Biloxi Golf
Overall:
Accommodations:
Golf:
Night Life:
Value:
Biloxi, MS
Hotel: Beau Rivage
Courses:
Fallen Oak
The Grand Bear
The Preserve
Review
Wiz: The Biloxi airport is small and as such has a limited number of
rental cars. The minivan we reserved to carry 4 golfers and their
accoutrements was not waiting for us as anticipated. A Hyundai SUV
was presented as an alternative. This sounded acceptable until the
vehicle came into view. Koreans are a smaller stature people and
evidently their idea of a SUV is a bit more conservative than in America. The only remaining option was a 4 row church van. I can’t express in words the joy I felt every time I handed the keys of the
First United Church of Golf van to a valet.
Beaux Rivage is a waterfront, Las Vegas caliber hotel and casino. Only guests of Beaux are allowed to play Fallen
Oak so, the accommodations choice is a no brainer since Fallen Oak is the star of this trip but, you aren't
sacrificing anything when staying here. This is a top shelf hotel/casino. Well appointed rooms, an
accommodating staff and a casino that rivals the best in Vegas albeit on a smaller scale. Surprisingly there
is no shuttle to the course from the hotel. Not a major concern but, a bit surprising considering the caliber of
the two.
10kk: The hotel is an excellent value. Having never been to
Mississippi, food and fun were high on my list. I was in charge of dining and nightly entertainment (two of my
favorite things). Biloxi has a couple of interesting places to eat. The first night we dined at
Mary Mahoney's Old French House. A charming venue with a turn of the century feel
located in an historic building. Moderate pricing fulfilled Budget Bob's dining directive. Dining here is much the same
as it has been for almost 50 years. This is a unique place that is worth your time, if you enjoy
a little history with your vodka tonic.
If you are so inclined, the steak house in the Beau (BR
Prime) is worth
considering. Aged prime beef with the craps tables just steps away (that's a good
combination).
If your are feeling a little adventurous, New Orleans is just a hour or so
away. 10kk always likes to push the envelope so, I ordered a black stretch
limo, picked up a case of beer and we were off to the Big Easy. Having never been there, I didn't know
what to expect. Bourbon Street is not to be missed, live music, great etouffee and lots of wild
bars.
Wiz:
Fallen Oak is the finest golf experience I have ever had. Upon arrival the valet said “Relax and have some
breakfast while we take care of your church van….err... I mean car and prepare your golf shoes. There are
fresh baked cookies and muffins in the sitting area.” Prepare my shoes? I was not familiar with shoe
prep. Upon entering the locker room after breakfast, I viewed four pairs of shoes lined up with military
precision in front of the lockers. Each shining with diamond like brilliance and a generous coating of powder
applied to the interior. The attention to detail never diminished throughout the day. An example of
this is the underground vacuum system to remove excess moisture from the greens to ensure an optimal
Stimp rating. A great bar with a panoramic view of the course
awaits you for a mid round snack and post round beverages. I know I’m gushing like Richard Simmons at a tank
top sale but, it is that good.
10kk: The place really is that good. As we rounded
the corner, our personal cooler was refilled with complementary bottled water while our tees and
ballmarks were replenished. In the background, a big man with tongs was tending to an over-sized
grill. I'm not sure if this is standard Falling Oak practice but, free burgers and dogs are always a nice
touch. In 2008, Fallen Oak's bar and restaurant were named one of the
"Top 50 19th Holes in Golf" by Golf Digest. It received five "shot glasses" out of a
possible five for service and mixology, the latter on the strength of its signature Bloody Mary. Sipping
one of those or a Jack while taking in the view from the sunken bar to the 18th green is enough to make you long
for another round on this unforgettable course .
Wiz: Buzz Kill is a Bloody Mary connoisseur. I believe he agreed
with the ranking. The Preserve and The Grand Bear are first rate courses but, be sure to play
them before Fallen Oak because once you taste the Dom Perignon, the Korbel will be quite
disappointing.
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