The Trip to Biloxi
This past October, I grabbed the wife and headed to “The Beau.” Beau Rivage Resort, as it’s better known to the public, is an MGM property that offers world-class gambling, accommodations, and amenities. As a loyal M life rewards member and degenerate gambler, I have received tons of offers over the years to visit the property.
Looking to try something new and cross-off a Top 100 golf course off the list, I took MGM up on their offer to fly into Biloxi on one of their chartered flights. The trip began at Daytona Beach International Airport, a small quaint tiny airport, easy to get in and out of from my home in Lake Mary. After a bit of confusion and a short delay, the party started, the drinks were flowing, and we were on our way to Biloxi.
The package from MGM included shuttle transportation, but I knew we would be driving around Biloxi checking out the local sites, restaurants, and of course, area golf courses. Thanks to National Car Rental, Golf Aficionado’s official car rental agency, the Cadillac XT6 we rented made getting around Biloxi more accessible and fun. As the locals and regulars refer to the property, “The Beau” is only a short drive away from the airport. After a 20-minute drive, we pulled up to the valet at The Beau began the check-in process.
Déjà vu
Immediately upon walking into the property, I kept having the feeling of déjà vu. I knew this was my first ever to the state of Mississippi, so no way I had been to the property, but boy did it have a familiar feeling. Eating lunch the next day at the buffet, I learned why. Steve Wynn built Beau Rivage when he was building The Bellagio on the Las Vegas Strip. Yup, that Steve Wynn, the one that pushes every limit and goes to the extreme with every project. Being a regular visitor to sin city, I felt right at home in The Beau.
Steve Wynn Effect
Speaking of Steve Wynn, we also have him to thank for building Fallen Oak Golf Course. Just as The Beau is the sister property to The Bellagio, Fallen Oak is the sister golf course to Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas. Wynn commissioned Tom Fazio to build both golf courses, and in true Steve Wynn fashion, both designs exceed expectations and budget! Oh, don’t forget, both are perennial members in the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World.
The only way to play Fallen Oak is to either be a member, like our good friend Billy Joe Tolliver or stay at The Beau. We recommend the latter unless you plan on taking up residence in the beautiful Coastal Mississippi region. Because of the exclusivity and limited membership, the golf course is always in exceptional shape, and the staff is very attentive and ready to help.
The clubhouse is spectacular. The pro shop is just what you would expect at a high-end golf club—tons of great apparel options, all adorned with the fabulous Fallen Oak logo. We were lucky enough to meet a new friend and enjoy lunch together with Mark Powell. Mark recently moved over to Fallen Oak and has done a fabulous job as Director of Golf.
Fallen Oak Golf Course
Did I make mention of fabulous golf? Why yes, I did. Fallen Oak is a stunning golf course. From the moment it opened in late 2006, Fallen Oak has impressed golfers and media alike with its dramatic elevation changes and more than 4,000 stately oaks, magnolias, pines, and other hardwood trees interspersed with ponds, streams, and wetlands.
The 18-hole private golf course measures 7,487 yards from the longest tees. The course features ten bridges and concealed cart paths to protect and enhance the terrain’s natural features. The course fits perfectly with the Coastal Mississippi theme of living in harmony with nature.
The challenge Fallen Oak presents is evident from the first hole, a par-5 with a dogleg left. A massive water oak serves as the target off the tee—streams and a lake border the fairway and green. Fallen Oak is complex and a great test of golf. Poor golf shots are punished with even harder golf shots. I’m sure Tom Fazio would tell you that Fallen Oak was designed to test the World’s best and has been a regular destination of the PGA Champions Tour.
Regardless of your golfing ability, don’t be scared to enjoy Fallen Oak. Just know to expect a true challenge, and don’t be shy to play up a tee. Fallen Oak is a perfect representation of what its architect intended it to be: Fazio at the height of his powers, with an unlimited budget. The maintenance crew does an incredible job keeping the course in shape.
Fallen Oak provides one of the best-isolated settings in golf and lends a lot of intimacy, allowing the golfer to connect with the golf course on an emotional level. The finishing hole promises plenty of drama. The remarkably elevated tees offer grand views of the bunker-abundant par-4 as well as the classically styled clubhouse perched on the hill overlooking the 18th green and the golf course’s namesake live oak. Wrapping up our round, having lunch with Mark was the absolute cherry on top of a perfect golf outing.
Final Score
Fallen Oak is by far the crown jewel of golf in the Coastal Mississippi area. I can’t promise you’ll shoot the best round of your life, but I can promise the aesthetic beauty of Fallen Oak will consume you as you make your way around the golf course.
Although Biloxi, Mississippi, is best known for its beaches and casinos, its appeal to golfers and golf travelers multiplies. Coastal Mississippi has some fantastic 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. While this was our first trip to Biloxi and The Beau, I can promise you one thing. It won’t be our last!