Five Mississippi Golf Courses Named Best-In-State by Golfweek Magazine
The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) Division of Tourism today announces that five public-access golf courses have been named best-in-state by Golfweek magazine in its 10th annual “America’s Best” course rankings. The five courses – in order of rank with their architects and locations – are:
No. 1: Grand Bear Golf Club (Jack Nicklaus, Saucier)
No. 2: Dancing Rabbit Golf Club’s Azaleas Course (Tom Fazio/Jerry Pate design, Philadelphia)
No. 3: Dancing Rabbit Golf Club’s Oaks Course (Fazio/Pate, Philadelphia)
No. 4: Shell Landing Golf Club (Davis Love III, Gautier)
No. 5: The Oaks Golf Club (Landmark National, Pass Christian)
Golfweek’s America’s Best team of 225 raters – representing 48 states – perennially scours the country in search of the best golf course designs. A few of the many criteria they use include strategic considerations of shot-making and design balance as well as aesthetics of conditioning and setting.
“It is gratifying for these outstanding Mississippi courses to be awarded this objective distinction by one of the world’s foremost golf publications,” says Leland Speed, the MDA’s Executive Director. “Golfweek is effectively informing golfers worldwide that Mississippi offers convenient access to some of best golf anywhere and at extremely affordable prices.”
Grand Bear moved up to the top spot this year, replacing the Azaleas Course at Dancing Rabbit, which held the lead spot the past several years. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the course opened in October 1999 and is peppered with towering pines, natural cypress wetlands, secluded fairways, deep bunkers and impeccably manicured greens. The course measures 7,204 yards from the “Grizzly Bear” tees and 4,802 from the “Teddy Bear” tees. Many who play Grand Bear say the course feels a little like Augusta with a dash of Pinehurst excitement mixed in.
Rated the Nos. 2 and 3 public-access courses respectively in Mississippi by Golfweek, Dancing Rabbit’s Azaleas and Oaks courses roll out over a combined 14,000 breathtaking yards. Secluded among ancient pines and hardwoods, each of these par 72 masterpieces embraces the gently rolling hills and valleys indigenous to this part of the world. Meanwhile, over two miles of spring-fed creeks and streams weave their way through the lush Bermuda and Zoysia fairways and Bentgrass greens, lending both challenge and beauty to the picturesque environment. The creation of internationally renowned golf course designer Tom Fazio and erstwhile U.S. Open champion Jerry Pate, each of the 36 dramatic golf holes retain the character and grandeur of the great Southern woodlands from which they were masterfully carved.
Shell Landing Golf Club in Gautier was designed by PGA Tour star Davis Love III. Located in Mississippi’s sparkling Gulf Coast region, this championship, 18-hole, par-72 layout features all of the area’s stunningly diverse natural resources. The awe-inspiring beauty and immaculate course conditions combine to create a special golf course. Named for the rare gopher turtles that thrive in the property’s extensive, protected natural habitat, Shell Landing mixes tall pines, marshes, bayous and wetlands with rolling emerald hills to frame an inspired, challenging layout that is fun and memorable.
Last but not least is The Oaks Golf Club in historic Pass Christian. As you play down the 6,885 yards of fairways winding themselves through groves of hardwoods and pines, around ponds, and alongside acres of wetlands all while being traversed by meandering creeks, it becomes clear why this excellent layout has hosted numerous professional tournaments. In addition to its abundant natural beauty, The Oaks features many playing challenges, including 44 treacherous bunkers sprinkled across the fairways and approaches to the greens. Once at the greens the fun really begins. Varying in both size and undulation, they feature putting surfaces so fast and smooth that players quickly learn to do all they can to keep their ball below the hole.
For more information about these courses or to schedule a visit to Mississippi, call toll-free to 866.801.8551 or go to www.golfmississippi.org and receive a free Golf Travel Guide and suggested play-and-stay itineraries.
March 8, 2005
Posted in: United States South