Best Public Golf Courses in Mississippi

Updated February 2024 to update booking information.

It’s been a while since I last found myself in Mississippi, but it’s not because I don’t like the place.  Quite the opposite, in fact.  I love the Magnolia State, everything about it.  The people, food, music, culture, and you guessed it, golf. 

While I was more enamored with big whitetail bucks, largemouth bass, and hunting ducks in flooded time when I was a kid, my love for Mississippi has become deeper and wider.

Through my own exploration and experience, and the people I’ve met in my time here, I’ve come to realize there’s really no place quite like it.

I’ve also come to think the only two things people here go nuts for more than golf, might be church and college football.

It’s in that spirit that I’ve come up with a list of the ten best public golf courses.  Of course, I didn’t do it all alone; I reached out to our Golfer’s Authority readers too.

So, grab a Dr. Pepper, slice of moon pie, sit back, and enjoy.

Nestled in the lush landscapes of Saucier, Mississippi, the Grand Bear Golf Club beckons golf enthusiasts with its challenging yet picturesque course designed by Jack Nicklaus. Since its opening in 1999, this renowned course has been a standout in the Mississippi golf scene, offering a unique and natural playing experience.

The Grand Bear Golf Club features narrow fairways and undulating greens, providing a memorable and affordable golfing experience for players of all skill levels.

What sets the Grand Bear Golf Club apart is its scenic, well-regarded greens, making it a great choice for those looking to test their skills. The immaculate Bermuda fairways and greens add to the allure, ensuring a complete and unforgettable golfing experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer seeking a challenge or a newcomer looking to appreciate the beauty of the game, the Grand Bear Golf Club has something to offer. Its reputation for providing a challenging test for players, coupled with its natural beauty, makes it a must-visit for anyone passionate about the game of golf in Mississippi.

Tucked away in Starkville, Mississippi, the Mississippi State University Golf Course captivates golf enthusiasts with its meticulously designed layout and challenging yet rewarding play. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual player, this public golf course offers an unforgettable experience that showcases the best of the Magnolia State’s golfing scene.

Here’s what you can expect when you tee off at the Mississippi State University Golf Course:

• Designed by Brian Ault, the course boasts narrow fairways and undulating greens, providing a challenging test for players.
• Opened in 1985, this course offers a unique and natural playing experience, making it a standout among the state’s public golf courses.
• Known for its well-regarded greens, the course also prides itself on providing excellent service and Southern hospitality to all golfers.
• With its great value for the quality of the course, Mississippi State University Golf Course is highly praised by golfers, making it a must-visit for those seeking top-notch golfing experiences in the state.
• Situated in the heart of Starkville, this course is a true gem that showcases the beauty and challenge of golf in Mississippi.

Located in Gautier, Mississippi, Shell Landing Golf Club offers a scenic and challenging golfing experience that continues the tradition of exceptional public courses in the state. This championship course, spanning nearly 7,000 yards, presents a rewarding challenge for golfers of all skill levels.

The layout features dynamic changes in topography and elevation, providing a picturesque backdrop while demanding precision and accuracy in play. Shell Landing Golf Club is renowned for its friendly staff and affordable rates, making it a great value for the quality of the course. Additionally, the course offers stunning waterfront views, adding to the overall experience.

The emphasis on a traditional, natural playing experience sets Shell Landing Golf Club apart, providing golfers with a unique and memorable round. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a newcomer to the game, Shell Landing Golf Club promises an enjoyable and challenging round in an idyllic setting.

For those seeking a public golf course that combines beauty, challenge, and value, Shell Landing Golf Club is a must-visit destination in Mississippi.

Mossy Oak Golf Club, designed by architect Gil Hanse and named after camouflage giant Mossy Oak, offers golfers a unique and natural playing experience that has quickly gained attention in Mississippi’s golf scene since its opening in 2016. The course has garnered praise for its challenging yet playable design, making it a great value for golfers of all skill levels.

Located in West Point, Mississippi, the club features native grasses and rolling dunes, adding to the challenge and beauty of the course. The natural elements incorporated into the design provide a picturesque backdrop for an unforgettable golfing experience.

Here’s what makes Mossy Oak Golf Club stand out:

• Designed by architect Gil Hanse
• Named after camouflage giant Mossy Oak
• Offers a unique and natural playing experience
• Features native grasses and rolling dunes
• Highly praised for its challenging yet playable experience

With its unique design and natural beauty, Mossy Oak Golf Club is a must-visit for golf enthusiasts seeking a complete and memorable golfing experience in Mississippi.

If you enjoyed the unique and natural playing experience at Mossy Oak Golf Club, you’ll be delighted to discover the old-school charm and affordable green fees offered at Grove Park Golf Course.

This nine-hole course welcomes golfers of all skill levels and provides a playable layout with room for solid shots. Grove Park Golf Course is highly praised for its variety of holes, offering both challenge and scoring opportunities.

The course’s affordability combined with its quality playing experience makes it a popular choice for many golf enthusiasts. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, you can appreciate the value and enjoyment that this course provides.

The course’s accessibility and public access make it a convenient option for those seeking a relaxed yet engaging game of golf. With its old-school charm and affordable green fees, Grove Park Golf Course continues to attract golfers looking for a unique and enjoyable experience.

Immerse yourself in the challenging and picturesque landscape of Elm Lake Golf Course in Columbus, Mississippi. This championship course spans nearly 7,000 yards, offering golfers an exhilarating and complete experience.

The immaculate Bermuda fairways and greens provide a smooth playing surface, while the course’s reputation for challenging water hazards adds an element of excitement to every round.

Here are some key highlights of Elm Lake Golf Course:

• Located in Columbus, Mississippi
• Measures nearly 7,000 yards
• Immaculate Bermuda fairways and greens
• Offers a complete and unforgettable golfing experience
• Known for its challenging water hazards

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer seeking a new challenge or a beginner looking to hone your skills, Elm Lake Golf Course promises an unforgettable and rewarding day on the links. With its scenic beauty and formidable layout, this course is a must-visit for anyone passionate about the game of golf.

Nestled amidst the beautiful natural surroundings, North Creek Golf Club offers a unique and inviting links-style course experience for golf enthusiasts of all skill levels. The course, known for its playable designs, features an open layout with rolling hills, providing a variety of holes for challenge and scoring opportunities. This makes it an ideal place for both beginners and seasoned golfers to enjoy a round.

Designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus, North Creek Golf Club provides an exceptional golfing experience that showcases the hallmarks of the renowned designer’s style. The course’s strategic layout and stunning landscape make it a must-visit for those seeking a memorable golfing experience in Mississippi.

Moreover, North Creek Golf Club is located in close proximity to the prestigious Fallen Oak, adding to the allure of the golfing destination. Whether you’re looking to test your skills or simply bask in the natural beauty of the course, North Creek Golf Club promises an unforgettable day on the links.

With its reputation for exceptional service and a focus on precision and accuracy, Wedgewood Golf Club in Olive Branch, Mississippi, offers a welcoming experience for golfers of all skill levels. The modern course design and well-regarded greens make it one of the best golf experiences in the area.

Here are some key features of Wedgewood Golf Club:

• Excellent service and Southern hospitality create a welcoming atmosphere.
• The course layout emphasizes precision and accuracy, providing a challenge for all golfers.
• Well-regarded greens are known for their top quality, ensuring a smooth putting experience.
• Modern course design incorporates strategic elements to test and improve your game.
• A great choice for golfers of all skill levels, making it an inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting, Wedgewood Golf Club provides a top-notch experience that combines the best of Southern hospitality with a modern and challenging course layout.

Tee off at The Refuge Golf Course in Flowood, Mississippi, for a challenging and unforgettable 18-hole experience surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. This public course in the Magnolia State provides a complete and unforgettable golfing experience, set amidst beautiful natural surroundings. The course, playable for all skill levels, features 18 holes tucked into 200 acres of natural wetlands, surrounded by oak groves and pine trees, making it an unforgettable golfing destination. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect at The Refuge Golf Course:

Key Features
Location	Flowood, Mississippi
Difficulty	Challenging for all skill levels
Surroundings	200 acres of natural wetlands, oak groves, and pine trees

With its unique and natural setting, The Refuge Golf Course is a highly recommended option for golfers seeking a challenging and remote paradise experience just 15 minutes outside of downtown Jackson. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned golfer, this course offers a memorable and picturesque round of golf in the heart of Mississippi.

Carved from majestic forest and native wetlands, The Oaks Golf Club in Gautier, Mississippi offers golfers a challenging and scenic course that emphasizes precision and accuracy. The course features strategic bunkering and water hazards, providing a playable experience for all skill levels.

The beautiful natural surroundings and undulating green complexes add character to the traditional layout, making it a must-visit for golfers seeking a unique and natural playing experience in Mississippi. The Oaks Golf Club is known for its excellent service and Southern hospitality, ensuring a complete and unforgettable golfing experience.

As one of the best public courses in the state, The Oaks Golf Club provides:

• A challenging and scenic course emphasizing precision and accuracy.
• Strategic bunkering and water hazards for a playable experience.
• Beautiful natural surroundings and undulating green complexes adding character.
• Excellent service and Southern hospitality for a complete golfing experience.
• A unique and natural playing experience in Mississippi.

Conclusion

Mississippi is known for a lot of great things.  Food, hospitality, college football, and culture to name a few.

What you might not realize is that the state is rich with great golf too.  And the best part there’s something for every budget, taste, and preference.  You need to come find out for yourself.

I want to extend a warm thank you all of our loyal Mississippians that contributed their insight to this article.

If you have your own thoughts you’d like to add to this article, drop us a note below in the comments.