Several words have been used to describe The Preserve Golf Club, located near Biloxi, on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. Words such as spectacular, unbelievable and nature’s walk. Having played the course recently, I believe these are all appropriate, maybe even understating what the Preserve has to offer.
The Preserve was designed by U.S. Open Champion Jerry Pate and
offers something special for every level of golfer; it's also one of the best maintained courses in the state. The golf course features two vastly different nines. The front nine winds its way through and around swamps of cypress trees and groves of live oaks while the back nine brings pitcher plant bogs, long leaf pines and savannahs of native grass into play. The signature hole isn’t a long, narrow par 5 or even a par 4 with a long carry over water. It’s the par 3, 16th hole, and can play as long as 225 yards from the back tees or 154 yards from the Red tees. There’s a long, natural waste bunker that shouldn’t come into play as well as a collection of 4 sand bunkers that need to be avoided. But what makes this hole so special is the green. It’s a massive two-tiered green with a lot of slope. The front part of the green slopes right to left and towards the front; catch the crown in the middle and your ball will feed down to the pin on a back-pin position. Long is not good with a front pin position, nevertheless, all two putts on Number 16 are considered a success! After all, how often is a par 3 the #1 handicap?
Bunkers and waste hazards also play a prominent role and quickly figure into your score. Fairway bunkers are strategically placed off the tee on many of the par 4 and 5 holes and where they don’t come into play, rest assured there is some water or wetlands around. The green complexes are well-bunkered and the greens themselves feature a lot of slope and undulation. They also putt fast and true. There are no unusually long forced carries over water or wetlands, however the slope and shapes of the greens puts a premium on accuracy, both off the tee and with your approach shot. Number 3 is a medium length dogleg right pr 4 that requires something less than driver off the tee. That will leave a shot of around 100 yards over water to a green that slopes right to left towards the water. A front middle pin placement can make the 3rd hole extremely challenging.
The Preserve offers a good mix of long and short holes with par 5s that not too many players are going to reach in two. A couple of short par 4s offer the long ball hitter the opportunity to go for the green off the tee. Such is the case at Number 17, a 308-yard par 4 dogleg left over water. From the White Tees it’s 260 yards to the front of the green and anything hit the slightest bit left will find the water. A true risk/reward opportunity.
After your round, head back inside the clubhouse for some après-golf refreshments. The 8,500-square-foot clubhouse is designed with a classic low country profile and overlooks the lake and eighteenth green. Inside, the vaulted ceilings, an abundance of windows and a large covered patio offer excellent vantage points for viewing golf competitions. The hardwood floors and chandeliers show off the Preserve’s southern charm and sophistication. A large indoor/outdoor stone fireplace provides comfort and solace whether you’re sipping cocktails or enjoying a bite to eat from the restaurant. There are also several large, flat screen, high-def televisions throughout the clubhouse where you can catch your favorite sports teams.
It’s also worth mentioning that The Preserve Golf Club is owned by the Palace Casino Resort, the only smoke free casino resort on the Gulf Coast. Consequently, some great golf packages are available. Several dining venues are available too, including the Palace Buffet, fine dining at Minion’s Steaks & Seafood and Stacked Grill.