In the northeastern corner of Mississippi, the Hills Region has the highest elevation, with the foothills of the Appalachians reaching into the state. The area is also brimming with water. The Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway connects the Tennessee River to the Gulf of Mexico via the Tombigbee River, along the eastern border of the region. And the state’s three “great lakes,” are in the region’s western reaches along Interstate 55 with state parks nearby. Its proximity to the Midwest and its many top shelf golf courses make this region an attractive golfing destination.

DeSoto County’s four championship golf courses together make an affordable golf vacation with lots of variety. Olive Branch is home to three of these courses, beginning with Cherokee Valley. The 18-hole course is a challenge for all skill levels and offers "a country club experience without the country club dues." Cherokee Valley also has a state-of-the-art practice and training facility, as does its sister course, The Plantation. Strategically placed mounds and 35 acres of water frame The Plantation, providing a challenging and beautiful tract. Wedgewood Golf Club is an 18-hole John Floyd-designed championship layout situated on 240 acres of rolling, scenic terrain. Rounding out DeSoto County’s courses is The Club at North Creek in Southaven. This 18-hole course plays on Bentgrass greens and “Mississippi Choice” Bermuda fairways, the first in the state to offer this hybrid grass. The most unique feature of the course is the signature double green on holes 13 and 15, with a cart path tunnel running beneath.

Holly Springs is home to Kirkwood National Golf Club, named one of the “top ten courses in Mississippi” by Golf Digest. The region’s most famous tourist stop is Tupelo, birthplace of Elvis Presley. However, golfers come to enjoy courses like the Natchez Trace Golf Club, located just off the famous Natchez Trace Parkway, an 18-hole championship course with medium-sized Bentgrass greens and hilly, narrow fairways. Located minutes from Tupelo is the Big Oaks Golf Club. The 6,800-yard layout takes advantage of the rolling hillside with generous fairways and large Bentgrass greens.

Nestled in the foothills is Shiloh Ridge Golf Club in Corinth. The 18-hole golf course features nicely manicured Bentgrass greens and numerous water hazards. In the middle of the region off Interstate 55 is John Kyle State Park, home to Mallard Pointe Golf Club, designed by renowned architect Bob Cupp. Stretching over 7,000 yards from the tips, the 18-hole championship course is a daring challenge. The facility also features a 9-hole academy course. The clubhouse, perched on a ridge overlooking Sardis Lake, takes in the view of the course layout. On-site cabins and camping facilities make the park a great “stay and play” destination.

Mississippi GolfFurther south on I-55, just east of Grenada, is the soon-to-open 18-hole course in Hugh White State Park. The course rests along Grenada Lake, the largest body of water in Mississippi, and will provide a challenging, scenic round in a region known for its temperate climate. The new site will also include conference and banquet facilities, villas, and other lodging. With its laid-back charm, genuine hospitality, and beautiful scenery, the Hills Region is a memorable place for the traveling golfer.