Mississippi doesn’t have the illustrious golf heritage and tradition as some of the other states in the southeastern part of the country. All of its best venues are relatively new. All that being said, some of its tracks are really quite something. The Magnolia State has a few other things going for it too, in terms of golf. First, its in the south and it’s warm so you can play golf year round in Mississippi to your heart’s content. The second, and just as important, is that many of the courses in the state are really quite affordable.
To help you along as you begin planning your Mississippi golf getaway, here are five Mississippi golf courses you need to play.
Fallen Oak Golf Course (Best Overall Course)
Part of the Beau Ridge Casino and Resort in Biloxi, Fallen Oak Golf Course is the brain child of living legend and golf design mastermind Tom Fazio. The course represents Fazio at his best too, with meandering brooks, century old oaks, and even magnolia groves—everything you could want in a golf course.
The front nine kicks off with a dogleg par 5 that has water everywhere. This majestic hole is as difficult as it is striking and marks a great way to begin any round of golf.
Marshlands on the left of the green on the par 3 third hole require accuracy in order to keep your ball from getting lost in the muck.
Throughout the course, monster par 5’s, some measuring more than 600 yards, are lined with old oaks and dotted with deep bunkers.
Things wrap up nicely on the back nine with a par 4 that features more bunkers and an elevated tee box that provides a stunning view of this magnificent hole.
Fallen Oak is 18 holes of championship golf and measures 7487 yards from the blacks. It is a regulation par 72.
The course isn’t private, but it isn’t exactly public either. Because it is the crown jewel of the Beau Ridge Casino and Resort, it is open to guests of the resort only. If you can swing a stay and play, it is worth your time and your money.
Annandale Golf Club (Best Private Course)
From tee to green, Annandale Golf Club is a golfer’s haven and is consistently ranked Mississippi’s best private course. This understated track isn’t flashy but it does offer a golf experience unparalleled in the entire state. But what else would you expect from a Jack Nicklaus designed course. The Golden Bear rarely disappoints and certainly didn’t at Annandale G.C
The front nine begins with a tough stretch of three par 4’s and a par 3 and makes you bring your game from the first tee. Throughout the front nine and the back as well, tall trees line either side of most fairways and massive bunkers take care of errant tee shots and approaches to the undulating, slick greens.
Annandale measures 7199 yards from the tips and is a regulation par 72.
As noted above, the course is private and can only be played by members and their guests.
Old Waverly (Most Challenging Course)
Located in West Point, Mississippi, Old Waverly has emerged as one of the most difficult tracks in the state. The course is carved neatly into thick forest with abundant water and plentiful bunkers stubbornly making themselves known on many holes.
The par 4 first hole is a case in point. Trees line the left side of the fairway and water guards the right and back of the green. Anything wayward and your either calling a search party to help find your ball or you’re swimming.
The signature hole of the course might just be the par 3 17th with its bulkhead green and breathtaking view across the water.
Although the course is a challenge it isn’t all that deep. From the tips it plays at just over 7000 yards and is a par 72.
A course of Old Wavery’s quality, even in Mississippi, will cost you. You can play this stately venue in the offseason for as low as $45 but during peak golfing months prices can climb as high as $170.
Mossy Oak (Most Scenic Course)
Old Waverly’s sister course, Mossy Oak, also happens to be the most scenic course in the state. The course prides itself for crafting what it calls “Nature’s golf”—a unique experience of minimalist design.
The course is wide open and does offer a once in a lifetime feel as you navigate bunkers and fescue on your way to slick, contoured greens. Trees surround the outer edge of the course, but within are few and far between. Its rolling hills and links style feel make for a memorable round of golf.
Mossy Oak measures 7212 yards long and is a par 72.
The course has rates as low as $85 for 18 walking but can get as high as $180 during peak season.
Shell Landing Golf Course (Best Deal)
The best deal in the state, at least for a course of this quality, is Shell Landing. This 18 hole par 72 track features tree lined fairways and neatly manicured greens any time of year.
The fourth hole is particularly unique and boasts a large bunker right in the center of the fairway that has ruined many a golfer’s front nine.
On the back nine, Hole 14 is an enigma with water running the length of the fairway and forcing you to steer right which is heavily guarded by trees and sand.
These themes carry throughout this gorgeous golf course and make it a truly enjoyable track to play.
What makes Shell Landing such a great course though is the price. In late spring you can catch a twilight rate of only $39.
Golf Mississippi
Even though it lacks the golfing legacy of some of its neighbors, a robust golfing culture is continually emerging in the Magnolia State. To get in on this exciting wave, check out some of these great tracks, or others found in the state. Happy golfing.
Did we miss a course? Share your Mississippi golf experience in the comment section below.
