Page 96 - Play Coastal Mississippi - Winter, 2026

GOLF & OUTDOORS
96PLAYCOASTALMISSISSIPPI I WINTER2026
COASTALMISSISSIPPI.COM
Story by Tommy Snell
Can you keep a secret? Neither can Coastal Mississippi, better known as the “Golf Coast” to millions of golfers who have birdied in the sunshine and par-fected course-record friendships on the Gulf’s tee boxes. USA Today 10Best named Coastal Mississippi the #4 Best Golf Destination (2025) and described the Mississippi Gulf Coast as “a premier golf destination with nearly 20 top-tier courses that are open year-round.”
As impressive as that award might be, the golf courses prove to be even more remarkable. Nicklaus, Fazio, and Palmer are among the many world-renown architects to work their magic on the “longest man-made beach in the world.” Grand Bear, Fallen Oak, and The Bridges respectively are the artistry that only this triumvirate of designers could have imagined.
Jerry Pate and Davis Love might be major champions, but their foremost accomplishments on the Coast are The Preserve and Shell Landing, two highly regarded and perfectly manicured courses that welcome golfers of all skill levels. Mark McCumber’s Windance Country Club hosted the Hogan Tour shortly after completion, giving Tom Lehman and Jeff Maggert a jump-start to their professional careers.
Coastal Mississippi has showcased golf’s greatest players for 30 years. The Ben Hogan Tour became the Nike Tour and moved to Hickory Hills Country Club in Gautier. The Nike Tour became the Buy.com Tour and teed off at The Oaks in Pass Christian. Enter PGA Tour Champions at Fallen Oak Grand Bear.
Home-grown golf is alive and well on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Pascagoula Country Club, Jackson County’s Whispering Pines Golf Course, Gulf Hills in Ocean Springs, Bayou Vista in Gulfport, and Pass Christian Isles welcome local golfers and visitors looking for a “down home” tee time. Located at Keesler Air Force Base,