Five Mississippi Public Courses Named Best-In-State by Golfweek

The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) Division of Tourism has announced 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 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 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. The layout is characterized by towering pines, cypress wetlands, secluded fairways, deep bunkers and manicured greens. The course measures 7,204 yards from the “Grizzly Bear” tips and 4,802 yards from the “Teddy Bear” tees.

Dancing Rabbit’s Azaleas and Oaks courses involve ancient pines and hardwoods, gently rolling hills and valleys. Over two miles of creeks and streams weave through the Bermuda and Zoysia fairways and before the bentgrass greens, lending challenge and beauty. Designed by Tom Fazio and former U.S. Open champion Jerry Pate, Dancing Rabbit’s 36 holes retain the character and grandeur of the great Southern woodlands from which they were carved.

Shell Landing Golf Club in Gautier was designed by PGA Tour star Davis Love III. Located in Mississippi’s Gulf Coast region, this 18-hole, par-72 layout boasts many natural resources and immaculate conditioning. Named for the rare gopher turtles in the property’s protected wetlands, Shell Landing challenge stems from tall pines, marshes, bayous and wetlands.

The Oaks Golf Club in Pass Christian is a 6,885-yard track that winds through groves of hardwoods and pines, around ponds, and alongside wetlands. Also involved are creeks at this excellent layout, which has hosted numerous professional tournaments. The Oaks contains 44 bunkers guarding fairways and greens. Varying in both size and undulation, the putting surfaces here are fast and smooth.

For more information about these courses or to schedule a visit to Mississippi, call toll-free 866/801-8551 or visit www.golfmississippi.org and receive a free Golf Travel Guide and suggested stay-and-play itineraries.