The golf courses in the Pines take advantage of the beautiful forests and waterways in the area and are some of the best in the entire Southeast. In fact, three of Golf Digest’s top ten Mississippi courses are located in The Pines Region, with Old Waverly Golf Club ranked number one, Dancing Rabbit’s The Azaleas Course at number two, and Dancing Rabbit’s The Oaks Course at number seven.

Old Waverly in West Point captures the essence of the Scottish highlands within its graceful “Old South” setting. The resort and residential community, built by the Bryan family of Bryan Foods, include a swimming pool, fitness center, meeting facilities, beautiful lakes and lush gardens. Old Waverly’s overnight accommodations include six, 4-bedroom cottages. Each has a common sitting area, comfortably furnished with a gorgeous view of Lake Waverly. It’s ideal for smaller gatherings, meetings, or just relaxing after a day on the links. The 18-hole, award-winning course was designed by former U.S. Open winner Jerry Pate, along with Bob Cupp, and hosted the 1999 U.S. Women’s Open. Glistening lakes and grand old oaks line the fairways and Bentgrass greens are sleek and lustrous.

Mississippi Golf Located west of West Point is Starkville, home of Mississippi State University, widely recognized for its expertise in turf grasses. The University Course is meticulously maintained as part of the university’s curriculum. Also in Starkville is Highlands Plantation, an 18-hole salute to traditional Scottish courses with many lakes, generous bunkers, and dramatic elevation changes.

Sixty miles south of Starkville in Choctaw is the Pearl River Resort. The resort encompasses the Silver Star Hotel and Casino, the Golden Moon Hotel and Casino, and Dancing Rabbit Golf Club. Dancing Rabbit’s two 18- hole courses, The Azaleas and The Oaks, have received many awards. The Azaleas Course is the only Mississippi course on Golf Magazine’s, “Top 100 Courses You Can Play,” with a ranking of 34th. It’s also ranked 70th in “America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses” by Golf Digest for 2005-06. And both courses at Dancing Rabbit were awarded the prestigious 4½ stars by Golf Digest’s Places to Play.

Mississippi Golfer Jerry Pate collaborated with Tom Fazio on the design of the two golf courses at Dancing Rabbit. Each spans over 7,000 yards from the back tee. Waterfalls, streams, and perfectly conditioned, contoured fairways make for a great round. Overnight accommodations include the two casino hotels or luxurious guest rooms in the clubhouse. Pearl River Resort offers superb dining, live entertainment, and other resort activities. Geyser Falls Theme Park, a 15-acre, $20 million water park is a hit, as is the Startacular® show featuring a 360- degree exhibition of shooting fountains, lasers, fireworks and water screen projections. And the resort’s exciting Beach Club at Clearwater Key is a great hangout. If you’re looking for a world-class experience, come to The Pines Region of Mississippi.