Casino Resort & Spa is the only casino looking towards the future! These are the words relayed by a guest today as they returned to see many changes at IP." The major changes include a $55 million land-based gaming addition, another fine dining restaurant, tien to match their already remarkable thirty-two high-rise restaurant, and a $9 million dollar theatre, Studio A, that is fitted with the most modern technical accoutrements of any theatre in south Mississippi.

The IP, a 4-Diamond rated property, has got you covered when it comes to golf as well thanks to the great relationships they've forged with so many local courses. For more information on Stay and Play packages that include gaming vouchers, visit their website at www.ipcasino.com.

Only one conclusion can be drawn after spending four memorable days in the once hurricane ravaged part of southern Mississippi - the courses and casinos I enjoyed on the trip are as resilient as they are spectacular.