Professional and amateur golfers may know Mississippi by the PGA TOUR’s annual Sanderson Farms Championship at the Country Club of Jackson, held annually for nearly 50 years. However, the state’s full portfolio of private and public courses has plenty more to offer golfers of all skill levels.
Mississippi’s 140 courses highlight the diverse geography of the state, from the rolling Hills and Pines regions to the varied landscapes of the Capital/River region and the wide vistas of the Delta and Gulf Coast. The roll call of premier designers who have courses in the state includes legends Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Arnold Palmer and Jerry Pate.
The state’s newest course, Mossy Oak Golf Club, introduces a new name to the list: Gil Hanse, fresh off his successful 2016 Olympics course design in Rio.
Mossy Oak Golf Club aims to give players a full sensory, immersive outdoors experience, an idea described as “Nature’s Golf” by Hanse, who partnered with Mossy Oak Golf and the George and Marcia Bryan family on his first design since the Olympics. Fitting with Hanse’s minimalist approach, his latest course winds 18 holes through the natural landscape, preserving and accentuating the Mississippi Black Prairie’s native plant species.
The Scottish links-style course pairs well with sister course Old Waverly, host of professional tournaments including the 1999 U.S. Women’s Open, located adjacent to Mossy Oak Golf Club. Lodging packages are available to Old Waverly’s cottages, condos and villas, affording golfers a resort-style getaway with the opportunity to play two world-class courses in one location.
Daily guest rates are $150 with cart and $130 for course walkers, with variable Stay & Play package rates for weekends and weekdays from $105-$135. You can get the latest rates and book tee times online at MossyOakGolf.com.
See also: Five Best Golf Courses in North Carolina
