I came in with two courses on the itinerary, two casino resorts for lodging and dining, and modest expectations for the non-golf parts of the trip. The golf exceeded every expectation. The food surprised me. And the value, frankly, was hard to argue with.

Any serious golf trip to Tunica starts at Tunica National Golf & Tennis, and for good reason. Designed by 10-time PGA Tour winner Mark McCumber and opened in 2004, this par-72 championship layout stretches to 7,204 yards from the tips and sits comfortably on the Mississippi Golf Trail. Five sets of tee boxes make it welcoming for all skill levels, and the Zoysia fairways and Champion Bermuda greens are among the best-maintained surfaces you’ll find in the region.

Elevated fairway bunkers are positioned with surgical precision, sitting squarely in your driver’s landing zone on nearly every hole. They don’t just catch bad shots; they catch a few good ones, which is the mark of a cleverly designed layout. Water comes into play on almost every hole as well, and the surrounding cotton fields give the course a sense of place you won’t find anywhere else. This isn’t generic resort golf. It feels like Mississippi.

The practice facility is outstanding, featuring a 360-degree driving range, a large putting green, a short game area, and a six-hole par-3 course. The 20,000-square-foot clubhouse is fully stocked in the pro shop, and the GPS-equipped carts provide yardages to the front, center, and back of every green, along with hole overviews and real-time cart tracking. Tunica National has hosted the NGA Hooters Tour, the U.S. Junior Golf Tour, and the Mississippi State Amateur. It’s easy to see why tournament committees keep coming back.

After a round at Tunica National, the Hollywood Casino Resort on Casino Strip Resort Boulevard makes for a natural base camp. The property carries its brand with confidence. Its 494 rooms are decorated with photos of legendary screen icons, cherry wood finishes, and marble and granite bathroom countertops that feel more upscale than the room rate might suggest. Hollywood also lays claim to the largest indoor pool in Tunica, along with a 24-hour fitness center, live music at the Stage Bar, and more than 750 slots and 9 table games if your post-round energy reserves are holding up.

Dinner the first evening was at the Celebrity Grill, the casino’s casual dining spot for burgers, sandwiches, and American comfort food. After a full round in the Mississippi sun, sometimes all you want is a good cheeseburger and a cold drink without having to dress up for it. The Celebrity Grill delivers that reliably. It’s not trying to be anything other than what it is: a friendly, low-key spot to fuel up and rehash the round. Pair the Philly Cheesesteak with the onion rings, and you won’t leave hungry.

The second morning brought a very different kind of golf. After two rounds of golf, the second evening called for something a step above the casual. The Gold Strike Casino Resort is perhaps the most recognizable building on the Tunica skyline, and it’s where you go when dinner is the main event. The resort’s 1,109 oversized rooms and 125 suites underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation, and the facilities show it. Guests have access to 50,000 square feet of gaming space, a full-service spa and salon, and the 800-seat Millennium Theater. Both casinos also have sports betting on site; a feature that tends to attract golfers

But the reason to make the drive to Gold Strike is The Chicago Steakhouse. Step off the casino floor and head left. The mood shifts entirely. Dim lighting, wood-grain interiors, a fireplace, and old-time Chicago elegance earn every candle on the table. The chef-crafted menu leans heavily on prime cuts and fresh seafood, and the wine program has earned Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence more than once. Casino Players Magazine named it Best Dessert in 2021, which is reason enough to save room.

The steak is the obvious call, and it delivers. The service matches the room: unhurried, knowledgeable, and genuinely warm without crossing into stuffy. After two days of golf in the Delta heat, a meal at The Chicago Steakhouse is the kind of evening that makes you reconsider your checkout time.

For more information or to book a golf vacation to Tunica, visit www.tunicatravel.com.