DJTheoret - 4/4/21
Although Biloxi, MS is best known for its beaches and casinos, its appeal to golfers and golf travelers is growing quickly. Coastal Mississippi has some amazing and stunning golf courses, with plenty of courses for the public to play, numerous restaurants to eat at, and the opportunity to win big at one of the many casinos. It’s a chance for a hole-in-one and a million-dollar jackpot all in the same day! There are 12 courses immediately in the Biloxi area; several more if you don’t mind putting a few miles on the rental car. Here’s my take on a few of them.

Grand Bear was designed by – you guessed it – Jack Nicklaus. I think he’s designed the majority of courses that have “Bear” in the name! Grand Bear is built on more than 650 acres of rolling land within the DeSoto National Forest with pine trees that come into play on several holes and lots of pine straw to hit out of. You’ll also be challenged as you wind your way through natural cypress wetlands towards championship TifEagle greens protected by deep bunkers. Grand Bear is considered by many to be one of the most spectacular courses in the South. It also has the longest driveway of any course I’ve ever encountered – 6 miles into the forest. No two holes parallel another and you won’t find any homes, roads, or other common distractions; it’s just you, Grand Bear, and that little white ball!

When it comes to dining options, you can’t go wrong with what each of the casinos has to offer: incredible buffets as well as high-end steakhouses. Get outside the casinos and head into the towns of Ocean Springs and Biloxi and I have a couple of suggestions. Patio 44 in Biloxi is known for its fresh take on classic Creole-style dishes that incorporate the freshest ingredients available from the Delta and Gulf Coast regions, dishes like shrimp and grits, fried catfish tacos, and seafood gumbo. The Buckhead Certified Angus Beef they serve is aged for a minimum of 21 days. Patio 44 also offers one of the most unique – and delicious – appetizers I’ve ever had. Their Debris Fries are a “southern take” on Canadian poutine. Perfectly cooked French fries with braised beef trimmings, brown gravy, and melted cheese, garnished with green onions. It’s a must!

Maison de Lu is Ocean Springs is another great choice. New Jersey native Luann Ellis left the snow and headed for Gulf Coast over 20 years ago and now calls Ocean Springs home. Maison De Lu is located in the heart of downtown Ocean Springs and serves some interesting creations. The Goat Cheese Torte is delicious; layered with sundried tomatoes and pesto and served with warm pita chips. The New Zealand Rack of Lamb is sliced into chops and served with the sauce du jour. The side dishes are amazing; Roasted Red Beets, Roasted Mushrooms and Onions, and a great alternative to potatoes, Twice Baked Cauliflower.

This is just a brief glimpse into everything Coastal Mississippi has to offer golfers. From great drives on the course to short drives to everything you want to do off the course, The Secret Coast has got you covered.

  rock3y - 5/7/16
Course was not up to a Nicklaus design in maintenance not a $75.00 course.

  Guppy Gums - 6/29/15
Tremendous course, well cared for, great conditions. The bar could use some help, the staff was very slow and couldn't seem to get many orders correct. Would play it again in a heart beat and next time in MS, we will.

  mcclurking - 6/19/15
The first time I played Grand Bear was 5 or 6 years ago. What a great course. It was not up to what it was then. Sand traps with very little sand was a disappointment

  TBG53 - 10/8/13
Course is in great condition and recently bikini waxed.

  rwails33 - 4/26/13
A very nice design by Jack, if played from the right tees anyone can enjoy a round here. The greenfees a bit pricey for the area great course but c'mon there are other courses as nice that is not as pricey as here. I was placed behind now get this...a foursum of seniors and a fivesum of senior ladies, neither of which would yield and allow play through...I had to become rude and just drove around the two groups on one hole at one par 5 there were 4 groups playing same hole....the starter knew and actually we all had the relative same tee time he said I'll get right with you but first I have to let these larger groups out first?? Really??? All in all a course worth playing. However getting the proshop was a huge chore and very hard to accomplish, I checked online and the numbers listed didn't get me anywhere...I am not sure they actually want alot of play, your guess is as good as mine dunno...

  josephs04 - 10/22/12
Great Golf Course!! Hidden Gem hid in the middle of the National forest. Jack Nicklaus did a great job with this one

  cliff1984 - 12/7/10
The course is well taken care of and the people there was awesome close to a CC setting with the price also but it would be the only course i would play again close to Biloxi if i was to go back

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