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The Mississippi Gulf Coast has an abundance of great golf courses, so how do you choose? You can enjoy the best golf near Gulfport, MS, known for its quiet and serene surroundings filled with coastal pine forests, majestic live oaks, and beautiful wetland marshes that provide a stunning backdrop for a day on the links.
Located about a 40-minute drive north of town on Highway 40 and the Biloxi River, Grand Bear Golf Club is the ultimate respite from the city. The course is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Design that opened in 1999. It’s situated deep in the DeSoto National Forest for a private getaway experience. Only the forest and cypress wetlands surround the course; there are no homes, buildings, or other city distractions. They’ve got an on-site grill and restaurant, a rustic clubhouse, and a fully-stocked golf shop.
Winner of many awards, including “Best Course on the Coast” by Coast Magazine and “Top Ten Values in Mississippi” by Golf Magazine, The Oaks is a beautiful course located just off Interstate 10 and Menge Avenue. It’s a quiet course with forests, native wetlands, and only a few homes. The par-72 course has dramatic greenery, winding routing, and strategic bunkering.
Windance features an 18-hole championship course designed by Mark McCumber in 1986. However, the club has recently gone through a transformation since Island View Casino Resort purchased it. Many upgrades have been made, including a new lake, decorative stonework, and a state-of-the-art irrigation system. Golf Week Magazine has named Windance one of the “Best Places You Can Play” nearly every year and is rated four stars by Golf Digest. The beautiful clubhouse features men’s and women’s facilities, a full pro shop, and a bar and grill.
Located on the north side of Bay St. Louis and Interstate 10 is the Diamondhead Country Club. The club features a property owners association, two restaurants, a marina, and an indoor/outdoor Golf Academy. While this is a quiet and private community, the public is welcome to enjoy their two 18-hole championship courses, tennis courts, and marina.
North of the coast on State Route 57 is The Preserve. This quiet club is surrounded by nothing but forests, just far enough out of town to be quiet and country like but close enough to be easy to get to. The course is a Certified Silver Audubon International Signature Sanctuary, one of only 21 golf courses in the world to have the designation. The work put into getting the title is obvious, and the pristine and protected natural environment only adds to the delight of playing the course. The on-site Sweetbay Restaurant serves delicious food and cocktails, and the immaculate clubhouse has a pro shop.
Golf near Gulfport, MS, is an unforgettable experience, with clean, fresh air, lots of sunshine, and delightful scenery. After you’ve hit the course, check out some of the incredible breweries near Gulfport, MS, for a refreshing brew. Fore!
