Page 60 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2018

SPORTS & OUTDOORS coast golf update
TEE-OFF
with Tommy
WELCOMES NEW MANAGEMENT
story by Tommy Snell photos courtesy of Grand Bear
January 2018 world’s greatest
golf courses rankings featured five Nicklaus designs, tied for the leader among living architects. The Coast welcomed the Nicklaus-designed Grand Bear in 1999, a masterful 7204 yards that offers the sandy banks of the Big Biloxi River and the stately oaks and pines of a natural forest.
Although the 1750-acre property
now is under new management, familiar faces will still greet locals who have always loved the Grand Bear layout that offers Grizzly, Golden, Brown, Black and Teddy Bear Tees. Vici Properties took over operations at Grand Bear October 6, 2017, and the grass is now greener on the other side of Highway 49.
A $300,000 bunker renovation that includes the new state-of-the-art Billy Bunker technique is just the beginning. “Vici has committed
to spend more capital to bring the property to its former glory,” said Grand Bear General Manager Tolby Strahan.
He added, “We’re not affiliated with any casino, but we have relationships with all the properties. Before, we were restricted, but now we welcome any relationships we can form.” That’s good news for local linksters. Memberships are available, and the welcome mat
for golf outings lies outside the $5 million-dollar log cabin clubhouse.
Vici owns two world-class golf courses in Las Vegas and one in Indiana, along with more than 20 real estate properties. Vici knows real estate and championship golf. New golf carts will soon be rolling down Grand Bear Way, and with them a commitment to excellence on the golf course in Saucier.
According to the new website, www.grandbeargolf.com, “this 18- hole, Jack Nicklaus Signature Course has the feel of Augusta and the excitement of Pinehurst.” Panelists agree.
“We hope you’ll find our golf course as enjoyable as we do, and we hope to see you soon at Grand Bear. Bring your friends,” says Head Professional Ian Kahn. “Email me at Ikahn@viciproperties.com or Tolby at tstrahan@viciproperties.com if we can ever be of any assistance.”
Grand Bear Golf Shop
228.265.9363
60 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • December 2018
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