Casino Resort Courses Combine to Showcase the Magnolia State’s Collection of World-Class Golf
(JACKSON, Mississippi) – The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) Division of Tourism today announces that three acclaimed courses in the state have been voted onto the 2008 Golfweek’s “Top 100 Resort Courses” list.
The three courses – in order of rank with their architects and locations – are:
* No. 22: Fallen Oak Golf Club (Tom Fazio, Biloxi)
* No. 33: Grand Bear Golf Club (Jack Nicklaus, Saucier)
* No. 67: Dancing Rabbit Golf Club’s Azaleas Course (Tom Fazio/Jerry Pate design, Philadelphia)
To determine the nation’s best resort courses more than 400 Golfweek raters examine overall strength of routing, feature shaping, natural setting, greens, variety and memorability of holes, conditioning and maintenance, landscape management and other criteria.
“Mississippi is proud to have these outstanding courses recognized as best-in-kind by one of the world’s foremost golf publications,” says D. Craig Ray, the MDA’s Tourism Division Director. “Golfweek informing avid golf travelers worldwide that Mississippi offers convenient access to some of best resort golf anywhere.”
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 unveils itself 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 course rolls out over hundreds of breathtaking acres. Secluded among ancient pines and hardwoods, the par 72 masterpiece 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.
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
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;
* World-famous gourmet cuisine, blues music, the mighty Mississippi River, and luxurious casino resorts offering marquee name entertainers and shows;
* Family-themed attractions including parks, lakes, beaches and trails; 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
