The Oaks Golf Club

Those familiar with the south will understand that the title “oak” is a reference to live oaks, a hardy species of tree iconic to the region (likewise, the club’s logo will remind many of that at the Kiawah Resort, which features the same tree). Plenty of specimens will be on display as players make their way through this route, which snakes through wetlands near Biloxi.

Although wetlands are rampant in this regionMississippi, they aren't abused as a hazard. Several of the par threes feature ponds as defenses, but the majority of the holes rely upon built-up fairway undulations to provide awkward lies. On a number of holes across the back nine — Nos. 10 and 13 are examples — those who choose to attack the inside of the dogleg may land in areas of native scrub, requiring a difficult recovery.

The playing experience will be a somewhat private one, despite being open to the public; the native forest provides a barrier between fairways. Playing at 7,000 yards, the course is the only design credit for Stephen Caplinger, while Chris Cole has also worked on coastal courses in Texas.