Michigan Golf Journal December 2019

Michigan Golf Journal ississippi Golf that’s filled with Mississippi ‘white gold’ cotton crops gleaming in the sunlight. River Bend Links (Tunica Resorts): Built in an area with a man-made levy holding back the mighty Mississippi, River Bend Links is designed with a Scottish, shoreline links feel to its lightly rolling landscape. Accuracy is premium with many narrow fairways and small greens in an area filled with marshland – yet where most of the water actually doesn’t intrude with play. A great stretch of holes, 16-18, closes out the round. Hole 16 is a unique 90-degree right turn fairway to a very deep but thin green that’s not visible from the tee. A nice par 3 over water follows; its green complex offering four regions for various flag placements. Hole 18 is a solid closing hole that gently turns left as it meanders between water left and right. More info at: www.riverbendlinks.com . Tunica National (Tunica Resorts): By far the most manicured and well- maintained course on our tour, Tunica National is a newer course in the state. What stood out was the subtle design characteristics that create a well-thought-out combination of challenge and aesthetics. Well-placed bunkers in relation to the five sets of tee box choices are key elements for shooting a good score. The closing holes on each 9 were most memorable. Hole 8 is a par 3 to a somewhat- elevated green complex with a waste bunker guarding the entire right side of the hole. Hole 9 is a solid par 4 with water guarding the entire length along the right. Hole 18 is visually appealing and a tough finish. Waste bunkers dot the right and water guards the entire left, before all golfers must pop the approach shot over water to the large run-up area and green. More info at: www.tunicanational.com . Ole Miss Golf Club (Oxford): My favorite course on the trip, Ole Miss is the home course for the Ole Miss college golf team. The front 9 plays down through a low area of the property with a few water holes, while the back 9 has very dramatic elevation changes that provide both challenge and some beautiful views. Holes 1, 9, 11 and 18 play through a significant valley with elevated tees and greens bookending each hole. Hole 13 is the only flat hole on the back and plays along the city airport’s one runway, creating an unusually cool hole with a deep crevasse left of the approach to the green. River Bends Links