Grand Bear Golf Club, Saucier, MS

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.

Fantastic and course with some of the most helpful staff I’ve encountered. The course fits the land and is very scenic. The River us beautiful. Great practice facility.

The Grand Bear...excellent layout, beautifully maintained and a courteous staff made this an unforgettable day. We played the Brown Bear tees and were definitely challenged! This course is in the league with Doral... kudos to Jack.

I played this course and shell landing on my latest trip. By, far this course was superior to shell landing. First off, no big bugs flying around your heads. Secondly, Jack is a much better designer than DLIII.
The greens had just been verta cut, but they still rolled true.
I would make this course a must play when you visit Biloxi.

visit the area twice a year, play most of the courses in area. this is by far the cream of the crop, wonderful course, great staff will not find a better conditioned track user friendly but very very challenging. if in the area do not miss this one