Let's Golf® Destinations 2023

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DESTINATIONS

2023 WWW. L ETS G OLF.COM

A GOLF VACATION THAT’S ABOVE PAR

Located in the heart of the best golf courses on the Alabama Gulf Coast, Turquoise Place and The Beach Club Resort & Spa offer all the amenities and services golfers will appreciate. These include onsite dining, spacious upscale accommodations, an HD Golf Simulator at The Beach Club, and balcony hot tubs at Turquoise Place.

Call 800-657-1774 to learn more about our Stay & Play golf packages. BeachClubAL.comTurquoisePlace.com

Welcome to the 26th annual edition of our Let’s Golf® publication, in which we provide you information on some great golf destinations across the country. From the exciting casino action in Mississippi to the endless sunshine in Martin County, Florida; from the sugarwhite beaches of Coastal Alabama to inland hotspots in South Carolina; from the many themed golf trails of Louisiana to the original golf trail in Alabama; from the Kentucky State Park’s 13 golf courses to the exciting Golf Capital of Tennessee

Golf’s Top Hotspots..................................................4 Sweet Home Alabama..............................................6 Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, AL........................8 North Alabama............................................................9 Auburn-Opelika, AL..................................................10 Visit Mobile, AL..........................................................11 Gulf Shores, AL........................................................12 Kiva Dunes Resort, Gulf Shores, AL

Discover Martin County, FL..................................14 Kentucky State Parks............................................16 Louisiana Golf Trails................................................18 Visit Lake Charles, LA..........................................20 Gaylord, MI................................................................22 Visit Mississippi......................................................24 Brunswick Islands of NC......................................26 Maggie Valley Club & Resort, NC......................28 South Carolina’s Inland Golf

Crossville/Cumberland County, TN....................31

in Crossville; and from both the coast and the mountains of North Carolina to summer’s best place to stay and play, Gaylord, Michigan, you’ll be able to find just the right getaway for your golf group. You can always visit LetsGolf.com for direct links to all the great destinations within this guide. Once there, sign up for our e-newsletter filled with golf package offers and destination highlights. And come find us at a North Coast Golf & Travel Show near you this winter found at NorthCoastGolfandTravelShows.com.

COVER: Rees Jones Course at Sea Trail Resort, Sunset Beach, NC

PUBLISHED BY: Publisher/Editor: Pam Shaheen Art Director: Mary Beth Gabriel

Let’s Golf® Destinations is published by Crossroads Marketing, Inc., 404-888-9314, sales@letsgolf.com. Photos courtesy of golf course and/or advertiser. ©2023 All rights reserved. @LetsGolfTravel

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WELCOME TO LET’S GOLF® Choose from a variety of exciting destinations. LETSGOLF.COM

GOLF’S TOP HOTSPOTS

Let’s Golf® Destinations

Choosing a golf destination for your annual golf trip is a fun and sometimes challenging task. Different people want different experiences in their dream golf vacation. Some in your group may want to stay at a multi-course, full-service golf resort and never leave the premises. Some may want to play as many different courses as possible and just crash in a convenient hotel to play poker each night. And some may want to explore the local restaurants, craft breweries and other nightlife, while playing great golf all day. After the interesting few year’s we’ve just had, this year’s decision may be harder still. The many destinations in this edition of Let’s Golf® are genuinely ready to host golf travelers. Easy drives on the appropriate interstate from most of the Northeast and Midwest will get you to your choice of one of our vacation hotspots in less than a day. Plus more and more direct flights are coming online each day to serve these locations.

The vast majority of the golf courses within the locations in our guide are open year round. The southeastern United States boasts some of the best winter, spring and fall weather for golf anywhere around. And for summer golf vacations, there’s no better location than Northern Michigan. You just need to decide when you want to go, how far you want to travel, what you want to spend per night,

what kind of lodging you prefer and what level of golf courses you want to play. If you’re also looking for activities off the course, we can assure you that our featured vacation locales can provide unique options. You can choose to fish in the lakeside, riverfront and coastal locations; visit historic sites and museums indicative of the places you visit; hike or bike on trails to get your heart pumping; try your luck in a resort casino; dance and listen to live music; tour and sample craft beers and the products of local distilleries; or just stroll shops along a waterfront, in a quaint downtown, or at an outlet mall.

Unique restaurant offerings in our destinations range from delectable fried chicken, smoked barbecue and pub grub of burgers and onion rings to freshcaught seafood from both oceans and lakes, traditional Southern meat and vegetables, and even award-winning, fine dining to surprise and delight you.

The bottom line is that you and your family, business associates or gals and buddy group deserve some time in the sun, walking the fairways, leaving all your cares behind, and creating a special time of camaraderie that only your annual golf trip can provide. So, take a look through the pages in this guide and don’t just dream about your trip, make your plans to get away soon.

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Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Grand National, Auburn-Opelika, AL The Preserve Golf Club, Biloxi, MS
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The Tribute Golf Course at Otsego Resort, Gaylord, MI

SWEET HOME ALABAMA

Craft Breweries • Coastal Fishing • Award-Winning Cuisine

Alabama has become one of the most exciting golf destinations in the southeast. The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, which meanders throughout the entire state, has paved the way for the unique vacation concept of traveling from site to site. And Gulf Shores-Orange Beach, offers the traditional stay and play golfing vacation with several world class signature courses from which to choose.

Central Alabama offers a multitude of challenging and fun golf courses for your pleasure. Golf Digest named the AuburnOpelika area the Most Golfer-Friendly city in America in its biennial survey of Metro Golf rankings. The two cities are home to several first rate courses, most notably the Trail’s Grand National, with 54 holes of award-winning golf. Its two championship courses, The Links and The Lake, were named 2nd and 4th Best New Public Courses in the Nation, respectively, by Golf Digest when they opened. The lodging options vary from convenient limited service hotels to the luxurious Hotel at Auburn University and the Marriott Resort & Spa at Grand National, the area’s only stay and play resort. It maintains AAA Four Diamond status and was named Marriott’s Hotel of the Year.

On the Alabama Gulf Coast, Mobile’s premier golfing facility is the RTJ Golf Trail at Magnolia Grove. With its 54 holes, it’s no wonder Golf Digest has ranked Mobile

one of the top Golf Value Destinations. Also in the greater Mobile area, the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, an RTJ Golf Trail resort division property and a member of the prestigious Marriott Autograph Collection Hotels. The resort features the legendary Lakewood Golf Club’s 36 holes, superb dining and many ways to be pampered.

Alabama’s Gulf Coast is home to the state’s only gulf-front golf resort. Located on an extraordinary piece of property directly along the sugar-white shores, Kiva Dunes is a Jerry Pate design with large, fast greens, huge bunkers and a challenging cross wind between Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Lodging options at Kiva Dunes Resort include beachfront houses, fairway villas and golf condos above the clubhouse.

The other exciting courses in the Gulf Shores-Orange Beach area include 36 holes of Arnold Palmer signature golf at Craft Farms, Peninsula’s 27 scenic and challenging holes, and the friendly Gulf Shores Golf Club.

Visit Sweet Home Alabama to experience the original golf trail, play on mountainous and coastal designs, sample unique breweries and distilleries, dine in local BBQ joints or James Beard-awarded dining options and you’ll be guaranteed a safe and good time in one of the friendliest places on earth.

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ROBERT TRENT JONES GOLF TRAIL 26 Courses at 11 Locations in Alabama

Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is a visually stunning collection of masterpiece courses, carved out of the hills, valleys, and marshes of Alabama. A total of 459 holes on 26 courses provides an unforgettable experience to golfers looking for something really special on

their next golf vacation. Traveling all around Alabama, golf groups try to play as many courses in a trip as possible, and they come back year after year to fit in a few more of the eleven sites and eight resorts and hotels sprinkled around the state.

RTJGOLF.COM IT’S TIME TO PLAY BETTER GOLF Experience your choice of courses at 11 different sites on Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Visit rtjgolf.com or call 800.949.4444 to learn more. RTJ GOLF TRAIL AT HIGHLAND OAKS // MARSHWOOD #3 8

NORTH ALABAMA

From Mountains & Lakes to Rockets & Space

The rolling hills and pristine lakes of North Alabama provide golfers with stunning backdrops. Destinations such as Cullman, Gadsden, Huntsville, Florence and Muscle Shoals all beckon golf travelers with their unique southern hospitality. Hiking, fishing, boating and

other outdoor activities abound in the region. Plus there are three locations on the RTJ Golf Trail, a unique Craft Beer Trail and a BBQ Trail. Golf travelers will find just the right destination for their interests, budget and playing style in the Alabama mountains by visiting NorthAlabama.org.

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AUBURN-OPELIKA Alabama’s Sweet Spot

Auburn-Opelika is the coolest college town in the South, according to us, and one of the top cities in America to live, according to CNN. Easy to get to and easy to love, it’s a perfect choice for a golf getaway. Grab your clubs and follow the world-renowned Robert Trent Jones

Golf Trail right over to Opelika. You’ll find Grand National, the site Jones himself proclaimed “the single greatest site for a course” he had ever seen. Stay on site at the Marriott Resort, with its luxurious spa and cabana bar by the pool or at your choice of over 30 area properties.

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VISIT MOBILE, ALABAMA

Born To Celebrate

Funky, feisty, and festive. Historic, hip, and happening. Or colorful, cool and cultured. You can call this coastal town a lot of things when you have a vibrant 300 year history with lots of stories to tell and traditions celebrated on a regular basis. Our golf history is long and varied,

highlighted by the 54 holes at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail’s Magnolia Grove. Once called the Paris of the South, Mobile has long been the cultural center of the Gulf Coast and you'll find an authentic experience like nowhere else in the southern United States.

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GULF SHORES, ALABAMA

Coastal Alabama Golf

Book your group at nine championship courses with just one call! Coastal Alabama Golf gives group coordinators the easiest way to book multiple rounds on multiple courses. We can handle groups of all sizes and can also take care of booking your lodging. Gulf Shores provides golfers great

options to play every day. Craft Farms features Alabama's only Arnold Palmer designs, Cotton Creek and Cypress Bend. Peninsula provides another 27 holes of golf with three distinct nines designed by Earl Stone. Don’t let booking your group play be a hassle. We make it easy, so give us a call!

COASTALALABAMAGOLF.COM GULF SHORES, AL 251.968.5339 CALL 12

KIVA DUNES Beach Resort & Golf Course

Kiva Dunes Golf Course is home to Alabama’s highest ranked public golf course – a must play for golfers of all skill levels, and 100% open to the public. Get the most out of your game by taking advantage of our "Stay & Play Packages", fully customizable to fit your ideal beach

and golf getaway. Rentals range from beach homes to large condos overlooking the 18th green. With four pools, two on-site restaurants and over 3,000ft of private beachfront; Kiva Dunes Resort is perfect for your next vacation!

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DISCOVER MARTIN

COUNTY, FLORIDA

Where the Great Outdoors Still Feels Natural

Avid golfers have long flocked to Florida to experience some of the best golf courses in America. But savvy travelers who appreciate less crowded, more under-the-radar escapes know the grass is greener in Martin County.

This beloved stretch of the Sunshine State is blessed with a natural sand ridge that stands out alongside the Treasure Coast’s typically flat terrain, resulting in amazing golf courses set against picturesque coastal landscapes.

Martin County is home to more than 35 world-class courses including 15 private courses, boasting an impressive collection of options created by notable designers like Jack Nicklaus, Chi Chi Rodriguez, Arnold Palmer, Pete Dye, and both Tom and Jim Fazio. Many of the courses in the area are traditional Floridastyle layouts with long, wide fairways surrounded by stately ancient oaks, pines and palmettos, yet you’ll also discover some exciting, rolling fairways and wellbunkered greens.

Stuart’s Sailfish Sands Golf Course re-opened in 2021 and now boasts Florida’s only reversible 9-hole course, plus a regulation 18-hole course and a 13acre practice area with interactive LED targets. The reimagined complex is still a stop along the Florida Historic Golf Trail.

Golfers can stay and play in Martin County with a nice diversity of quaint

inns, romantic retreats, family-oriented hotels and beachside resorts. For the full experience, plan your visit to the Marriott Hutchinson Island Beach Resort, Golf & Marina. Situated on 200 acres overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the relaxing retreat offers a pristine 18-hole Ocean Club Golf Course, where players can soak in the views while swinging by the sea. The resort also boast 274 villa-style guest rooms with private balconies and stunning views, a 77-slip private marina, 13 tennis courts, three outdoor pools, a full service restaurant and a tiki bar.

The legacy of old Florida lives on in Martin County, where the arts and cultural attractions embody the natural beauty of classic Florida, while providing a fun, Key West vibe and nearly 22 miles of beautiful beaches. Encompassing the communities of Port Salerno, Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Indiantown, Jupiter Island, Hobe Sound, and Hutchinson Island, Martin County provides the perfect setting for golf, as well as world-class fishing, water sports, and eco-adventures.

Martin County is easily accessible, located right on I-95, just 45 minutes from Palm Beach International Airport and an hour from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

All of this makes Martin County, Florida your perfect golf destination, so visit www.DiscoverMartin.com today.

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KENTUCKY STATE PARKS Getaway to Golf

Kentucky is famed for bluegrass, bourbon, beautiful mountains and thoroughbreds. Spurred by a renewed focus from the State Park system, golf has become a large part of Kentucky’s recreational reputation. Many of the Kentucky State Parks, situated in every region of the state, offer exciting championship play among the pastoral beauty of the countryside. Each course boasts an outstanding golf experience for players of all ages. Four courses, which were the last to open, Grayson Lake, Pine Mountain, Dale Hollow and Yatesville Lake, have all received national awards from Golf Digest as a “Best New Affordable Public Course” when they opened. And that’s the level of quality you can expect from all of the state park courses.

The latest improvement to the Kentucky State Park golf courses was at General Burnside Island. The older golf course was totally redesigned and is located on an island surrounded by Lake Cumberland in Somerset. Brian Ault, designer of Dale Hollow and Hidden Cove, both recognized by Golf Digest, designed this spectacular, new layout. At 6,394 yards, the course features rolling Zoysia fairways, Bentgrass tees and larger Bentgrass greens.

Kentucky offers 17 state resort parks, more than any other state. This wealth of resort parks has given rise to their

reputation as “the nation’s finest” state park system. Kentucky’s resort parks were developed to bring unexpected comfort and recreational opportunity in the midst of unspoiled nature. Six of the resort parks offer 18-hole courses. They are Barren River, Kentucky Dam Village, Lake Barkley, Pennyrile Forest, Dale Hollow Lake and Pine Mountain. The golf resorts are family friendly with courses that are easy enough for junior golfers but well conditioned and challenging enough for adults; great dining experiences; and close proximity to charming cities or towns.

If you love to travel to play golf, the Kentucky State Parks Stay and Play flexible golf package allows you to choose your length of stay, type of lodging and golf options. Select on-site lodge rooms with full service restaurants or two and three bedroom cottages with gathering areas for groups. The golf courses offer the perfect mix of championship play and escape to the peaceful surroundings of the Kentucky State Resort Park lodges. With 13 state park golf courses, there is sure to be something for everyone. Plus, other recreational opportunities, such as boating, fishing, and incredible scenic beauty are available. The Kentucky State Parks resorts and golf courses are the perfect spot for a golf vacation. Go online to www.parks.ky.gov/golf for rates, more details and to book your getaway.

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Nestled in some of the state’s most beautiful settings, Kentucky State Parks’ 13 Golf Courses Kentucky Golf offer award-winning play, plus a whole lot more. Private cabins or lodges with restaurants supply the stay, while trails, marinas, and the amazing variety of links supply the play. Packages allow for flexible length of stay and golf options. Call your park of choice for pricing and availability. Contact and course information at parks.ky.gov/golf parks.ky.gov/golf.

YOUR PARK. PICK YOUR PATH.
PICK
#kystateparks

LOUISIANA GOLF TRAILS

“Golf, Louisiana Style” is about more than just playing golf on exciting courses and staying in luxurious golf resorts, although the state surely boasts all of that along the well-known Audubon Golf Trail. This collection of 17 hand-selected courses throughout the state showcases the diversity and unique challenges in every region of the Sportsman’s Paradise. It’s also about all the other adventures that makes Louisiana such a special place to visit, and rather than having to research non-golfing activities during your golf trip to Louisiana, they’ve done the heavy lifting for you and created some 3-day itineraries that combine your passions – including fishing, gaming, food, craft beers, distilleries and music. You can pick and choose, customize them or combine them to have a golf vacation that coincides with your distinct passions.

Golf & Fishing Trails... In Louisiana, fishing isn’t a pastime or a hobby. It’s a way of life. From lakes and marshes to the deep blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, enjoy Louisiana's world-class fishing.

Golf & Gaming Trails... Louisiana has been called “Las Vegas South” because of the sheer number and size of the casinos, along with all the well-known entertainment provided alongside hot games. Whether you're splitting sevens in Shreveport, rolling dice between tee times in Lake Charles or testing your luck in downtown New Orleans, you'll have a ball gaming in Louisiana.

Golf & Culinary Trails... Not long ago, there was a scientific study that ranked Louisiana as the nation’s happiest state. Many reasons likely led to this distinction, but it’s fairly certain that the incredible Louisiana cuisine played a role. From fresh Gulf seafood and boudin to andouille sausage gumbo and muffulettas, the culinary adventures are second to none.

Golf & Craft Brewery Trails... Inspired by the flavors of the land and Louisiana's abundant local products, brewers are proving that hand-crafted is the way to go. Taste the difference yourself by stopping in for a tasting tour. Visiting Louisiana’s breweries is an excellent way to explore the culture and history of Louisiana towns.

Golf & Music Trails... Music is engrained in the soul of Louisiana. The birthplace of jazz, zydeco, Cajun, and swamp pop, Louisiana has also inspired genres ranging from blues and country to hip-hop, gospel and rock ‘n’ roll. And one of the best parts of Louisiana music – you can find it everywhere! From the main stage of a music festival to Cajun restaurants and street performers, the sounds of Louisiana are around every corner.

Let these many vacation ideas, plus the endless beauty and unique challenges on Louisiana’s golf courses feed your soul and inspire you to start planning your #OnlyLouisiana golf getaway today at LouisianaGolfTrails.com.

Fishing • Gaming • Culinary • Craft Beer • Distilleries • Music LOUISIANAGOLFTRAILS.COM 18

There is no limit on golf trails in Louisiana

Golf & Distillery Trails

Get swinging in more ways than one in a place where you can get away from it all while getting a little closer to what brings you joy.

Come one, come y’all – Come feed your soul in Louisiana. Visit LouisianaGolfTrails.com and plan your custom “golf & more” getaway today.

Golf & Fishing Trails Golf & Music Trails Golf & Culinary Trails Golf & Craft Beer Trails
©2023 Louisiana Department of
Recreation & Tourism
Culture,

VISIT LAKE CHARLES Louisiana’s Playground

Soak in the blend of intriguing contrasts from Cajun/Creole cooking to luxurious surroundings and outdoor recreation in Louisiana’s Playground. Home to two gaming resort properties, L’Auberge Casino Resort and Golden Nugget, both boast championship golf courses. Play Tom Fazio’s Contraband Bayou Golf Club at L’Auberge or the Country Club at Golden Nugget, named the #1 course in Louisiana in Golfweek’s Best of 2021! While on property at either resort, you can enjoy lazy rivers with swim-up bars, the warm glow of firepits overlooking the beach, live music or get a spa treatment or two – not to mention fine or casual dining on site.

Nearby, The National Golf Club of Louisiana, named as one of the Top 5 Public Courses in Louisiana, recently underwent renovations with their new restaurant – “The Max.” Louisiana signature dishes are on the menu, so you’ll want to make sure you save room for a filling, classic Louisiana meal. Another stand-out is Mallard Golf Club south of town in Lake Charles – complete with preserved Louisiana’s wetlands throughout the course. Also featuring a driving range, you’ll notice wildlife, birds and indigenous plants are sprinkled throughout the Scottish links course.

While in town, explore downtown Lake Charles for dining and shopping or art exhibits. Crowd favorites downtown

include Luna Bar & Grill, The Villa, Pujo Street Café, Botsky’s Premium Hotdogs and Buffi’s Peaux Boys for dining or Stellar Beans for beignets and coffee. Seasonally, festivals and events are held in the streets of downtown from art walks to music festivals or culinary events.

Kayak, canoe or paddleboard rentals are popular experiences for people who want to glide out on the waterways surrounding the Lake Area. For night cruising, Lake City Cruisers lighted bike rentals offer guided tours around along the lakefront. Nearby, Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point is the perfect launchpad to the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road for walking trails and shelling along Gulf Beaches while spotting an alligator or two!

Other hot spots include South Beach Volleyball with 9 white sand volleyball courts, complemented by a bar & grill. Or, for a cold brew, check out Crying Eagle Brewing Company. Here, patrons can enjoy an outside beer garden, stage with live music, wine and spirits, games and The Bistro for stone fired pizza and more. A trot down the road, enjoy Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel for games of chance, dining experiences, and of course, horseracing!

For more information on where to stay, jazz and blues brunches, live music and more, check out VisitLakeCharles.org.

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GAYLORD, MICHIGAN America’s Summer Golf Mecca

For over 35 years, the top golf courses in the Gaylord, Michigan area have been marketed together as the Gaylord Golf Mecca and have gained an impressive reputation. It’s because the area truly offers the best combination of quantity and quality of golf, right in the heart of Michigan’s beautiful land of lakes and trees.

With the highest overall elevation in Michigan’s scenic Lower Peninsula, the Gaylord area offers stunning views and challenging play with several courses built into valleys. Terrain ranges from dramatic drops with rolling greens to classic parkland style courses, all suited for the novice or championship player.

The Gaylord Golf Mecca is comprised of 17 unique but equally respectable courses: Treetops Resort, offering 5 award winning courses by Tom Fazio, Rick Smith and Robert Trent Jones, Sr., is nationally recognized as a leading golf destination. Otsego Resort, offering two pristine courses, including The Tribute designed by Gary Koch with dramatic views, is also known for its Swiss-style architecture. The Natural at Beaver Creek Resort offers 18 walkable but challenging holes. If you’re looking for a throwback round with a caddie and excellent dining, The Pines course at Michaywe delivers. Gaylord Golf Club unarguably offers some of the finest greens you will ever find. Garland Lodge and Golf Resort boasts 4 courses with some challenging holes built around the

natural wetlands. Lakes of the North Golf Course offers a parkland style layout designed by Jerry Matthews and Bill Newcomb. Just north of Gaylord you will find Indian River Golf Club, a traditional, timeless course that meanders through northern Michigan’s wilderness. Finally, for isolated holes designed by famed architect Rees Jones that allow you to truly get lost in the game, Black Lake Golf Club is just a short drive away.

Along with an impressive course lineup, the Mecca also offers unbeatable summer weather. As temperatures rise above 100 degrees in the southwest and southern states, comfortable temperatures prevail in northern Michigan. With breezes finding their way from the Great Lakes only 60 minutes away, average summertime temperatures reach just 80 degrees.

In addition to our picture-perfect weather, Gaylord is in the Eastern Time zone where Daylight Savings makes you wait just a little longer for a beautiful sunset over the many greens in the region. Extended play is the name of the game and golfers will find themselves swinging into the twilight hours, finishing up their last round of the day as late as 10:00 p.m. as the sun is finally setting.

Visit www.gaylordgolfmecca.com for more information about all of our member courses and golf resorts, so you can plan an unbelievable trip to America’s Summer Golf Mecca.

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Mississippi is where the game of golf meets Southern charm and where lush fairways lead to unparalleled post-round entertainment, including casino gaming and legal sports betting.

Visiting golfers have their pick of more than 140 courses – designed by prominent names like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Jerry Pate, Tom Fazio, Davis Love III and Bob Cupp. But for the golfer who likes to experience high-energy competition both on and off the course, some of the state’s top golf destinations are located alongside highend, high-excitement casino gaming resorts.

One favorite golf course on the Mississippi coast is Fallen Oak, a Tom Fazio design exclusive to the high-end Beau Rivage Resort, an MGM property. The 18-hole, par-72 championship layout offers quite the challenge to the seasoned golfer, making it one of Mississippi’s most soughtafter courses.

Another renowned coastal course is Biloxi’s Preserve Golf Club, which is alongside the Palace Casino and Resort. The Jerry Pate designed Preserve boasts 245 acres of playable course surrounded by 1,800 acres of preserved coastal land. Rounding out the coastal courses is the Jack Nicklaus-designed Grand Bear. The signature course for Harrah’s Gulf Coast Casino, Grand Bear is just north of Gulfport. Following a renovation, including new greens, bunkers, tees and the widening of playing corridors, The Refuge near Jackson

reopened in 2021 with a new 200-room luxury hotel and conference center near the airport. The course provides a playable layout with three new holes and returning nines, and features stunning views with impeccable course conditions.

Ninety miles northeast of the state capital of Jackson, Dancing Rabbit Golf Club is built on the ancestral lands of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. Located in the heart of the pines region, the club features two courses with challenging terrain, the Oaks and the Azaleas. Designed by Fazio and Pate, these 36 holes are serenely nestled among ancient pines and hardwoods and situated adjacent to the Pearl River Casino Resort.

Less than an hour south of Memphis, Tunica serves as the gateway to the Mississippi Delta region. It is home to numerous musical and gaming venues, including Hollywood Casino, Gold Strike and Horseshoe Casino. Among the gaming resorts lies Tunica National, a Mark McCumber design.

And while there are no gaming resorts nearby these next two courses, we would be remiss to leave out Mossy Oak, the state’s newest golf club, and Old Waverly, one of the South’s most esteemed courses. Old Waverly, designed by Bob Cupp and Jerry Pate, blends Scottish links with Southern landscape. Sister course Mossy Oak is a Gil Hanse design with a minimalist approach that gives way to the natural lay of the land.

VISIT MISSISSIPPI Dining • Entertainment • Gaming • Fishing • Golf • History VISITMISSISSIPPI.ORG 24
Mossy Oak Golf Course | West Point, Mississippi
Mississippi is famous for the blues. But our greens are pretty spectacular, too.
#WanderMS If you’re looking for challenging play and beautiful scenery, true destination courses designed by Nicklaus, Palmer, Fazio, and other luminaries, with a number of stunning courses located at VisitMississippi.org/Golf

BRUNSWICK ISLANDS

North Carolina’s Golf Coast

Plan your ultimate golf vacation on North Carolina’s Golf Coast. With 540 holes of golfing treasure, NC’s Brunswick Islands has options aplenty. Each of the more than 30 championship courses has its own unique features and challenges to satisfy every golfer’s appetite, from beginner to highly skilled enthusiast.

You’ll find some of the best golf on the entire Grand Strand/Myrtle Beach area is actually in NC’s Brunswick Islands, with layouts sculpted by legends such as Palmer, Byrd, Maples, Jones, Cate and Couples. When you stroll these wellmanicured fairways, you are literally walking in the steps of the game’s giants. And because of the Brunswick Islands’ secluded, un-crowded location, you’ll always find excellently-maintained courses, the perfect tee time, great golf packages and a game that tests your skills.

Brunswick Plantation is one of the most sought-after resorts along the whole Grand Strand. With on-site condominiums and 27 holes of golf, designed by Willard Byrd and Clyde Johnston, it’s considered golf central for the coastal area. Another golf resort of note is Sea Trail, with three 18-hole courses and on-site villas.

Oyster Bay’s layout is a rare, harmonious blend of the penal, heroic and strategic philosophies of golf course architecture of old, thanks to Dan Maples’

vision. Carolina National is an AudubonCertified Sanctuary Golf Course designed by Fred Couples. The Arnold Palmerdesigned River’s Edge is a must play. The Pearl exhibits fast rolling greens and finely manicured fairways bordering the coastal marshland and Calabash River. Ocean Ridge Plantation is home to four exciting courses, known as the “big cats.” And in the most northern part of the county near Wilmington are Cape Fear National, named a Best Course You Can Play by Golfweek and Compass Pointe providing unusual elevation changes for its coastal locale. And on top of great golf in a relaxed beach setting, there’s exceptional seafood and waterfront dining with spectacular views. Whether you only have golf on your schedule or looking to add golf to a family vacation, North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is a destination you don’t want to miss.

NC’s Brunswick Islands offers something for every golfer, whether you are seeking a relaxed late-afternoon round with your spouse or a more spirited weekend getaway fueled by some friendly competition. And, best of all, our mild climate on North Carolina’s southern coast lets you immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience any time of year. Visit www.NCBrunswickGolf.com for more information and start planning your trip now.

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North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands SUNSET BEACH • OCEAN ISLE BEACH • HOLDEN BEACH • OAK ISLAND CASWELL BEACH • BALD HEAD ISLAND • LELAND • SHALLOTTE • SOUTHPORT • CALABASH 30+ championship golf courses 120 miles of immaculate fairways Unmatched coastal landscapes Get to know NC’s Golf Coast NCBrunswickGolf.com

MAGGIE

VALLEY

CLUB & RESORT

North Carolina’s Mountain Splender

Nestled between the majestic Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains lies the hidden gem of Maggie Valley Club & Resort, offering relaxation and outdoor adventures. At 3,000 ft. elevation, our resort is the perfect location to be away from the fast-paced city and enjoy luxurious accommodations, first class dining and outdoor adventures.

Year-round golf is always amazing at Maggie Valley with North Carolina's temperate climate and the 6,500-yard course's native foliage and 30 acres of fairways. Our golf course highlights some of Western North Carolina’s most spectacular scenery. Beginners and even the most seasoned players will find our course a unique challenge. Players can warm up at the front Valley Nine or undertake the challenging Mountain Nine, which features an elevation rise of 800 feet and panoramas of the valley.

Adding to the allure of our mountain resort are premium on-site amenities including a heated pool, hot tub, tennis courts, driving range, a short game practice area, walking trails, yoga classes and a fitness room. Plus our close proximity to hiking and biking trails, fishing, whitewater rafting, horseback riding and zip-lining round out the many outdoor adventures.

Our spacious on-site accommodations and vacation rentals offer the ultimate in

deluxe comfort, certain to make your stay a comfortable one. Adorned with designer furnishings and featuring an inviting living room with gas fireplaces, our condos offer private balconies and golf course views. With a full kitchen, choose to eat in or take advantage of our resort’s Pin High Bar & Grille or local eateries ranging from Italian to pit-cooked BBQ and Southern fare.

Once you've had your fair share of golfing, explore the many activities around Maggie Valley. Located between Cherokee and Waynesville, you can enjoy the culture and charm of our small town, with access to the restaurants and nightlife of these other mountain towns. Waynesville boasts three craft breweries and Cherokee is home to historical, Native American sites and Harrah’s Cherokee Casino. Plus, Asheville is 30 miles away.

Locally, visit the Elevated Mountain Distillery, purveyors of great Smoky Mountain whiskey and other spirits; B & C Winery, mixing fresh mountain spring water with grapes from around the world to create their unique vintages; and the new Wheels Through Time Museum, home to the world’s premier collection of rare American motorcycles and unique automobiles.

A beautiful mountain getaway, our golf resort and community makes the perfect vacation spot in Western North Carolina. Visit MaggieValleyClub.com to learn more and book now.

MAGGIEVALLEYCLUB.COM 28

Play

Maggie

and Stay at

Valley Club & Resort...

where the only distractions are the views.

Nestled between the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains, a little slice of heaven known as Maggie Valley Club and Resort awaits. Our four-season golf resort is the perfect locations to relax from the fast-paced city, and enjoy stunning mountain views, exceptional dining, upscale accommodations, and an array of outdoor adventures.

There’s always something amazing to do at Maggie Valley Club & Resort, including nothing at all.

Learn more at www.MaggieValleyClub.com

SOUTH CAROLINA

Great Value Inland Golf Destinations

A golf trip to South Carolina is on just about every golfer’s short list. And for good reason, since there is so much more to do than just golf, especially in the SanteeCooper and Pee Dee regions.

Many exciting courses and adventure on Lake Marion await in Santee, which has

been a popular golfing destination for many years. Florence, the gateway to Myrtle Beach near Darlington Motor Speedway, is the heart of the Pee Dee region, offering great golf and an affordable vacation. Both inland destinations are located just off Interstate 95.

Golf in Santee Cooper Country may well be one of the best kept secrets of the sunbelt. Lovers of the game are well pleased with the variety of courses in the area. Within a 45 minute drive of Santee, golfers can choose among 14 championship courses.

Golf the Pee Dee Golf the Pee Dee

Pee Dee Golf has enticed groups to visit again and again. Located just off I-95 near Myrtle Beach, the Pee Dee region offers world-class golf on a variety of courses! From challenging signature designs to friendly, open layouts, there’s a course for every level of golfer in the region. Come stay and play with us and discover a place like no other!

Located in the log cabin inside the Pee Dee State Farmer’s Market 2513 W. Lucas St. #6, Florence, SC 29501 843-669-0950 www.peedeetourism.com

SANTEETOURISM.COM • PEEDEETOURISM.COM
COOPER
Berkeley, Calhoun, Clarendon, Orangeburg & Sumter
STAY&PLAY
COOPER
STAY&PLAY SANTEE
COUNTRY
Counties
SANTEE
COUNTRY
call us at
or visit us online at
For more information,
1-800-227-8510
www.santeecoopercountry.org or www.santeetourism.com
DARLINGTON • DILLON • FLORENCE • LEE • MARION MARLBORO • WILLIAMSBURG COUNTIES 30

CROSSVILLE/CUMBERLAND COUNTY

The Golf Capital of TennesseeTM

Crossville easily lays claim to being the “Golf Capital of Tennessee” but as one of Tennessee’s top destinations for travelers, there's much more to offer than golf! Visitors will enjoy many outdoor activities, live entertainment, historical and cultural attractions, fine restaurants,

winery tours, an abundance of shopping, and a moderate year-round climate – not to mention the Southern charm and hospitality, beautiful country scenery and small-town atmosphere. With all Crossville has to offer, the “Golf and Vacation Capital of Tennessee” may be more appropriate.

EXPLORECROSSVILLE.COM STONEHENGE GOLF COURSE AT FAIRFIELD GLADE THE BEAR TRACE AT CUMBERLAND MOUNTAIN LAKE TANSI GOLF COURSE GOLF PACKAGES AVAILABLE. HOME OF 9 CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSES, INCLUDING FAIRFIELD GLADE AND THE BEAR TRACE.
Convention and Visitors Bureau www.explorecrossville.com 1-877-GOLF-TN1 (1-877-465-3861) 31
From Tennessee's famous Fairfield Glade community to Jack Nicklaus' Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain State Park and Historic Lake Tansi Resort on the 550 acre Lake Tansi, there's a course to suit anyone's golfing desires in the “Golf Capital of Tennessee.” Crossville-Cumberland County

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