Mississippi: Emerging Golf Destination Offers Value and Course Distinction

The best words to describe Mississippi golf to the uninitiated are underrated, flavorful, diverse and memorable. With the price of gas and importance of finding value-laden golf trips at a premium, now is the time to discover Mississippi's five distinct regions and course types.

Savvy golfers flock to Mississippi for many reasons, not the least of which is the state's natural beauty and mild weather. But perhaps Mississippi's biggest golfer friendly assets are its more than 145 uncrowded, value-priced golf courses. In fact, Mississippi's bang for the golfing buck is splendid.

Award-winning courses can be found throughout the state, from Biloxi on the Gulf Coast in southern Mississippi, to Tunica and the Delta in the northernmost part of the state near Memphis. Together, Tunica and the Gulf Coast combine to form the nation's largest gaming destination after Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

Top Mississippi courses include designs by legends Tom Fazio, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. Other standouts include courses crafted by Jerry Pate, Mark McCumber, Davis Love III, Hale Irwin and Bob Cupp.

Three of Mississippi's courses were among Golf Digest's "America's Best New Courses for 2007." The magazine also listed The Dogwoods in Grenada as "America's Best New Bargain" ($39 green fee, with cart).

Fallen Oak, Tunica National, Dancing Rabbit, Timberton, Grand Bear, Shell Landing, Old Waverly, The Preserve, The Bridges, Cherokee Valley and Links at Cottonwoods are just some of the many courses which are helping Mississippi golf garner a must-visit reputation. The staff of MGM has been fortunate enough to enjoy the trappings of Olive Branch and Tunica, Mississippi over the past few years and we can honestly say that southern hospitality has been never more prevalent. During both trips the locals treated us like we were special, a far cry from how we're treated at home.

And it's not just the golf that's first-class, it's a collection of A+ restaurants that feature local cuisine such as catfish, jambalaya, and crawfish etoufee. Throw in outstanding entertainment options such as Ole Miss football games and NBA action provided by the Memphis Grizzlies, and you've got all the makings of a superb fall or any season getaway.

And if you don't believe the staffers of Midwest Golfing Magazine, Golf Channel's "Golf with Style" show will showcase the Mississippi golf scene, premiering Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m. ET. And yes, as we've been told over and over again by their promos it's just Golf Channel.

Regional and state cultures and related attractions are abundant as well. For instance, one can pair a round of golf at Vicksburg Country Club then visit the Civil War battlefield there. Set on the Mississippi River, Vicksburg's history is compelling and well-presented at the national park.

Nowhere is southern hospitality more prevalent than in Mississippi. It's a refreshing and consistent treat to be welcomed with genuine appreciation in the Magnolia State wherever you venture.

Mississippi's hospitality is always showcased at Timberton Golf Club, which Golf Digest Magazine rates with 4.5 stars (out of five possible). In addition to fine customer service, the Mark McCumber designed course has been the host course for PGA Tour event qualifying, the Mississippi State Open, and numerous USGA & PGA qualifying events.

Located in Hattiesburg, Timberton is an easy drive to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, home to casino resorts, beaches, top-rated golf courses and fresh seafood catches of the day.

For more information, contact the Mississippi Development Authority/Tourism Division at 866-801-8551, or visit www.visitmississippi.org.

Mississippi Main Stays
-Courses to Play When in the Magnolia State

Dogwoods, Grenada
Fallen Oak, Bixoli
Tunica National, Tuncia Resorts
Dancing Rabbit, Choctaw
Timberton, Hattiesburg
Grand Bear, Saucier
Shell Landing, Gautier
Old Waverly, West Point
The Preserve,Vancleave
The Bridges, Bay St. Louis
Cherokee Valley, Olive Branch
The Plantation, Olive Branch
Links at Cottonwoods, Tunica Resorts