When most golfers think of golf in Mississippi, they are probably thinking of the Gulf Coast and the Biloxi area. But if you want to experience the best golf in the state, you'll need to head about four hours north, past Jackson and Hattiesburg, to the little town of West Point, MS. That's where you'll find Old Waverly and Mossy Oak, two of the best golf course layouts in the state.

The George and Marcia Bryan family has an ownership stake in both courses and, if the Bryans have any say in it, West Point, MS will become one of the country's most popular golf destinations. There aren't many places you can go and play two Top 100 golf courses within a driver of each other. West Point, MS isn't near any large city - Memphis is the closest and it's 2 ½ hours away - so it provides a great sense of tranquility and solitude. However, it's also a convenient location - most major southern cities can be reached by car in less than 4 hours, so you can drive over in the morning and get in an afternoon round.

Mossy Oak is one of the newest courses in the State of Mississippi and was built in conjunction with Toxey Haas, founder of the Mossy Oak brand. The course was designed by Gil Hanse, the world's top minimalist golf course architect. In true Hanse style, not much dirt was moved to build the course; according to Co-Founder George Bryan, the work could have "been done with a mule and a plow." However, the dirt that was moved helped to create the ponds you see as you make your way around the layout.

Mossy Oak is built on 180 acres of what used to be the Knob Hill Dairy Farm, complete with rolling terrain and significant elevation changes. One feature I found quite helpful was the guideposts that helped steer you toward the fairway on several blind tee shots. Elevated greens with tightly mowed surrounds make for challenging up and downs if you miss the green.

Two of the course's more memorable holes are Numbers 3 and 4. Number 3 is a very short par 4 that plays 253 from the White Tees. Long ball hitters can have a go at the green; it plays uphill, so you'll need to carry the ball about 275 yards off the tee. Whether you go for it off the tee or not, the deep, cavernous bunkers on either side of the fairway are an intimidating sight. Number 3 requires a very accurate approach shot; the green is its plateau. Anything not on the green will either drop off the grid behind the hole or find one of the bunkers. It's a short but demanding hole!

Number 4 is Mossy Oak's signature par 3. The hole plays 162 yards from the White Tees and is fronted by a massive bunker that sits well below the putting surface. You'll need to carry the ball onto the green from the tee to avoid the false front. Find one of the two bunkers in front of the green and par just became a lot tougher!

Another challenging par 3 is the 11th hole. From the White Tees, the hole plays 224 yards and is all carry over water. The green is shallow and finding one of the two pot bunkers in the back can make for an intimidating sand shot with the lake looming in the background. Take a par and run!

Old Waverly across the street is not without its share of accolades. Old Waverly was designed by U.S. Open Champion Jerry Pate and Bob Cupp and has hosted many significant tournaments including the 1999 U.S. Women's Open and 2019 U.S. Women's Amateur.

Old Waverly Golf Club captures the essence of the Scottish Highlands. It is routed around numerous lakes, the largest being Lake Waverly which you'll encounter on the 18th hole. The course is highlighted by holes that place a premium on accuracy and shot making as well as a host of risk/reward shots, all while navigating through some of the most scenic views the Mississippi Black Prairie has to offer. You'll find many deep and well-defined pot bunkers in the landing areas off the tees as well as greenside.

Number 7 at Old Waverly is aptly named Palmer Falls for the waterfalls and brook that trickle down the fairway on this uphill par 3. From the White Tees, this demanding par 3 plays 170 yards. Trees line the right side and there's a pot bunker about 50 yards short of the green and a large, deep bunker on the right. Left of the green is a lot of mounding that can make for a tricky up and down.

Number 15 is a pretty par 5 that plays 447 yards from the White Tees. A creek meanders down the middle of the fairway in front of the tee and then continues down the left side. Play your drive down the right side and you'll take the creek out of play. There's a lake to the left of the green that needs to be avoided on your approach shot as do the two front left bunkers. Three good shots can yield a par...or better!

Number 18 plays 342 yards from the White Tees and is Old Waverly's #1 handicapped hole. The lake creates a dogleg left and sets up a risk/reward opportunity off the tee. The more of the lake you carry off the tee, the shorter your approach shot is. The lone fairway bunker on the right side has seen its fair share of balls hit through the fairway by players avoiding the water. A good drive will leave a mid to short iron into a slightly elevated green protected by the water on the left and sand in every other direction. Par is a great way to end a memorable round!

Both Old Waverly and Mossy Oak offer accommodations. At Mossy Oak, guests stay in spacious cottages and villas directly on the golf course. Four-bedroom "cottages" give way to a large, spacious common area, each equipped with a giant flat-screen TV, tables for take-out dining, and comfortable furniture, as well as all the amenities you'd find at a first-class hotel.

Old Waverly offers several different options for your stay including two and three-bedroom condos with fully equipped kitchens. It's like being at home, only you're at a world-class golf facility.

When it comes to dining, guests have several options. All are located on the grounds of Old Waverly. Murphy's is located on the lower level of the Clubhouse and is a great place to eat a casual lunch, watch the big game, play darts, or just relax with friends.

Cameron's is the perfect place to relax and celebrate the end of the day or the beginning of the evening, depending on how you look at it. Cameron's is reminiscent of a Scottish landowner's library with its rich warmth complemented by a wide selection of fine cigars and wines as well as your favorite libations. In the event your tastes are a little more discerning and you desire something a little more elegant, The Magnolia Room welcomes dinner guests with a panoramic view of Lake Waverly and the golf course.

The English Garden at Old Waverly provides the perfect setting for afternoon tea, an outdoor cocktail party, or a hearty barbecue feast. The highlight of the garden is the original smokehouse, where superb meats are prepared for even the most discriminating of tastes.

Old Waverly and Mossy Oak offer some tremendous packages that allow you to play both courses and experience everything they have to offer. For more information or to plan your next visit, visit their website. You can see both courses at www.oldwaverly.com.

That was evident when a small group of golf media members from all parts of the country spent a week getting a thorough look at the state's best courses, be they private, resort or public.

While I don't take any of the major course rating polls as gospel, our group played seven of Mississippi's top 10 in the Golf Digest rankings. That gave us a good feel for what golf has done for the state since the pandemic.

"We were the No. 1 state in the country for recovery,' said Craig Ray, director of tourism for Visit Mississippi. "That's according to the U.S. Travel Association. We got our casinos open early and encouraged our golf and other outdoor activities (to do the same). That's why we came back quicker, with a smaller percentage of losses than any other state.'

The casinos were important, of course, but golf was also a big key to recovery.

"We wanted to get people to the casinos, see a show, get a great dinner,' said Ray. "We wanted the golfers to see everything else we have to offer - the hunting and fishing, the culinary tours. We have the largest music trail system in the world. We wanted to show them the whole state.'

On our trip the group took in a couple of the casinos, Beau Rivage in Biloxi and Pearl River Resort & Casino in Choctaw. We enjoyed some fine dining at Field's Steakhouse and Oyster Bar, Jia (featuring Pan-Asian cuisine), Phillip M's Steakhouse, Mama 'N' Ems and Cameron's at Old Waverly Country Club.

The good golf, though, was spread around the state. Using the Golf Digest rankings, we hit No. 1 Fallen Oak, No. 2 Mossy Oak, No. 3 Old Waverly, No. 5 the Azalea course at Dancing Rabbit, No. 6 Grand Bear, No. 8 Dancing Rabbit's Oaks course and No. 10 Shell Landing.

While that was a good sampling of what Mississippi has to offer golf-wise, our visits did not include three others in the top 10 - No. 4 Annandale in Madison, No. 7 Reunion in Madison and No. 9 The Preserve in Vancleave - or Country Club of Jackson, site of the state's only PGA Tour stop - October's Sanderson Farms Championship.

What we did see, though, was plentiful and impressive. Our stops were roughly divided into three sections.

COASTAL - Beau Rivage's 32-story MGM-owned resort is Mississippi's tallest building and its Fallen Oak course has long been the consensus No. 1 among the state's courses. A Tom Fazio design, it hosted PGA Tour Champions tournament from 2010 to 2021. (The pandemic forced cancelation of the event in 2020). Fazio has long been one of the premier designers of his era, and Fallen Oak is considered one of his best creations.

Beau Rivage recently completed nearly $100 million in property enhancements including a $55 million remodeling of each of its 1,645 hotel rooms.

Fallen Oak opened in 2006 and has consistently been ranked as the No. 2 casino course in the U.S., trailing only Shadow Creek - its MGM sister course in Las Vegas. Probably because only Beau Rivage members and resort guests can play Fallen Oak the course doesn't get heavy play and is the best-conditioned of the layouts our group played.

When Fallen Oak asked out of hosting the PGA Tour Champions in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic the tourney switched sites to Grand Bear, a Jack Nicklaus design in Saucier, in 2022 - the last time the tourney was held. Grand Bear, a public course, opened in 1999 and - for the record - our media tour group considered it very much on par with Fallen Oak.

Nicklaus courses are generally very demanding and this one is literally "a Bear" from each tee placement. The front tees are called Teddy Bear, then they go back to the Black Bear, the Brown Bear, the Golden Bear and the Grizzly Bear from the tips.

The course measures 7,204 from the back tees, but this Nicklaus creation, built along the Biloxi River, is more user friendly than many of his others. Grand Bear hit the national spotlight as the site of the Rapiscan Systems Classic in 2022. Steven Alker was the lone senior star in command that week. Finishing 62-65 he finished at 18-under-par in the 54-hole test and enjoyed a six-stroke advantage on Padraig Harrington and Alex Cejka.

Shell Landing, a heavily-played public course in Gautier, gives Coastal Mississippi a third course in the state's top 10. Shell Landing, designed by Davis Love III, was immediately well-received by national golf publications when it opened in 2002. In addition to its popular 18 holes Shell Landing has a 15-acre practice facility.

DANCING RABBIT - The Pearl River Resort is operated by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, and its Dancing Rabbit Golf Club is one of its biggest attractions. The facility opened in 1997.

Dancing Rabbit has two 18-holers, The Azaleas and The Oaks. Both were designed by Fazio in conjunction with Jerry Pate, a Floridian who won the U.S. Open in 1976. Both are well-received public courses with more elevation changes and tighter fairways than were offered at the Coastal courses.

Dancing Rabbit Inn recently completed a major renovation, and the Geyser Falls Water Theme Park is also an available attraction.

With more than 6,000 employees, the Choctaw Tribe is one of the top five private employers in Mississippi and the Pearl River Resort is one of its biggest properties. It encompasses the Silver Star and Golden Moon hotel/casinos.

MOSSY'S ARRIVAL - West Point has been a Mississippi golf hotbed once George Bryan's Old Waverly Country Club opened in 1988. Bryan passed on in January but left the place in great shape as a unique two-course complex.

Old Waverly is a prominent name, especially in women's golf. The U.S. Women's Open was played there in 1999. The Handa Cup, a team event for senior women stars, followed in 2014 and the U.S. Women's Amateur came in 2019.

That was all well and good, but Bryan and Toxie Haas, a long-time business associate and West Point resident, wanted more. They rallied some friends to add a second course and there's no other course in Mississippi like Mossy Oak. It's a sporty but challenging layout that also is the home of the Mississippi State University men's and women's teams.

"Our whole goal with that course was to develop a different atmosphere,' said Greg Flannagan, the director of golf who is in his 23rd year at Old Waverly. "We didn't want golfers to get bored with the stay-and-play option.'

The courses are very different. Old Waverly is private, yet can be played by those staying at either the Mossy Oak Cottages or the lodging option right at Old Waverly, while Mossy Oak is comparatively new and, well....different. While it's officially public, most all of its play comes from stay-and-play visitors.

Mississippi State holds its annual men's tournament at Mossy Oak while the women's team conducts its big event at Old Waverly. Both courses have accompanying cottages that make for most pleasant stay-and-play visits.

Flannagan says the goal for the year is to get over 22,000 rounds played on Old Waverly and reach 13,800 on Mossy Oak. The newer layout still has some rough spots and could use signage in a couple places to facilitate play, but it was without question the most fun course that our media contingent played during our most memorable tour of Mississippi.

Diamondhead (notice the difference in spelling) is a city on the Bay St. Louis coastline in Mississippi, located about 35 miles from Biloxi, MS, and 50 miles from New Orleans, LA, making it an easy drive from both markets. The city of Diamondhead was destined to be a resort town, with Hawaii-inspired architecture, landscaping, and road names. even their logo depicts this. Take a look at the country club's swimming pool and you'll see what I'm talking about.

Within the city, you'll find The Club at Diamondhead, a semi-private country club where the emphasis is on recreation and enjoying all that a Mississippi Gulf Coast lifestyle has to offer. For some, it's the ten lighted, hydra-clay tennis courts at The Tennis Club, for others, the dining and social aspects of the club, For the majority of members, it's the two 18-hole championship golf courses that draw golfers from near and far. The area has some interesting topography with elevations that rise to just over 100 feet. You won't find many water hazards out here however both courses have a lot of tree-lined fairways, so if you can't hit it straight off the tee, be prepared to get creative!

The Pine Course

The front nine on the Pine Course has a real resort feel to it with generous fairways and wide-open landing areas. There's not a lot of trouble to get into and if you keep the ball in play, you can get off to a great start. Water is present on both par 3s but shouldn't come into play unless you're having a really bad day.

The first hole on the Pine Course starts with a couple of blind shots. It's a par 5 that plays 495 yards where both the tee shot, and your layup shot play uphill. You won't even be able to see the green until your approach shot which plays downhill. The green slopes back to front and is protected on either side with sand. It's a great starting hole.

According to the scorecard, Number 4 is the number one handicap. It's a dogleg right that plays 410 yards from the White Tees. Longball hitters need to be wary of the creek that crosses the fairway about 150 yards from the green. Your approach shot plays straight uphill into a green with lots of mounding around it and a large bunker on the right. According to Chris Altese, PGA Director of Golf, this hole can make or break your front nine. "Number 4 on the Pine is a critical hole to navigate in order to post a good round. You typically will need to add one club on the uphill approach. A par on this hole will usually win you a dollar and a bogey most likely won't cost you one," said Altese.

Water comes into play on number 10, which plays 526 yards from the White Tees. The pond in front of the tee box shouldn't pose a problem, but the creek that crosses the fairway about 300 yards from the White Tees very well may. For most players this is a 3-shot hole; bunkers guard the front of the green which sits at an odd angle to the fairway. It's a challenging hole to start the back side.

Standing on the 14th tee box, you get a sense of the elevation changes. You start from an elevated tee box and hit downhill to the fairway. Avoid the fairway bunker on the left side and you'll have a mid to low iron uphill, into the green. It's at least an extra club - maybe two - to get up the hill.

On most golf courses, the par 3 holes are typically handicapped as the easiest holes however, on the Pine Course, the 484-yard par 5, 17th hole takes the honor. There's water to carry off the tee and woods and water near the landing area on the right side, where most golfers tend to hit their drives. Your best bet is to play your tee shot just short of the fairway bunkers on the left side. A good drive might give you an opportunity to shoot for the green, otherwise, play your layup shot down the left side as well. This takes the greenside bunker on the right out of play and gives you a clear line into the green.

The Cardinal Course

With tree-lined fairways, extra-long sand bunkers, and no parallel holes, the Cardinal Course makes for a serene, peaceful round of golf. From the White Tees, the course plays 6,128 yards with a course rating of 71.0 and a slope of 128. With 4 sets of tees, there's a suitable yardage for every golfer, no matter how good - or bad - you are!

The 4th hole is a par 3 that plays 140 yards over water into a large, oceanic-style green that is well-sloped from back to front. The water guards the right side of the green, and bunkers front left and in the back place an emphasis on accuracy off the tee. There's a bailout area long, and right, however, it leaves most players with a tough up and down.

That same accuracy will come in handy on the par 4, 383-yard 6th hole. You'll need it to avoid the bunkers, both off the tee and around the green. Off the tee, there's a lot more room on the right side than you may think, and the fairway bunker on the left side gets a good workout as well! Long, deep bunkers guard either side of this long, narrow green. There may be as much as a two-club difference between a front and back pin placement. Maury Hodgens, Head Golf Professional, says "Be sure to stay below the hole and favor left of center for a slightly uphill putt. Putts from above the hole on Number 6 of the Cardinal are deceptively fast and can get away from you in a hurry."

Number 13 is probably the signature hole on the Cardinal course. It's a 153-yard par 3 that plays downhill over water with woods on either side. The green is a tilted plane and not very deep on the right side. It's protected by a bunker in the back right. Par is a good score here.

If Number 13 is not the signature hole, then, by all means, Number 15 is. This 510-yard, par 5 will require three well-thought-out and accurate shots to get on the green in regulation. You'll need to cross the water twice, once from the elevated tee box to an island fairway and a second time on your layup shot. The landing area off the tee to the island fairway is narrow, and trees come into play on the right side. Your layup shot starts your uphill journey to the green, and it's best to play at least one extra club on your next two shots. Trees come into play on both sides of the fairway on your second and third shots as well. There's a single bunker short of the green on the right side; the green is not that large and has some good slope to it.

If either of these courses have you doubting your game, maybe a visit to The Golf Academy of Diamondhead is just what you need. Headed up by PGA Director of Instruction and Player Development, Hoppy Smith, a quick lesson might help work out the kinks. They use the latest technologies and can help you out with golf club fittings, ball and club speed analysis, and club distance and gapping measurements. Individual and on-course instruction is available as well as weekly golf clinics, all designed to help you get the most out of your golf game.

In 2020, Hurricane Zeta hit Diamondhead, MS, and according to Food and Beverage Manager Chris Rahaim, there was extensive damage to the clubhouse, in particular, the kitchen and restaurant areas. Management chose to look on the bright side and saw this as an opportunity to do some remodeling. The result is an open-air concept that is multi-functional. Whether it's just your foursome or you're part of a larger golf group, the staff can easily accommodate you. The food is incredible, especially the Sunday Brunch, complete with an omelet station and Prime Rib carving station. They also do a lot of special events, including wine and bourbon tastings. Check out the website or their Facebook page for up-to-date information.

These are just a few of the many things going on at The Club at Diamondhead. To book your next round or for information on becoming a member, call them at (228) 255-3910 or visit them online at www.theclub@diamondhead.com.

If someone is vacationing in the area why is a stop at the spa a must? Senses Spa and Salon is a place where you can come to relax and be pampered. We have the friendliest staff that has your best interest at heart. Not only do we have the nicest spa on the coast but we also pride ourselves on hiring the best therapist. We constantly ensure we are keeping up with the industry trends. Our goal is for everyone to have such an amazing experience that they can't wait to return.

How do you differ from the other spas in the area? We are the only spa on the coast that has an arctic snow room in the women's wet area and concept showers in the men's wet area. We are also proud of our couples lounge, steam room and couples massage suite that overlooks the Back Bay of Biloxi.

What is the Signature or most common service? Our signature service is the Rock the Senses Massage. While other spas may offer a hot stone massage, Rock the Senses is an 80 minute massage that offers hot and cold stones and the massage therapists must be certified to perform this service. Our most common service is the Senses massage which is a full body Swedish massage. The massage therapists use long relaxing strokes with medium pressure to relieve tension and stress.

Who do you cater too? Any niches or types of groups you cater to? We not only cater to our casino guests, we have an extremely loyal local clientele. We also have many guests visit our spa even though they may be staying at other casino hotels.

Any upcoming/current specials/packages We are very excited about our upcoming Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 1st. We will have several drawings for spa gift baskets and our skin care representatives will be present to answer questions and give out samples. We are starting our Christmas Specials the same day. We are offering a Sweet Bourbon Holiday Scrub for 50 or 80 minutes. This is a full body exfoliation followed by a full body moisturizer. Our skin care special will be the Hot Apple Cider Facial which includes towels dipped in hot apple cider scented water wrapped around the hands followed by a moisturizing hand massage. Our pedicure and manicure special for Christmas is the Caribbean Holiday Escape Pedi and Mani. We use a coconut milk eggnog foot soak, pineapple-coconut water scrub and a sweet cream lotion.

More Information Senses Spa and Salon IP Casino Resort Spa 850 Bayview Avenue Biloxi, MS 39530 228-523-8564 https://www.ipbiloxi.com/experience/senses-spa-salon

"This much anticipated remodel reflects our commitment to keeping the Beau Rivage experience fresh and welcoming for our guests," said MGM Resorts Southeast Group President & COO Brandon Dardeau. "The cornerstone of the resort's recent $90 million refresh of the hotel, casino, food & beverage, golf, and other amenities. The new rooms combine modern technology, MGM Resorts' world-renowned elegance, and this region's distinct Coastal flair.

The Design team created newly remodeled rooms that were inspired by the Coastal Mississippi lifestyle. With a color palette that pays homage to local sunrises, sunsets, and reflections of the Gulf of Mexico, the finishes are reminiscent of the seashore and incorporate details of driftwood, high gloss surfaces, coral and aqua blue.

The King rooms feature a buttercup yellow palette reflective of the sky at sunrise while the Two Queen rooms' coral tones are inspired by the Mississippi sky at sunset. Both designs boast finishes infused with textures and patterns reminiscent of Southern homes.

Additionally, the guest rooms feature a custom commissioned triptych that honors the flora and fauna indigenous to the Deep South. The newly redesigned corridors are fresh and bright with tranquil carpets that reflect the Southern waterways of the Mississippi River. All of the rooms feature views of the Mississippi Gulf Coast or historic Biloxi and its Back Bay.

"Often recognized as the 'Bellagio of the South,' Beau Rivage furnishings were inspired Bellagio but with a bespoke Southern flair," said Nicole Fournier, MGM Resort Design & Development Vice President of Interior Design. "We are hoping guests will feel the comfort of Southern hospitality with an unexpected splash of Las Vegas exuberance.

Like its big sister Bellagio, Beau Rivage's colorful array of flowers and evergreens create an unforgettable arrival experience. Guests are greeted by 29 Live Oaks flanking the front drive, creating a graceful canopy reminiscent of the entrance to a stately Southern mansion and as visitors enter the lobby, they are greeted by an indoor arboretum featuring a glass ceiling with specialty lighting designed to highlight the grandeur of the atrium's elements.

Fallen Oak Golf Club Designed by legendary golf course architect Tom Fazio, exclusively for guests of Beau Rivage's Resort & Casino, Fallen Oak raises the bar for luxury resort golf in the South. The 18-hole, par 72 championship layout unfolds in a majestic, almost cinematic, invitation to all who love golf.

It's a challenge few can-or should-resist. This 510 acres of pure heaven...or hell, depending on how your scorecard looks that day. Be among the ones to test its hype; Titanium is optional: Nerves of Steel are not. Hailed by Golf week as a 'Best Course You Can Play' in 2018, Fallen Oak, stretching out to 7,487 yards, has taken its rightful place among the nation's finest.

Please visit BeauRivage.MGMResorts.com to book your stay & play all day and all night.

The Refuge Golf Course was originally designed by Roy Case and opened to rave reviews in 1998. The Club quickly gained acclaim as the "Best Purely Public Golf Course in Mississippi." GolfLink.com ranked The Refuge as high as the #4 course in the state.

The Refuge is carved out of 200 acres of wetlands. The course is routed through stands of towering pines and centuries-old oaks and for the most, the original wetlands have been preserved. The original layout was nine holes out and nine holes back, like something you'd expect to find on a links-style golf course. Back then, the rap on the course was that it was too short for longer, better players and too tight and awkward for lesser-skilled golfers. Miss the fairway and you literally took your life in your hands, looking for your ball in the snake-infested rough!

Crace, who is from Mississippi, readily accepted the task to update and renovate the course. As part of the renovation, invasive trees were removed, and fairways were widened. Irrigation and drainage systems were also enhanced, and all course bunkers were rebuilt with the Better Billy Bunker system, which provides superior drainage. Many modifications were made to the overall routing including three new holes, the relocation of several water hazards, as well as new and enlarged cart paths. All greens were re-grassed with TifEagle Ultradwarf Bermuda and a new forward "Family" tee box was added.

The latest iteration of The Refuge plays to 7,013 yards from the tips with a course rating of 74,6 and a slope of 137. Most players I spoke with favored Tee II (6,327/71.1/135). There is now a suitable distance for players of every skill level from beginner to professional. Because the terrain in this area is so flat, The Refuge is an easy course to walk.

The Refuge features a nice mix of short risk/reward par 4s as well as longer, more challenging ones. Greens tend to be guarded by nasty little pot bunkers which can be penal with deep faces. Cart paths, bunkers, and wetland areas are meticulously maintained and add to The Refuge's aesthetic value.

The newly designed Refuge Golf Course has several memorable holes. Number 6 is the first par 5 on the golf course. Trees on either side of the fairway guide you towards the green, which is visible from the tee box. The lone fairway bunker on the left catches its fair share of errant tee shots. Water comes into play about 100 yards from the green on the right and the green is protected by two more bunkers.

The course also features back-to-back par 3s at Numbers 7 and 8 which can make or break a good round. Number 7 is 182 yards and typically plays into the wind, especially in the afternoon. The green is elevated so you'll need to select a club that will get you to the green. There's a pot bunker front left and waterway right if you totally mishit it. The green is long and narrow and slopes back to front.

Number 8 plays 173 yards over water with a pot bunker situated just short of the green. The green is extremely large and deeper than it is wide; it can easily be a two-club difference between a front and back pin placement. It's almost totally surrounded by water; anything right or short is most likely wet. Number 16 is a short but interesting par 4, that plays 345 yards from Tee II. The lake on the left side creates a dogleg left and the large pine tree on the right side adjacent to Tee IV, forces you to play your tee shot towards the water. Trees line the right side; a good tee shot will leave a short pitch shot onto a green that is guarded with water on the left side.

At 377 yards, Number 18 is a relatively short and easy par 4 - as long as you keep your tee shot in play. Play your tee ball down the left side, that will take the fairway bunkers and water out of play. A good drive will leave a short iron or wedge into an elevated green that falls off to the left and is surrounded by bunkers. Eighteen provides a fitting end to an enjoyable - and memorable - round of golf.

The renovation also included an upgrade of The Refuge's 15-acre aqua driving range. Every shot longer than a wedge is hit into a large pond with lighted fountains offering measured targets. Concrete was poured and new matted hitting surfaces were installed. Lights behind the range have also been added, allowing golfers to practice after the sun goes down.

The clubhouse was replaced by a golf shop within the new hotel. The new Sheraton hotel features multiple restaurants and bars, a swimming pool, a lazy river, 27,000 square feet of meeting space, a fitness center, a cooking school, and a spa. It is located just minutes from the city's main airport. Head Golf Professional and General Manager Blake Hatfield's office is located at the back of the golf shop.

Resort golf courses are, in most cases, more playable than your average daily fee course or private country club. Golfers at resort courses are there to have a good time, not set course records. As Flowood and the capital city of Jackson set their sights on becoming a viable golf destination, the renovation of The Refuge Golf Course is a step in the right direction. And the way Crace rerouted the course, it will be more appealing to golfers looking to just play nine holes. Playing the Refuge no longer requires 4 ½ hours to kill! Rates are quite reasonable too; the top in-season rate is $65.

The Sheraton Flowood Refuge Hotel and Conference Center is one of the hotel chain's newest properties. The resort-style hotel at The Refuge Golf Course offers everything you need to feel welcome during travel. The rooms are stylish with modern decor, ergonomic workspaces, and golf course views in select accommodations. A variety of restaurants and bars offer savory American cuisine. Start with Rebecca's and drinks in the lobby and then enjoy one of the best hamburgers in the state. End the evening at the Missy Sippy Roof Top Bar with your favorite adult beverage. Golfers can order from Sandi Trap (aka the 19th hole). Keep up to date on your workouts in the 24-hour fitness center and then unwind in the spa, sprawling outdoor pool, and lazy river. The Conference Center is adjacent to the hotel and offers a wide variety of indoor and outdoor function spaces and is an excellent choice for your upcoming event. No matter what the occasion is, you'll enjoy your stay at the Sheraton Flowood.

The Refuge Golf Course is proudly managed by Troon Golf. Troon is by far the best golf course management company in the country. By joining their Troon Rewards program (it's free to join), you can earn free rounds of golf at Troon facilities around the world as well as discounts on merchandise and greens fees. You'll also receive access to exclusive events and Callaway promotions.

For more information on the all-new Refuge Golf Course, visit them online at https://refugegolfms.com.

* Bunker renovation to include fresh/new bunker sand, lining, and drainage in all 40 of the bunkers * Irrigation system improvements involving the controls and pump station enhancements which will support enhanced golf course conditions * Completed clubhouse enhancements including paint, renovation of ballroom/event center, HVAC improvements, and new televisions in the bar/grille * New golf cart fleet - coming in June 2021

In addition to the improvements to the golf course and clubhouse, the club is launching a new website and a new annual pass program and a frequent player program called the "Creek Card".

"We purchased North Creek this past summer and immediately put a plan in place to improve the golf and social experiences at the club and for the community," stated Michael Owen, a senior project manager with Boxer Resorts. "Golf is seeing an increase in rounds played, and we are excited to refine the North Creek experience and relaunch the club - making the club a must-play in the region and a gathering place for the community."

It is well chronicled that golf saw a dramatic increase in demand in 2020. Despite pandemic-related course closures and play reduction at the onset of the pandemic, golf demand increased dramatically in the summer and fall. So much so, that the National Golf Foundation reported that rounds played nationally increased by 13% in 2020 over 2019 levels.

Starting up north is Timber Truss Golf Course, which was known as Plantation Golf Club a couple of years ago. The Olive Branch facility is semi-private and located 14 miles southeast of the Memphis Airport. The course and clubhouse have been improved since the ownership and name change. The logo (and name) comes from the signature bridge behind the 13th green. The course is known for its Finn Cycle, which is a solo rider motorcycle-looking golf cart. The normal golf carts have GPS as well as other technological advances. This course is known for its above-average course conditions and overall great experience. The newly updated clubhouse has a state-of-the-art golf simulator. Timber Truss opened in 1990 and was designed by William Leather.

Bay Pointe Golf and Country Club (Brandon) has been owned and operated by the Belton Family since 1992. Originally opened in 1988, this semi-private facility is known for its above-average yearly conditions, beautiful natural landscape and a special brand of Southern Hospitality. There is a large driving range and indoor teaching facility that makes up the Brent Belton Golf Academy. The academy also has a state-of-the-art simulator. Another part of the charm of Bay Pointe is a unique putting green in the middle of the circular driveway that leads to the clubhouse. The course is a mix of hilly areas with some water features that make you feel like you are in neighboring Louisiana. The facility is located in the northeast area of metro Jackson and only 13 miles from the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport. Bay Pointe was designed by Marvin Ferguson.

The most western course on the MGT is Natchez Golf Club at Duncan Park in Natchez. The oldest facility on the Mississippi Golf Trail, Natchez Golf Club opened in 1916. The course is public and minutes from the historic downtown area. It features rolling terrain, dogwoods, long-leaf pine trees and towering oaks draped in Spanish Moss. Early in the course's history, Walter Hagen, Sam Snead and Babe Zaharias played this course, which was then named Duncan Park Golf Course. What a thrill to be able to walk in the footsteps of these greats. When initially opened, Seymour Dunn designed the original nine holes. The second nine was designed by Bryan Ault in 1993.

If you go 120 miles to the east, you will find Okatoma Golf Club in Collins. The semi-private facility sits just west I-59 and 30 miles west of Laurel. It is also located 60 miles southeast of Jackson and 30 miles north of Hattiesburg. The course features open fairways, native forests, natural rolling terrain and impressive greens. The facility gets its name from the nearby Okatoma Creek, which was named by the Choctaw Tribe. OGC opened in 1994 and was designed by Rick Fulkerson.

Located 45 miles south is Pine Creek Golf Club in Purvis. Located just east of I-59, this facility is the second oldest among MGT members as it originally opened in 1967. Pine Creek features a great piece of property that flows down to Beaver Lake, which borders the course to the south and the low point of the land where Pine Creek sits. The lake not only collects rainwater, but provides that water for the course. Beaver Lake also provides a beautiful backdrop for the driving range. The course itself is almost never cart-path only and that fact has earned it the reputation as the best-draining course in the state. Pine Creek has wide landing areas and little to no water or sand to protect the challenging greens. The facility is three miles from the interstate off Exit 51. Pine Creek is about 10 miles south of Hattiesburg and only 105 miles from the New Orleans International Airport. Pine Creek was designed by Larry Adams.

The youngest course on the Mississippi Golf Trail is Shell Landing Golf Club, which opened in 2000. Conveniently located just south of Hwy. 90, Shell Landing is in Gautier, which is 14 miles east of Biloxi and 48 miles west of Mobile, Ala. From the west, take Exit 57 off I-10 and from the east, take Exit 61. Shell Landing has gotten numerous national awards since opening and features diverse topography, natural beauty, above-average yearly conditioning and great practice facilities. This championship course is beautiful and tranquil. The five tee boxes are named for various turtle species found in the nearby Gulf of Mexico. Shell Landing was designed by Davis Love III.

The Mississippi Golf Trail will be expanding towards the end of the summer. There are some special prizes for those that are able to play all six between now and July 4. If you intend to play all six of them, email MGT@usa.com to get all the specific instructions before you start playing the courses.

"After years of hard work, we look forward to showcasing the new playing experience at The Refuge to our residents and daily-fee guests," said Flowood Mayor Gary Rhoads. "We brought on Troon, the top-rated golf management company in the industry, to help us navigate through this golf course development project, and they have surpassed our expectations. The newly renovated golf course and beautiful new hotel and conference center are just the beginning of many wonderful things to come to the City of Flowood."

The newly redesigned 18-hole layout ranges in length from 4,439 yards to 7,013 yards making it suitable for players of every skill level from beginner to professional. As part of the renovation, invasive trees were removed and playing corridors were widened. Many modifications were made to the overall routing including three new holes, the relocation of several water hazards, as well as new and enlarged cart paths. Irrigation and drainage systems were also enhanced and all course bunkers were rebuilt using the Better Billy BunkerTM method which provides a technically advanced drainage and liner system while providing optimal playing conditions much deeper into the life of the bunker. In addition, all greens were re-grassed with TifEagle Ultradwarf Bermuda and multiple tee boxes were added on each hole to improve the overall playability.

"The Refuge has always had a great reputation within the Mississippi golf community," said Matt Hurley, President of Honours Golf. "We're confident that the newly renovated course will open to excellent reviews, and with the adjacent Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center opening soon, Flowood will become one of the most sought-after golf destinations in The South."

Other enhancements to the golf facility include a signature water practice range along with a new golf shop and men's and women's locker rooms which are located on the south side of the newly built Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center (opening later this spring). There will be an onsite dining venue, the 19th Hole, which will open in the near future. In the interim, local restaurateur and Table 100 owner, Bill Latham, will help provide food and beverage service to daily-fee guests.

The Refuge is located in Flowood, Mississippi and open to public play with annual golf memberships available. For more information on The Refuge Golf Course, call the golf shop at (601) 941-6116.

A few of the courses are owned by casinos. Fallen Oak is by far the crown jewel of golf in the Coastal Mississippi area. The course is owned by MGM Resorts International and is available exclusively to guests of Beau Rivage Resort & Casino. Designed by legendary course architect Tom Fazio, Fallen Oak has consistently ranked as the best course in Mississippi by Golf Digest and Golfweek and since its opening in 2007 has held the No. 2 position on Golfweek's Best Casino Course list, trailing only its sister MGM Resorts International course Shadow Creek in Las Vegas. Fallen Oak is enjoyable regardless of your golf capabilities. Beginners will marvel at the playability of the course while seasoned golfers will enjoy the challenge. Both will be consumed by the aesthetic beauty of the course as you make your way around. Stay and Play golf packages start at $180/pp, double occupancy.

The Preserve Golf Club is owned and operated by the Palace Casino Resort and was designed by U.S. Open champion Jerry Pate and covers 245 acres of pristine land surrounded by an 1800-acre nature preserve. Pate did a masterful job of incorporating all of the natural beauty the land has to offer including pitcher plant bogs, cypress swamps, longleaf pines, live oak groves, and native prairie grasses into the design of the 18-hole, par-71 layout. The Preserve recently invested in the Visage GPS, which offers touch screen capabilities as well as commentary from experts on how to play a particular hole. Uncharacteristically, the #1 handicapped hole on the course is Number 16 which is a par 3 which plays 225 yards. Depending on pin placement you may have to shape your tee shot on this long par 3!

Windance Country Club is owned by Island View Casino Resort and is one of the area's top resort courses. They've recently installed a state-of-the-art irrigation system to help keep the course green year-round. Windance was designed by Mark McCumber and plays over 6,600 yards from the back tees. As you traverse the layout you'll find rolling terrain on top of very tight fairways and average size greens with less undulation than most. GolfWeek Magazine voted Windance one of America's "Best Courses You Can Play" for five years in a row and Golf Digest has awarded it 4 stars.

Grand Bear was designed by - you guessed it - Jack Nicklaus. I think he's designed the majority of courses that have "Bear" in the name! Grand Bear is built on more than 650 acres of rolling land within the DeSoto National Forest with pine trees that come into play on several holes and lots of pine straw to hit out of. You'll also be challenged as you wind your way through natural cypress wetlands towards championship TifEagle greens protected by deep bunkers. Grand Bear is considered by many to be one of the most spectacular courses in the South. It also has the longest driveway of any course I've ever encountered - 6 miles into the forest. No two holes parallel another and you won't find any homes, roads, or other common distractions; it's just you, Grand Bear, and that little white ball!

Diamondhead Country Club is one of those courses that take a little longer to get to but is well worth the trip. Diamondhead has 36 holes of challenging golf. The Pine Course is skillfully carved into rolling terrain that is rarely seen this close to the coast. It features strategically placed bunkers and water comes into play on a number of holes. Diamondhead's Cardinal Course is more wooded, with less undulation in the terrain. You'll find no parallel fairways and several extra-long sand bunkers that seem to appear from nowhere. If you're looking for scenic beauty and some of the best greens on the gulf coast, come on down! Diamondhead also has the only indoor/outdoor Golf Academy along The Secret Coast.

Shell Landing Golf Club was built by renowned PGA TOUR professional Davis Love III and features five sets of tees that range in length from 5,047 - 7,024 yards making it playable - and enjoyable - for any golfer. Shell Landing Golf Club features both a beautiful natural waterfront setting and some diverse topography. Water comes into play on eight holes and plays a role on most scorecards. Generous tree-lined fairways meander through the pine savannah, which is adorned with seasonal flowers. These well-sculpted fairways give way to large undulating greens that roll true and fast. You'll find conditioning like many of the high-priced casino courses in the area at a fraction of the cost. As you make your way around the layout, you'll have the opportunity to commune with nature; it's not uncommon during a round to see deer, alligators, rabbits, foxes, and a variety of birds. Its signature hole is also a par 3 that plays over 200 yards from the back tees.

The Oaks Golf Club is one of the most memorable rounds of golf you'll play on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The course weaves its way through native wetlands and majestic timberlands and over the years has challenged some of the best players in the game as host of the former Nike/Buy.com Tour in 1999 and 2000. The course bore the brunt of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 and over 3,000 trees were lost, although unless you knew better, you'd hardly notice. As you make your way around this par-72 championship layout you'll find lush fairways with strategically place bunkers off the tee and around the green, dramatic green complexes, creating a serene and peaceful golf experience. The course is not owned by a casino and is open to everyone.

When it comes to dining options, you can't go wrong with what each of the casinos has to offer: incredible buffets as well as high-end steakhouses. Get outside the casinos and head into the towns of Ocean Springs and Biloxi and I have a couple of suggestions. Patio 44 in Biloxi is known for its fresh take on classic Creole-style dishes that incorporate the freshest ingredients available from the Delta and Gulf Coast regions, dishes like shrimp and grits, fried catfish tacos, and seafood gumbo. The Buckhead Certified Angus Beef they serve is aged for a minimum of 21 days. Patio 44 also offers one of the most unique - and delicious - appetizers I've ever had. Their Debris Fries are a "southern take" on Canadian poutine. Perfectly cooked French fries with braised beef trimmings, brown gravy, and melted cheese, garnished with green onions. It's a must!

Maison de Lu is Ocean Springs is another great choice. New Jersey native Luann Ellis left the snow and headed for Gulf Coast over 20 years ago and now calls Ocean Springs home. Maison De Lu is located in the heart of downtown Ocean Springs and serves some interesting creations. The Goat Cheese Torte is delicious; layered with sundried tomatoes and pesto and served with warm pita chips. The New Zealand Rack of Lamb is sliced into chops and served with the sauce du jour. The side dishes are amazing; Roasted Red Beets, Roasted Mushrooms and Onions, and a great alternative to potatoes, Twice Baked Cauliflower. This is just a brief glimpse into everything Coastal Mississippi has to offer golfers. From great drives on the course to short drives to everything you want to do off the course, The Secret Coast has got you covered. For more information, visit them online at www.coastalmississippi.com