One of the most pure, peaceful golf runs in the world lies in the midst of a national forest in Biloxi, Mississippi. Thousands of majestic oaks and throngs of vegetation, paint a palette of every shade of green along the Tom Fazio designed course. There are no homes, no traffic, no interference of sound or sight, just the gurgling streams, singing birds and intermittent cries of golfers. The bunkers are filled with white and fluffy sand, mirroring the gulf coastline. Pretty but sadistic, some have sides that are not just steep and stiff, but curl back like Mick Jagger’s lips. On course or at the 19^th hole, golfers’ lips should meet the Fallen Oak’s famous Bloody Mary, concocted by Rob, who gets our premier bartender vote. Made with infused vodka, check out the jar on the bar for yourself as we promised not to publish all that is involved. Suffice to say, it’s definitely more veggies than V8 and supplies all the essential vitamins needed to swing.

Upon arrival at Fallen Oak, a manager requested our shoes, smiling as he held another golfers very filthy pair, as if they were Cinderella’s slippers. The shoes are cleaned and placed in a locker with your name imprinted on a metal plate, setting the stage for an extraordinary day of privileged golf and service. Guarded by a stately brick and iron security gate with a call button, the only patrons permitted to play Fallen Oak are the guests of the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino where the tee times are arranged. Right on the gulf coast in Biloxi, the glass ceilinged atrium reception of the Beau Rivage, with spring flowers invokes a happy mood for all checking in. Whether you gamble, golf or bask in the sun, Beau Rivage offers the best of southern hospitality. Our spacious room had a knock out view of the coastline, comfy bed, easy internet connection, widescreen TV and the best showerhead. What more can you ask for?

On site restaurants serve an array of cuisine at all price levels. Try the lettuce wraps at the Terrace café, and the coffee with beignets at the Roasted Bean. Drinks are included for your gluttonous side when feasting on the buffet as well as in the casino while chancing your favorite game.  Penny slots to high stake rooms cover the gambling gamut. Even on a crowded night, there are plenty of seats. The same is true for lounge chairs at the giant sparkling pool with a separate section overlooking the gulf water activities. The spa has 21 treatment rooms for therapeutic wraps, massages or facials with caviar.

Among the great local restaurants, Mary Mahoney’s stands out, having catered for Ronald Reagan and survived “The Storm”, as they call Katrina, where water nearly reached the ceiling. Tiny blue crab claws in a sumptuous sauce call to the Italian bread for drenching and devouring. A fulfilling gumbo was followed by a fluffy rich flounder leaving no possible room for the tempting list of desserts. Back at the Beau Rivage, big name entertainment or music in the Coast lounge complete the day of fun.

They say it is not how hard you can hit, but how hard you can get hit and get back up. The southern coast of Mississippi was hit very hard by Mother Nature with one of the most devastating hurricanes.  The Fallen Oak Golf Course was no exception to the onslaught of high winds and rain, destroying lots of trees. The staff has distinguished itself with hard work and determination that is evident with the superb condition of the course, despite the disaster. Then Mississippi endured the BP oil fiasco. Yet today the gulf has some of the whitest sand beaches in the world with fishing, sailing, and watercraft activities abounding. The south did rise again.