Mississippi, September 5, 2025
News Summary
Three golf courses in Mississippi have made it onto a significant national list for top public-access courses in the U.S. For 2025, Fallen Oak in Saucier, Mossy Oak, and Old Waverly have been recognized, showcasing diverse golfing experiences. The courses feature a blend of classic and modern designs, attracting both traditional golfers and fans of innovative layouts. This achievement highlights Mississippi’s robust golfing options along the Gulf Coast, encouraging travelers to explore its scenic and varied golfing landscapes.
Saucier — Mississippi’s golf scene just got louder
If you’re the kind of golfer who tracks course lists like a collector chases rare stamps, Mississippi is forcing you to pay attention. The state placed three courses on a major national list of top public-access golf layouts for 2025, and they’re spread out in a way that makes a Gulf Coast road trip tempting, cheap flights notwithstanding.
Who cracked the list?
Three Mississippi courses joined the national roll call: Fallen Oak in Saucier, Mossy Oak in West Point, and Old Waverly in West Point. Each brings a different flavor — from classic championship pedigree to modern, sculpted layouts carved out of old farmland.
Where they landed on the charts
On a prominent annual ranking that rates public-access courses, Fallen Oak showed up as T97m on the modern list, reinforcing its reputation as one of Mississippi’s best playable gems. Mossy Oak appears as T132m on the modern list, and it also features highly on an overall best-public-courses list where it sits at No. 82 in the nation — making it the second-best course in Mississippi on that scale. Old Waverly, the state’s stalwart with championship history, rounds out the trio as the third-ranked course in Mississippi.
Why these courses stand out
The ranking system uses a detailed scorecard approach, assigning ratings between 1 and 10 across multiple categories — design, conditioning, routing, playability, and visual appeal, among others — and then combines those into an overall rating that determines where courses fall on the list. That methodology highlights courses that deliver public-access quality while still showing distinct design personalities.
Fallen Oak is known for integrating natural wetlands, streams, and century-old oaks into a Fazio-era canvas. Water and native oak trees frame many holes and create a dramatic, visually rich round. Mossy Oak was carved from a former dairy farm and opened in 2016, delivering a modern, strategic test on ground shaped by rolling pastures and new routing. Old Waverly, opened in 1988 and with a history of hosting top-level women’s championship golf, represents a classic championship feel that still challenges players with fine-condition fairways and picky greens.
Not all access is equal
“Public access” can mean different things. Some courses on the lists accept green fees daily, while others are effectively public but tied to resort stays or membership-style access requiring hotel reservations. Local casinos and coastal resorts often bundle tee times with packages that include lodging and food, so savvy trip planning can trim costs and add perks.
Where to plan a trip
Mississippi’s golf density is strongest along the Gulf Coast corridor stretching roughly from Saucier east toward Gautier. There’s a mix of vintage layouts and newer designs, making the region attractive for both traditionalists and fans of modern links-style architecture. In addition to the three big names above, other respected public-feel courses in the state’s higher rankings include The Preserve (Vancleave), Dancing Rabbit’s Oaks and Azaleas complexes (Philadelphia), Shell Landing (Gautier), Grand Bear (Saucier), The Oaks (Pass Christian), and Windance (Gulfport).
Why this matters to players
For golfers plotting getaways, the state’s showing on the national list is proof of two things: Mississippi can serve up high-quality public-access golf, and it offers a wide range of experiences — from tree-lined championship routes to modern strategic layouts and resort-style blends. Whether you want a strict test of shot-making or a vacation with hotel, pool and dinner built in, the Mississippi footprint delivers.
Quick takeaways
- Three Mississippi courses made a top public-access list for 2025: Fallen Oak, Mossy Oak, and Old Waverly.
- Mossy Oak appears in an overall public-course top list at No. 82 nationally while also being listed on the modern category.
- Access varies — daily green fees, resort stays, and package deals are all in play.
- The Gulf Coast corridor remains a dense cluster of notable public courses perfect for multi-course trips.
FAQ
Which Mississippi courses made the 2025 top public-access list?
Fallen Oak (Saucier), Mossy Oak (West Point), and Old Waverly (West Point).
Do these courses require memberships or hotel stays?
Access varies by facility. Some accept daily green fees, while others are tied to resort stays or package deals that include lodging and meals.
What kind of courses are these — modern or classic?
The state offers both. Fallen Oak and Old Waverly lean classic championship, while Mossy Oak represents a modern, strategic design developed on former farmland.
Are there package deals for golf trips in Mississippi?
Yes. Local resorts and casinos commonly offer golf packages that bundle tee times, lodging, and dining — useful for multi-course coastal trips.
Handy table — quick course facts
| Course | City | Ranking Note | Designer / Year Opened | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fallen Oak | Saucier | T97m (modern list) | Designed in a modern classic style; built around natural wetlands and oaks | Daily green fees / resort packages |
| Mossy Oak | West Point | T132m (modern); No. 82 on national public-course list | Built on former dairy farm; opened 2016 | Public tee times; resort-affiliated options |
| Old Waverly | West Point | Third in Mississippi; championship history | Opened 1988; classic championship layout | Public access with some tournament/resort booking requirements |
Bottom line: if you love variety, scenic holes, and public-access quality, Mississippi’s Gulf Coast corridor is worth plotting on your next golf map. Pack your clubs, plan your tee times, and expect everything from tree-lined championship tests to fresh, modern layouts carved from pastureland.
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Golfweek names top public golf courses in Mississippi
- Golf Digest: Best Golf Courses in Mississippi
- Golf Pass: Best Public Golf Courses in Mississippi
- Golf.com: Best Golf Courses in Mississippi 2024-25
- Clarion Ledger: 3 Mississippi golf courses make Golfweek Top 100
- Wikipedia: Golf in the United States
- Google Search: Mississippi golf courses
- Google Scholar: Mississippi golf courses
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Google News: Mississippi golf
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