The 8 Best Golf Courses Along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast

Courtesy of Grand Bear Golf Course

By Lissa Poirot

The Gulf Coast of Mississippi is not just beaches and casinos. The wetlands dotted with flowering dogwoods and magnolias, imposing pine trees, and moss-covered oaks are also an excellent backdrop to the coast’s rolling greens. Golf clubs open to the public with views of the bay are combined with the warm Gulf of Mexico winds to provide all-year days hitting the links. Here, we highlight eight of the best golf courses along the coast.

1. Bridges Golf Club at Hollywood Casino

Voted one of the best courses and top casino golf course, Bridges Golf Club at the Hollywood Casino Gulf Coast overlooks the Bay of St. Louis. An 18-hole, par-72 course that crosses 600 acres with marshes, moss-draped trees, and perfectly manicure greens, Bridges has 6,900 yards designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer. As its name implies, there are more than 21 bridges on this unique course. 711 Hollywood Blvd., Bay St. Louis, MS 39520, (866) 758-2591

2. Grand Bear Golf Course

With the name “Grand Bear” you just know this course will be challenging. Of course, the legendary Jack Nicklaus designed this course, with the Grizzly Bear teeing at 7,204 yards on a bear-like course, and the Teddy Bear teeing at 4,802 yards for an easier day on the greens. The course winds through wetlands and skirts along the Little Biloxi River and the Big Biloxi River for a setting like no other. 12040 Grand Way Blvd., Saucier, MS 39574, (228) 265-9363

3. Hickory Hill Golf Course

Designed by Earl Stone, Hickory Hill is a favorite of locals and tourists alike. Nearly 7,000 yards, the par-72, 18-hole course is surrounded by those aforementioned dogwoods, magnolias, and oaks draped in Spanish moss, with water found at 10 holes. Tournaments are played here throughout the year, and golfers can enjoy a bite and drinks at the Grill. 900 Hickory Hill Dr., Gautier, MS 39553, (228) 497-2372

4. The Oaks Golf Club

Tucked away in the wetlands of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, The Oaks is an award-winning club ranked one of the best courses in Mississippi, as well as the United States. The par-72 course opened in 1998 and will allow you to book tee times online for day and twilight hours. Take advantage of the club’s Oak Card, which gives you a complimentary first round, tournaments, practice buckets, meals, drinks, and swag for just $99. 24384 Clubhouse Dr., Pass Christian, MS 39571

5. Pass Christian Isles Golf Club

First opened in 1914, the Pass Christian is the second oldest golf course on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and has welcomed the likes of presidents such as Woodrow Wilson. Overlooking the Bay of St. Louis, the 18-hole, par-72 Pass Christian Isles course provides nearly 7,000 yards designed in 1952 by Tom Bendelow. The club features a pro shop, practice facilities and Mulligan’s Grill for pre- and post-golf eats. 150 Fairway Dr., Pass Christian, MS, (228) 452-4851

6. The Preserve Golf Club

Located at the Palace Casino Resort, the 18-hole Preserve was designed by U.S. Open champion Jerry Pate. The par-71 course runs across 245 acres, surrounded by 1,800 acres of a dedicated nature preserve – you’re bound to enjoy the serenity on this course! Guests can choose from daytime or twilight hours, enjoying the clubhouse and the club’s Sweetbay Restaurant after their rounds. 158 Howard Ave., Biloxi, MS 39530, (800) 725-2239

7. Shell Landing Golf Club

One of the best courses in Mississippi, as ranked by Golf Digest, Shell Landing is a challenging course filled with sand traps, water hazards, and bunkers along the wetlands of Gautier, Mississippi. Book morning, afternoon, and late afternoon tee times online and enjoy the 18-hole course, along with the club’s Landing Bar & Grill. 3499 Shell Landing Blvd., Gautier, MS 39553, (228) 497-5683

8. Windance Country Club

Guests and visitors of Island View Casino Resort can enjoy the Windance, with 18 championship holes designed by Mark McCumber in 1986. Hosting various tours, the 6,600-yard course runs over rolling hills and has been ranked one of America’s best courses by Golfweek. You’ll find a driving range and practice facility, the View at 19 Bar & Grill, and even an Olympic-sized swimming pool at this club. 19385 Champion Circle, Gulfport, MS 39503, (228) 832-4871