“Awesome Ain’t Easy”
I received an invitation to travel to America’s deep south, with a few other media people, to experience the golf and amenities that the Mississippi Gulf Coast and the state’s east-central region had to offer.
I have played golf in Mississippi’s neighbouring states of Louisiana, Florida and Alabama, but Mississippi? I was intrigued to see what the state had to offer, as it has never been top of mind as a golf destination, for my mates or me.
As this was a quick five-day journey I flew, with one connection, to Gulfport-Biloxi. My first few nights are at MGM’s splendid Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi.
An early wake-up call we are off to our first game of golf at the Tom Fazio designed Fallen Oak Golf Course, exclusive for Beau Rivage guests. Golf Digest has recognized Fazio as “America’s Greatest Living Golf Architect.” and he does not disappoint with this offering. Recently ranked by Golfweek as one of America’s finest courses.
Fallen Oaks course hosts less than 15,000 rounds a year; I have the feeling that I am a part of an exclusive private club. Staff greet me with their refined southern drawl and direct me to present my golf shoes to an attendant for cleaning as I place my belongings in a personalized locker.
The course received its name as Fazio directed his crew to meet “under the fallen oak,” an ancient tree with a mighty limb that had collapsed well before people could remember. It still proudly stands, beside the eighteenth fairway.
Featuring five sets of tees, they are numbered one to five rather than classified by colours overcoming the stigma of hitting from the forward tees or the masculinity of “hitting from the tips.” From 5,362 to 7,487 yards, no matter what number you play, the course will provide ample challenges.
Was introduced to my forecaddie, Brendan, a polite and gentle young man, on his first day with our foursome his first customers. His polite southern demeanour was calming and supportive of the best and worst of our shots. “Yes sir, I believe that did go in the woods.”
We only had time to play one other course before heading north, but the Gulf Coast boasts thirteen courses in a sixty-six-mile corridor. Legendary designers such as Palmer, Nicklaus, LaFoy, McCumber and Pate have set the benchmark for Mississippi to become one of America’s best golf destinations.
The weather is again warm as we enter the grounds of The Shell Landing Golf Club. One of the most beautiful Davis Love courses I have played. In 2017, Golf Digest ranked it the sixth best course in Mississippi. It is also one of the best values for golf in the South.
Completed in 2000, Shell Landing features five sets of tees, named for turtles. From the 7024-yard “Snapping” to the 5047-yard, “Sea Turtle” the course incorporates the diverse topography, grasses and woodlands.
Following our round we are on our team bus headed northeast to Choctaw, Mississippi. This historical region is home to one of three federally recognized Choctaw Indian bands in the United States. The Mississippi tribe is an extremely enterprising group who own and operate manufacturing, retail and tourism businesses including the Pearl River Resort and Silver Star Casino and it’s award-winning Dancing Rabbit golf courses.
The following morning the weather has changed, but that does not deter our excitement in playing the resorts’ Dancing Rabbit courses. Tom Fazio’s Azalea course followed by Jerry Pate designed, Oaks. Under cloudy skies and cooler temperatures, we tee it up.
A few of us are accustomed to colder climes and the freshness and added moisture enhances the lushness to an already beautiful landscape. For my southern compatriots the idea that I was wearing shorts seemed somewhat irrational, but as the day would unfold and the temperature increased, it was me who that had the last laugh.
Golf Magazine defines the course as “The Augusta You Can Play.” The arrival of spring, the beauty of thousands of colourful azaleas, perfectly manicured greens and fairways create the sensation of playing the Masters.
The Oaks was equally as rewarding to experience. Developed following the success of Azalea the fairways at the Oaks are somewhat narrower and thick woods border most of the holes. On both courses, all of the par threes are downhill while many of the par fives have been designed to entice golfers with a “risk-reward” to reach greens in two.
Though the course is 7076 yards from the tips, the course has created an excellent short course that is 4400 yards with playing time under three hours. It still requires a driver on many holes. I enjoy every moment!
Weather is again perfect as we head north to West Point, Mississippi, a short ninety-minute drive to two more award-winning courses, Mossy Oak and Old Waverly.
Mossy Oak is the creation of Gil Hanse, his first U.S. course to open following his acclaimed design at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Our foursome is introduced to our forecaddie, “Hoot.” A warm smile and a personality to match, he epitomized what retirement was meant to be. A former bank executive he now walked the fairways, was an accomplished painter and played the banjo in a rural band.
Mossy Oak is different from the other memorable courses we have played, as there is an absence of forest and rock. Once a large dairy farm the natural contours of the land create a perfect canvas as native grass, solitary century-old oak and gum trees provide the ideal palette set against rich green fairways. It was named “Best New Course for 2016” by Golf Magazine. Residents describe the course as “Nature’s Golf.”
Heavily contoured greens follow the natural undulations of the land well protected by high-lipped bunkering and tightly mowed false fronts. Should I putt or chip? An incorrect decision will have my ball rolling past the pin to the fairway below.
That afternoon our group takes a five-minute ride to the Old Waverly Golf Course. Entering the grounds, we travel the tree-lined laneway towards the stately clubhouse and a sensation that I have arrived at a special place.
A Jerry Pate and the late Bob Cupp design, Old Waverly is a real championship course and the future site for the 2019 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championships. Playing to 7000 yards, this course is strategic on every hole. My golf companions stated that it has the feeling that it has been here a long time. Top 100 Golf Courses noted, “ It captures the essence of the Scottish Highlands within the graceful setting of the Old South.
What I enjoy so much is the uniqueness of every hole. Beautifully manicured Bermuda grass greens create perfect putting conditions. Each nine is distinct. Stately trees and “lose your ball rough” are the signatures perils of the front nine and lakes and bunkers the hazards to avoid on the back. The eighteenth provides one of the states most excellent finishing holes, as this par five requires both my tee shot and approach to cross over Lake Waverly to a bunker protected green.
It was on my final evening while enjoying an IPA from Port Orleans Brewery that the title for the article appeared, as on the can’s label was the slogan “Awesome Ain’t Easy.”
Following five memorable days of golf, dining and accommodations, Mississippi is an excellent place to visit and play. Visit Mississippi, the state’s tourism office is dedicated to creating a world-class golf mecca that can compete with other international destinations– not an easy thing to do!
I am a convert!
The Lowdown
Mississippi, known as The Magnolia State.
Average temperatures available here.
Flight:
Flying time 10-12 hours
Arranging my flight I had a few options. I could fly, with a connection, to Mississippi’s Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport or take one of five weekly direct British Airways flights from Heathrow to New Orleans, then a short ninety-minute drive to Biloxi.
Accommodations and Dining:
Biloxi
MGM’s Beau Rivage Resort and Casino, on the Gulf of Mexico. This grand resort features large modern rooms, twelve restaurants to suit every occasion, One of Mississippi’s most impressive casinos with top name entertainment. The resort also employs thirty full-time horticulturists.
To play Fallen Oak, you must be a guest.
Stalla
restaurant is located at the casino, and the food and service are impeccable. A contemporary, sophisticated but casual atmosphere they serve exceptional pasta, beef and seafood. Good wine list.
The Reef Restaurant on the Gulf of Mexico. Serves the freshest of seafood in a casual atmosphere. Sitting on the deck at sunset is beautiful. Grouper fish tacos are amazing.
Philadelphia/Choctaw
The futuristic Pearl River Resort and Silver Star Casino and across the street, The Inn at Dancing Rabbit
A large sphere sits atop the recently renovated hotel and casino. The Choctaw have invested a great deal in creating a memorable experience for their guests. The introduction of Tunnel Vision in the sports bar [like a surround sound for video] and at the new Timeout Lounge, the latest in up to the moment sports betting.
Phillip M’s is the only casino restaurant that has received Wine Spectator’s coveted “Award of Excellence.” The service is impeccable and offerings of the freshest of local seafood, a perfect filet grilled with pecan wood and dessert offerings that are impossible to resist creating a five-star experience.
West Point
Our place of residence is the newly completed Cottages at Mossy Oak. Located adjacent to the 10th fairway they provide the perfect accommodations for our group. Four separate bedrooms, each with walk-in showers and a relaxing central area. The walk to the clubhouse and the first tee is less than five minutes.
Old Waverly is less than thirty years of age. The stately clubhouse has a style reminiscent of the grand clubs of the British Isles.
To play the adjacent golf course, you must be a guest of the resort. It is a beautiful place to stay as you have the charm and southern hospitality at the Inn, the nine cottages that front Waverley Lake as well as well-appointed condos and villas.
Old Waverly also has many dining options. Cameron’s warm décor is “reminiscent of a Scottish landowners library.” Murphy’s Tavern, The Grill, Terrace and English Garden were terrific for our casual dining and drinks.
The elegant southern style Magnolia Room was a special place to dine. All of the restaurants featured delicious food, attentive service and an excellent wine list.
Planning a trip to Mississippi? See helpful links for your visit below:
