The collaboration of six golf courses from the gulf coast to the northern tip of Mississippi was just unveiled to give golfers a guide to enjoy some great layouts when traveling the Magnolia State. Playing all of the Mississippi Golf Trail(MGT) venues will let golfers enjoy a fun experience from the many regions of the diverse and beautiful state.
Starting at the northeast corner of the state, Timber Truss Golf Course in Olive Branch is a semi-private facility located just 14 miles from the Memphis Airport. In 2019 Jon Goin, a distinguished PGA professional, purchased the 180-acre property and has been making improvements to the golf course and clubhouse, which includes an expanded grill and outdoor seating area overlooking the golf course. Goin changed the name(previously Plantation Golf Club which opened in 1990), and the logo coming from the signature bridge behind the 13th green. Their new fleet of golf carts is equipped with GPS, plus there is a Finn Cycle, a single rider motorcycle-like golf cart. The Timber Truss is known for its fun and interesting layout and good conditions.
Bay Pointe Golf and Country Club located in Brandon near the capital of Jackson has been owned and operated by the Belton Family since 1992. Opened in 1988, the semi-private club is known for its excellent conditions, beautiful natural landscape and a special brand of southern hospitality. There is a large driving range, a newly designed short game area with a 50-foot greenside bunker and an indoor teaching facility equipped with a Trackman 4 and Virtual Golf 2 Simulator that makes up the Brent Belton Golf Academy. Another part of the charm of Bay Pointe is their unique practice putting green in the circular driveway that leads to the clubhouse. The 6,760-yard course has four sets of tees for golfers to enjoy the hilly fairways and lovely water features throughout. BayPointeGolfResort.com.
The oldest course on the MGT is the hidden treasure Natchez Golf Club at Duncan Park which opened in 1916. The golf course is public and just minutes from the beautifully restored historical downtown of Natchez, the westernmost point on the Trail. Seymour Dunn designed the original nine holes, and in 1993 the well-respected architect Bryan Ault completed the second nine. This elegant 18 hole, par 71, 6,502-yard wonder takes golfers on a journey through a garden of dogwoods, azaleas and crepe-myrtles bordered by majestic longleaf pines and century-old oaks draped in Spanish moss. in 1924 Walter Hagen visited the then Duncan Park Golf Club and had an exhibition match prior to his PGA Championship win at French Lick. Go enjoy the walk in the footsteps of an 11 time major champion at Natchez.
Okatoma Golf Club is located in the Pinebelt of the state about 30 miles north of Hattiesburg in the quiet village of Collins. For 24 years Okatoma has been providing the folks from around these parts with a quality golf course at reasonable rates and a place for the local charities and churches to come together, play some fun golf and raise money for their beneficiaries. The 6,244-yard course has 4 sets of tees to allow abilities to enjoy the lovely rolling and wide-open fairways framed by native forests, the lovely and impressive sloping greens, and the warmth and friendliness of the staff. In Choctaw, Okatoma means shining water, and the Okatoma Creek nearby is a favorite for kayak and canoe enthusiasts. OkatawaGolfClub.com.
Staying in the Pinebelt, 45 miles south in Purvis is Pine Creek Golf Club, the second oldest of the MGT and another local favorite featuring a great piece of land that flows down to Beaver Lake, which borders the course at the edge where Pine Creek sits. The 6,152-yard, par-71 layout with three sets of tees is a pleasure for golfers of any skill level to play. The golf course will challenge golfers while providing a relaxing, picturesque backdrop with long rolling fairways, blind shots to small sloping greens with hardly any bunkers. Easy access 3 miles from exit 51 on I-59 just south of Hattiesburg. PurvisPineCreek.com.
The youngest and longest course of the six is the Davis Love III beautifully designed Shell Landing Golf Club near the Gulf of Mexico in Gautier. I have personal knowledge of Shell Landing, having been there for the opening in 2000, and playing it again when I visited the Mississippi Gulf Coast for a whirlwind tour of their offerings. The Club is conveniently located just off of Highway 90 between Mobile, Alabama and Biloxi, Mississippi. The five sets of tees(named for the turtle species of the Gulf) ranging from over 7,000 down to 5,000 forward make the magnificent layout playable for all golfers. The spectacular golf course features a diverse topography in a tranquil setting with beautiful holes playing along waterways and marshes with challenges around every corner. ShellLandingGolf.com.
The Mississippi Golf Trail will be expanding towards the end of the summer. There are some special prizes for those that are able to play all six between now and July 4th. If you intend to play all six of them, email MGT@usa.com to get all the instructions before you start playing. For more information on the MGT visit themississippigolftrail.com .
