The Palace Casino Resort is a premier destination on the Mississippi Gulf Coast offering gaming, golf, luxury accommodations, and a wide range of dining options. The Palace is well known for being the only smoke-free casino on the Gulf Coast.
We’ll highlight some of the things you’ll most enjoy about your stay at The Palace Casino Resort, starting with a round of golf at the incredible Preserve Golf Club.
Golf at The Preserve
The Preserve Golf Club is one of the premier golf destinations on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Designed by U.S. Open Champion Jerry Pate, this stunning 18-hole course has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike for its natural beauty, challenging layout, and commitment to delivering “pure golf.”
Having played numerous Pate-designed courses over the years, I can confidently say he’s one of my favorite designers. His ability to work harmoniously with the natural landscape is truly exceptional, and his work at The Preserve is no exception. The course is located in Vancleave, just a short drive from Biloxi, and is nestled within 1,800 acres of a pristine nature conservancy. The setting sure makes it easy to enjoy a round of golf!
A Course with Natural Character
Opened in 2006, The Preserve is set against the backdrop of towering pines and live oaks. The layout measures 6,774 yards from the back tees, and there are five teeing options to accommodate players of all skill levels.
Pate’s design is known for its respect for the natural landscape, and that’s evident here. He’s created a course that rewards accuracy and strategy over sheer distance, making it both enjoyable and challenging. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or someone looking to experience a course with a unique blend of playability and beauty, The Preserve is sure to impress.
Course Renovations
The Preserve underwent a significant renovation just eight years after its initial debut. This upgrade included a complete rebuild of the greens and bunkers, ensuring the course continues to meet the high standards golfers expect. The greens were reconstructed using TifEagle Bermudagrass with TifGrand Bermudagrass collars, providing smoother, faster, and more consistent surfaces.
One of the most impressive aspects of the renovation is the Capillary Concrete bunker system, which was installed throughout all 18 holes. The Preserve was the first course in the U.S. to implement this technology across its entire layout, enhancing the playability of the bunkers with firmer, more consistent surfaces.
Notable Holes
The par-3 16th is considered the signature hole, and one of the toughest. The hole measures 225 yards from the back tees. But the real challenge of the hole is the massive undulating green that awaits. The following hole, number 17, is one of my favorites. The risk-reward par-4 is just 308 yards from the championship tees but is guarded by a lake from tee to green. Each nine comes to a fitting end with a pair of challenging par fours. The 9th, measuring up to 442 yards, and the 18th (462 yards) require solid tee shots and well-placed approaches, with water lurking short and left of the final green.
Attention to Detail
The Preserve Golf Club is committed to continually improving course conditions for the players. The efforts have not only elevated the overall playability of the course but also reduced annual maintenance costs. The result is a course that remains in pristine condition year-round, offering golfers a truly world-class experience.
A Memorable Golf Experience
For anyone visiting the Gulf Coast, a round at The Preserve Golf Club is a must. The exceptional design, stunning natural setting, and continual attention to detail make it one of the finest golfing experiences in Mississippi. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, The Preserve offers a challenging yet rewarding round that highlights the beauty and diversity of the Gulf Coast’s natural landscape.
Accommodations
The resort boasts modern, luxurious rooms with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico or the Back Bay. Whether you choose a standard room or a lavish suite, the accommodations are designed with comfort and convenience in mind, perfect for relaxing after a day on the casino floor or a round of golf at The Preserve.
Dining
You must enjoy a meal at Mignon’s Steaks & Seafood. Whether you opt for one of their prime beef selections, or a fresh off the boat seafood delicacy, the meal, service, and atmosphere are sure to please!
Palace Buffet offers a seemingly endless variety of dining options including succulent carvings, comfort food staples, fresh seafood, and tasty desserts. The “Wok Your Way” was a highlight for me. Build a bowl by choosing your own rice, vegetables, meat, seafood, sauces, and spices and watch as the chef works his magic!
Stacked Grill is a great place to start your day with a scrumptious breakfast. But don’t be afraid to sleep in, because breakfast is served all day. Stacked Grill also offers steaks, burgers, seafood, and desserts for lunch and dinner. And don’t miss out on an amazing milk shake!
If a poolside meal or cocktail is in the plans, then Wahoo’s Poolside Bar & Grill is a seasonal option that offers light fare and delicious drinks.
Experience the Gulf Coast’s first race book at Palace Casino Resort with CONTACT Sports & Race Book, which combines betting with a lively bar atmosphere. Place your bets at convenient self-service kiosks or receive assistance with basic and advanced wagers at teller windows. With more than 50 televisions for optimal viewing and the same energetic sports bar and restaurant known for great food and atmosphere, CONTACT Sports & Race Book is the perfect place to catch all the sports action.
Pure Spa
One of the standout features of a stay at the Place Casino Resort is Pure Spa, a full-service facility that invites guests to recharge in comfort.
Pure Spa is known for its wide range of treatments designed to rejuvenate the body and the mind. After a day on the course, what could be better than a deep tissue massage to ease sore muscles? The spa also offers hot stone treatments, facials, and body scrubs—all perfect for soothing aches and promoting relaxation.
What makes Pure Spa exceptional is the serene environment. The moment you step inside, the ambiance melts away the stress of the day. You can book a private steam room session or relax in one of their treatment rooms while skilled therapists ensure you leave feeling refreshed and ready for a night at the tables or another round of golf the next day.
“Best Of”…. Again!
In a testament to its unmatched excellence, the resort was voted Best Casino and Best Local’s Casino for 2024, continuing a tradition of recognition in these categories. But the accolades didn’t stop there. Palace Casino Resort also received top honors for Best Customer Service, Best Player’s Club, and Best Resort. Its luxurious amenities were highlighted with awards for Best Hotel/Casino Restaurant (Palace Buffet), Best Casual Restaurant (STACKED Grill), Best Sports Book, and Best Casino Spa. Mignon’s Steaks & Seafood restaurant earned titles for Best Fine Dining Restaurant, Best Steakhouse, and Best Wine Selection.
The Preserve Golf Club was named Best Golf Course for the second year in a row!
The Final Word
If you’re looking for a round of golf on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, you can’t go wrong by teeing it up at The Preserve Golf Club. More to the point, you just might be doing it wrong if a round at The Preserve is not in your plans.
Better yet why not treat yourself to an all inclusive “stay and play” resort at The Palace Casino Resort? You’ll be glad you did!
For more information about the Palace Casino Resort and The Preserve Golf Club visit palacecasinoresort.com and preservegc.com.
Read the Winter Issue of Southern Fairways Magazine
We're very excited about the Winter Edition of Southern Fairways Magazine. Our "Destination Golf Property is Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, FL. Innisbrook's Copperhead Course is home to PGA Tour's Valspar Championship. The tournament, played in March, is...
Danny Maude Shares 3 Easy Ways to Improve Your Swing!
Danny Maude, PGA shares three easy drills that will make almost any golfer hit better shots! Take a look at the video below to get your game going in the right direction.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tef0Tb4Uz54
Destination Golf: McLemore
McLemore is set high atop Lookout Mountain in Rising Fawn, GA, approximately 45 minutes south of Chattanooga, TN. The property overlooks historic McLemore Cove, with the best views coming from the amazing finishing hole, which was named “the best eighteenth hole since...
Exciting Things Are Happening At Tiger Point
There are some very exciting things happening at Tiger Point Golf Club. Capstone Golf bought the course in February from the City of Gulf Breeze. The first step for the new owners was to improve the quality and playability of the greens. We had an opportunity to play...
Southern Fairways Ryder Cup Contest
Southern Fairways Ryder Cup Contest One lucky winner will receive a Ryder Cup flag from Whistling Straits. Just make your picks on the form below for your chance to win. This contest is closed You can also receive 1 bonus point for each of these: Follow...
Team Florida Wins Inaugural Bridgestone Tour B Cup
The Inaugural Bridgestone Tour B Cup was held at the Harbor Club on Lake Oconnee, GA on September 18-19. The event is a Ryder Cup style event with some of the best amateur golfers in Georgia and Florida competing for the cup. Each team was represented by 12 players....
Ryder Cup: Tiger Woods Will Have A Role at the Ryder Cup This Week
Tiger Woods will be a part of the 43rd Ryder Cup this week at Whistling Straits. U.S. Captain Steve Stricker has made that very clear. “He’ll be there in some way, shape or form,” USA captain Steve Stricker said. There has been no announcement about whether Woods will...
Play Peninsula & Craft Farms For Just $50 AND Support A Great Cause!
September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. You can join in the fight and play two amazing golf courses for a great price. Play Peninsula and Craft Farms on any Sunday in September for just $50, with all proceeds going to ovarian cancer research! You'll get a great...
Birdies & Bogeys From Thursday at the TOUR Championship
ATLANTA, GA - Thursday at the TOUR Championship was full of great golf action. Let’s take a look at the birdies and bogeys of Day 1 at East Lake. BIRDIE: Patrick Cantlay Cantlay did exactly what he needed to with a first round 67. The round could have actually been...
At 48, Stewart Cink Back Among the Tour’s Elite 30
ATLANTA, GA - Stewart Cink is making his first appearance at the TOUR Championship since 2010. At 48, he’s the oldest player in the field. Cink qualified in large part thanks to his two wins this year. To win once at his age is no small feat. Two wins at his age, at...
Golf Themed License Plate Introduced by the Alabama Golf Association
The Alabama Golf Association has announced that it will offer the state’s first golf-themed license plate. Pre-commitments for the “Drive Fore the Game” plate is now being offered to residents of Alabama at an annual cost of $50 plus a $5 administration fee....
“On the Tee” Interview With Evan Schiller
No one captures the beauty of a spectacular golf hole better than Evan Schiller. For over 25 years, Evan has travelled the world photographing over 600 championship golf courses. His talent and distinctive style set him apart. It was my pleasure to recently speak with...