The most popular Mississippi golf destination is by far The Coastal Region, encompassing the Biloxi area along the Gulf of Mexico and Hattiesburg just north of the coast. Recent storms damaged many of the casinos and coastal lodging properties, but 90% of the top golf courses reopened within months. Plans for exciting new casinos, hotels, and condos are underway. Several casino hotels, including the Imperial Palace and the Isle of Capri in Biloxi, reopened by the end of 2005. With their accommodations, plus several hotels conveniently located off the interstate, golfers still have plenty of lodging choices.

Mississippi’s Coastal Region offers some of the nation’s best golf values. Five of Golf Digest’s “ten best in state” courses are in the region. With two new courses scheduled to open in 2006, the area is only getting better. Beau Rivage continues construction on its 18-hole Tom Fazio-designed course, Fallen Oak. It’s expected to open in late 2006. And Jerry Pate puts his mark on The Preserve, slated to open in the Spring.

Mississippi GolfGrand Casino’s Grand Bear golf course is a highly acclaimed Jack Nicklaus signature design. Golf Digest ranks the course 4th best in the state and lists it as one of “America’s 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses.” Shell Landing is a David Love III design with rolling hills, strategic layout, and immaculate conditioning.

The Oaks in Pass Christian is offers pristine fairways through tall pines, massive oaks and natural wetlands. The Great Southern Golf Club is the oldest golf course in the state, featuring 18 holes overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. The course was originally designed by Donald Ross and hosted a PGA event in 1945, which forced Sam Snead and Byron Nelson into a playoff for 19 holes. Windance Country Club was designed by PGA Tour veteran Mark McCumber and is known for its tough layout, rolling fairways, and well-protected greens.

Mississippi GolfScenic, relaxing St. Andrews Golf Club’ signature 13th hole overlooks the Gulf of Mexico and Ocean Spring’s historic lighthouse. Mississippi National, designed by renowned architect Earl Stone, features sculpted fairways lined with magnolias, oaks, pines, and dogwoods. Finally, Diamondhead Country Club offers two distinct courses, The Cardinal and The Pine, also designed by Earl Stone.

One hour north of the Coast is Hattiesburg, where Timberton Golf Club offers 27 holes of sheer excellence. It is a highly rated 4 1/2-star course and named the 10th best in the state by Golf Digest. The course features three nines: Creekside, Valley, and Lakeview. Creekside and Valley were designed by Mark McCumber. Hattiesburg’s Shadow Ridge boasts 500 acres of rolling hills surrounded by dogwoods, pines and magnolias.

From the Gulf Coast Golf Trail to the award-winning courses in Hattiesburg, a trip to the Coastal Region tops any list of dream golf vacations.