Special Fall Golf Getaway Packages Now Available; New Ownership for Gulf Coast Courses; Hard Rock Biloxi to Add Hotel Tower(JACKSON, Mississippi) – While golf season is fading away in many parts of North America, it’s prime time in Mississippi, where temperate fall and winter weather, excellent courses and value-laden packages make the Magnolia State a highly desirable players’ choice.
A wide variety of course designs – more than 170 – and price points are currently available throughout the state’s five distinct regions (Delta, Hills, Pines, Capital/River, Coastal). Below are two fall stay-and-play packages representative of the deals offered in Mississippi.
Tunica National Golf & Tennis
Located less than 30 minutes from Memphis, Tunica has been dubbed the “South’s Casino Capital” because of its many casino venues. But it has great golf options too, including Tunica National’s Weekday Golf Package.
- Two-night stay at one of Tunica’s world-class casinos
- Two rounds of golf
- Two lunches at Murphy’s Bar and Grill
- Price: $200 per player (Monday through Thursday), $280 (Weekends)
Rates are based on double occupancy and are for groups of eight or more. Taxes are not included. For reservations or more information, call 1.866.833.6331 or visitwww.TunicaNational.com.
Dancing Rabbit Golf Club
Designed by Tom Fazio and Jerry Pate, Dancing Rabbit’s Azaleas and Oaks courses have both been ranked as elite courses nationally by top golf publications and are located adjacent to massive Pearl River Resort. The Casino Hotel Golf Package includes:
- A round of golf (including cart) at either The Oaks or The Azaleas Course
- One night accommodation at the Golden Moon Casino Hotel or the Silver Star Casino Hotel
- Breakfast for two
- Price: $163 (Monday through Thursday), $239 (Weekends) per golfer, per night
For reservations or more information call 1.866.44PEARL (1.866.447.3275) or visitwww.DancingRabbitGolf.com.
For more information or to schedule a visit to Mississippi, go to http://visitmississippi.org/golf.aspx or call toll-free 1-866-801-8551.
Shell Landing Golf Club and Mississippi National Golf Club – both in Gautier, less than one mile from the Gulf Coast – will remain locally owned after a group with strong ties to the area purchased the two popular public-access courses last week.
The group consists of Kenny Smith, owner of Coldwell Banker in Gautier, Attorney Michael Fondren, a judge in Pascagoula, Mississippi, Arlin Mallette, vice president of Mallette Brothers Construction in Gautier, and Kenny Hughes, the current general manager and head professional at Shell Landing who will now manage both courses.
Shell Landing was recently listed No. 5 on GOLF Magazine’s biennial “2012 Best Courses You Can Play” Best-in-State rankings. The Davis Love III-design opened in 2000 to rave reviews and will remain affiliated with the nearby IP Casino Resort Spa.
Mississippi National – which opened as Hickory Hill in 1965 – is an Earl Stone design. The course has hosted numerous big-name events, including the Nationwide Tour and State Amateurs. The new ownership plans to restore the course’s original name.
Hard Rock Casino Hotel & Casino Biloxi, located overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, is building a new 12-story hotel tower. The expansion – expected to be completed in late 2013 – will be built around the existing pool and will include 140 standard guest rooms and 14 suites with balconies and the rock-and-roll theme typically found at Hard Rock hotels.
In addition to live casino gaming and a poker room, Hard Rock Casino Hotel & Casino Biloxi also features five restaurants, a full-service spa and fitness center, and regularly draws big-name concerts and events.
Golf Stay-and-Play packages are offered at the Hard Rock and include accommodations and golf at a number of area courses, including The Bridges, Diamondhead, Grand Bear, Mississippi National, Pass Christian, The Preserve, Shell Landing, Sunkist, The Oaks and Windance.
The rates also include a $10 food credit per day, one drink voucher to the Center Bar, and a Rock Spa Pass that allows access to the fitness room, steam room, sauna and co-ed hot tub.
For reservations or more information, contact the concierge 1-877-877-6256 or e-mailconcierge@hardrockbiloxi.com
About Mississippi Golf:
Attractions contributing to Mississippi’s growing popularity as the preferred golf-and-travel destination include:
- More than 170 courses offering a variety of price points and designs from world-class architects such as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Jerry Pate and Tom Fazio
- Year-round golf weather with temperate conditions throughout five distinct regions — The Hills, The Delta, The Capital/River, The Pines, The Coastal
- Home to two annual PGA TOUR events: The Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic of the Champions Tour, played at Fallen Oak in March and the True South Classic of the PGA TOUR, played at Annandale Golf Club in July.
- Third-largest gaming destination in North America, featuring exciting gaming, upscale shopping, live entertainment, luxurious spas and internationally acclaimed golf courses
- Birthplace of blues, rock ‘n roll and country music. Mississippi Blues Trail and Country Music Trail markers are placed at key sites around the state to honor musicians and give visitors insight into the state’s diverse musical heritage
- World-famous, authentic southern cuisine offering savory barbecue, fresh seafood and French-Cajun delicacies
- A busy calendar of more than 400 unique events scheduled throughout the year
- A host of non-golf activities including boating, fishing, bird-watching, hiking, biking, hunting, camping and more
For more information, visit www.visitmississippi.org or call toll-free 1-866-801-8551.
