(JACKSON, Mississippi) – Mississippi is increasingly becoming known for what it is – the nation’s best golf-and-gaming destination. It’s the third-largest gaming destination in the U.S. after Vegas and Atlantic City and it has the best golf courses and value to complement the dozens of casino resorts throughout the state.
The pending launch of non-stop, direct flights on American Airlines’ American Eagle subsidiary from Chicago to the Mississippi Gulf Coast (to begin in December) and the recent acquisition of Windance Country Club by the Island View Casino Resort in Gulfport further adds to the Magnolia state’s myriad golf-and-gaming destination options and attributes.
Chicago is one of American’s hub cities. Hence, the non-stop flight from Chicago to Gulfport connects south Mississippi to more than 240 cities a day around the country and the world.
"We are greatly pleased that Mississippi is becoming even more accessible for recreational and business travelers and that more golf, gaming and other vacation options are increasingly being added," said D. Craig Ray, Mississippi Development Authority Division of Tourism Director.
The 18-hole Windance course is a Mark McCumber design which opened in 1986 and one of three well-regarded layouts by the former PGA Tour professional located in Mississippi. (Timberton in Hattiesburg and Tunica National Golf & Tennis Club in Tunica are the others.)
Windance (228-832-4871) is a par-72, championship golf course. The course rating is 73.1 and slope rating is 129. Since being acquired last month by Island View several improvements have been made to Windance including a new restaurant in the clubhouse (View 19). A new course irrigation system will be installed beginning next month.
"Windance is in the best shape since it was built," said Director of Golf David Lee, PGA. "Last week, the Adams Golf Pro Tour Players said it was the best course they played all year."
Being an amenity of the Island View Casino enables Windance to offer visiting golf-and-gaming enthusiasts terrific stay-and-play value. "Our new playing rate is $150 per golfer and our package rates are half that price," Lee said.
Island View Casino Resort (1-877-774-VIEW/8439) offers 560 luxurious hotel rooms with pillow top mattresses, flat panel LCD screen TVs, granite top furniture, down blankets, refrigerators in each room, concierge services and complimentary turn-down service.
For more information or to schedule a visit to Mississippi, call toll-free to 866-801-8551 or go to www.visitmississippi.org/golf and receive a free Golf Travel Guide and suggested play-and-stay itineraries.
About Mississippi Golf
Attractions contributing to Mississippi’s growing popularity as the preferred golf-and-travel destination include:
Great year-round weather and direct flights from major carriers;
More than 145 courses that offer all price points and design varieties in five distinct regions;
New and existing courses designed by top golf course architects that garner national recognition;
World-famous gourmet cuisine, blues music (including the newly launched Mississippi Blues Trail), and luxurious casino resorts offering marquee entertainers and shows;
Family-themed attractions;
Widespread acclaim from the annual PGA Tour golf tournament held in the state capital, Jackson; and,
History and architecture, including stunning Antebellum Era mansions turned award-winning B&B venues.
Contact:
Dan Shepherd, 703.891.3320
Buffalo Communications, dshepherd@billycaspergolf.com
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