Golf in the State of Mississippi
Mississippi, nicknamed the “Magnolia State”, is bordered by Alabama, Arkansas, the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana, the Mississippi River and Tennessee. Its 132 golf courses are widely distributed, with capital Jackson responsible for 20, Gulfport 14, Columbus 7, Hattiesburg 6, and the balance in various smaller communities.
The Nicklaus designed 18-hole Grand Bear Golf Club, Saucier, lives up to expectations, with many grand forest and water features. Recipient of many awards, the 36-hole Dancing Rabbit Golf Club, Philadelphia, takes advantage of a topography of hills, valleys, streams and creeks to provide an exceptional golf experience. Players of all levels will find both challenge and enjoyment at The Ole Miss Golf Course, Oxford. Pine Creek Golf Club, Purvis, has open fairways and small greens that will test players' accuracy - relaxing while also challenging. Tupelo National Golf Club, Saltillo, offers “outstanding customer service and superior course conditioning” and features a GPS system on the golf carts, which calculates exact distance to the green!
Pete Brown, born in Port Gibson, has the distinction of being the first African American to win a PGA tour event. In later years he played on the Senior PGA tour and then became head pro at the Madden Golf Course, Dayton, Ohio, eventually moving to Evans, Georgia. Glen Day was born in Mobile, Alabama and raised in Poplarville. Starting early at age 2 or 3, by the age of 10 he could often shoot par, turning professional at the age of 23. As a pro he was noted for taking a long time to make his next shot and the nickname “All Day” stuck, after being suggested by Jack Nicklaus. He has even been penalized for playing too slowly. Jimmy Green, from Meridian, is now the General Manager at Auburn Alabama's University Club. Ann Gregoy, born in Aberdeen, has been called the 20th century’s greatest African American female golfer. Andy Ogletree, born in Union, was winner of the U.S. Amateur in 2019. Mary Mills, from Laurel, was LPGA rookie of the year in 1962, after graduating from Millsaps College, where she played on the men's team and was the best player!