Mississippi’s Fallen Oak was built with an unlimited budget
Tiger Woods will command the attention of the golf world on Sunday as he tries to capture his first PGA Tour victory since 2009. But during commercial breaks, there are two reasons to switch over to the Golf Channel to catch parts of the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic.
The first reason: Fred Couples is in the lead. The second: Fallen Oak Golf Course is one of the collest, most unique facilities in the world.
On Saturday, Couples was tumbling down the scoreboard, spraying tee shots all over Southern Mississippi and appearing in pain with nearly every swing. Back troubles have long been his Achilles heel. Then suddenly Couples got on a birdie run, making four in a five-hole span of the back nine to recapture the lead.
As for classy Fallen Oak, the Tom Fazio-design is open only to the guests of Beau Rivage Hotel & Casino in Biloxi, and as a result, is one of the least-played great courses in the world. A round at Fallen Oak includes limo service to and from the hotel, full access to the exquisite locker room, and as much personal attention as one can imagine.
Fallen Oak was built with an unlimited budget. Construction and post-Katrina restoration came to roughly $50 million. Transplanted trees, intricate green complexes, contoured fairways, and bold, asymmetrical bunkers are evidence of the unlimited budget Fazio was provided to create exactly what he wanted in Mississippi low country.
The coolest aspect of Fallen Oak might be the semi-circular, granite-topped bar with a wall of windows, providing a sweeping view of the 18th hole.
With casinos, southern hospitality, and a variety of stellar golf courses, southern Mississippi is a great golf destination and more accessible than ever from D.C. as US Airways has established direct service from Reagan National to Jackson.
