Fallen Oak, Grand Bear, Both Courses at Pearl River Resort?s Dancing Rabbit Golf Club; (Oaks and Azaleas), and Shell Landing are Cited for Elite Quality
(JACKSON, Mississippi) – The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) Division of Tourism today announces that five acclaimed courses in the state have been voted onto the “2008 Golfweek America’s Best Courses You Can Play” by state list which was published in the March 8 edition.
The five courses – in order of rank with their architects – are:
No. 1: Fallen Oak Golf Club (Tom Fazio)
No. 2: Grand Bear Golf Club (Jack Nicklaus)
No. 3: Dancing Rabbit Golf Club/Azaleas Course (Tom Fazio/Jerry Pate)
No. 4: Shell Landing Golf Club (Davis Love III)
No. 5: Dancing Rabbit Golf Club/Oaks Course (Fazio/Pate)
Golfweek raters canvass the country examining courses for overall strength of routing, feature shaping, natural setting, greens, variety and memorability of holes, conditioning and maintenance, landscape management and other criteria.
Fallen Oak is an amenity of the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, while Grand Bear is an amenity of the Grand Casino Biloxi, which is owned and operated by Harrah’s. Dancing Rabbit is one of the many amenities at Pearl River Resort, the central Mississippi casino resort which is owned and operated by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.
Located 15 miles north of the Beau Rivage on a 510-acre tract, Fallen Oak runs adjacent to the DeSoto National Forest. Fallen Oak is a "sister" course to Shadow Creek in Las Vegas, both MGM Mirage Resorts properties.
Fallen Oak opened in November 2006 and it measures 7,480 yards from the tips. The course is characterized by lush, rolling landscape covered in oak and pine ridges, magnolias, pecan groves, large lakes, winding streams and wetlands. It features 10 bridges and concealed cart paths to protect the terrain’s natural features.
Grand Bear opened in 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.
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 the region. 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.
Shell Landing has a symphony-like quality to it. It opens with pleasant pace and a mix of diverse, secluded holes set amid pines. The greens are fast, with substantial breaks, and difficult to read in the flatter spots. Hence, precise approach shots and a steady short game are required in order to be putting from the less difficult parts of the surfaces. As the round goes along it builds in drama, climaxing with a crescendo on both the No. 9 and 18 holes.
“The great state of Mississippi is proud to accept this honor from Golfweek,” said D. Craig Ray, the MDA’s Tourism Division Director. “We invite everyone to visit Mississippi and experience first-hand why these outstanding courses and resorts are consistently being recognized as elite.”
For more information about these courses or to schedule a visit to Mississippi, call toll-free to 866-801-8551 or go to www.visitmississippi.org and receive a free Golf Travel Guide.
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 150 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, Birthplace of the Blues and the Blues Trail, and luxurious casino resorts offering marquee entertainment and many other amenities;
* Family-themed attractions;
* Widespread acclaim from the annual Viking Classic PGA Tour golf tournament held near the state capital in 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
