LINKS, LUXURY AND LADY LUCK
Time at the tables and the tee box at these top casino destinations
By Sean Chaffin
There’s nothing quite like a solid outing on the golf course. Not everyone can be a Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy or Tiger Woods, but finding a nice birdie or even a par on a tough hole can still be a great feeling. Teeing up is also plenty of fun. Plenty of golfers will be getting out the clubs and hopping on a cart to enjoy some relaxing competition and fun on the links this summer. Some may be mixing casino gaming with the experience.
Several casinos across the country not only host great gaming, hotel stays and wonderful dining, but have top-notch golf courses from world-class designers as well. Golfing can be a perfect way to get outside and have some fun with friends and family. These properties allow players to work on that handicap by day and hit the tables and slots by night. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or simply a weekend duffer, these casino golf courses are always a hole in one.
DISCOVER KOASATI PINES AT COUSHATTA CASINO RESORT
Tucked within the scenic wetlands of southwest Louisiana, Koasati Pines at Coushatta Casino Resort in Kinder offers an unforgettable blend of world-class golf and premier casino entertainment. Owned and operated by the C oushatta Tribe of Louisiana, this championship 18-hole, par-72 course is a true hidden gem, delivering a unique experience where nature and recreation come together in perfect harmony.
Designed by renowned golf course architect Kevin Tucker, Koasati Pines spans 300 pristine acres of gently rolling terrain, framed by towering pines and massive live oaks, with 65 acres of sparkling lakes and striking water features. The fairways are impeccably manicured, and the greens play like velvet—inviting to beginners yet challenging for seasoned golfers. With six sets of tees and multiple approaches on three holes, players of all skill levels will enjoy the thoughtful design and tranquil atmosphere.
A standout feature is the course’s signature “Gambling Hole”—a fun and fitting twist for a casino-based course. This bonus 19th hole is a par 3 with an island green, offering the perfect way to settle a tie or simply end the day with a bit of friendly competition.
Beyond the course itself, Koasati Pines boasts exceptional amenities, including a fully stocked pro shop, spacious driving range, and dedicated practice areas. Guests can also take advantage of lessons and tips from professional staff to sharpen their skills.
The golf experience at Koasati Pines is seamlessly complemented by the excitement and luxury of Coushatta Casino Resort. As Louisiana’s premier gaming destination—and the only property in the state recognized for Certified Loose Slots by Strictly Slots magazine— Coushatta offers endless entertainment beyond the fairways. Guests can test their luck on the vibrant casino floor, relax and rejuvenate at the on-site spa, or indulge in fine dining at one of several gourmet restaurants. The resort also features a variety of comfortable accommodations, including multiple hotel options to suit every style and budget. With year-round favorable weather, exceptional amenities, and top-tier hospitality, Coushatta Casino Resort is the perfect place to tee off and wind down—all in one unforgettable getaway.
Learn more at www.CoushattaCasinoResort.com.
FALLEN OAK GOLF COURSE, Beau Rivage Resort & Casino (Biloxi, MS)
The Gulf Coast has everything you could want for a perfect casino escape—sunny weather, beautiful beaches, fresh ocean air and plenty of gambling options. Add exceptional golf and delicious clubhouse dining for breakfast and lunch to the mix, and the experience becomes even more memorable. Playing 18 holes at Fallen Oak should be on every golfer’s must-play list when visiting the region. This exclusive 7,487-yard, par-72 championship course, available only to Beau Rivage guests, is widely regarded as one of the best in the country and sets the benchmark for luxury resort golf in the area.
Nestled among pecan and magnolia groves, Fallen Oak features impeccably manicured greens, century-old oaks, rolling streams, lakes and marshes that create both a challenge and a scenic backdrop. While the course offers a demanding round, it remains accessible to golfers of all skill levels thanks to five sets of tees ranging from 7,487 to 5,362 yards.
Designed by Tom Fazio, Fallen Oak exemplifies the quiet elegance found at some of the world’s most prestigious golf courses. Situated just 15 minutes from Biloxi on the edge of DeSoto National Forest, Fallen Oak and the famed Shadow Creek are the only two courses built exclusively for MGM Resorts International guests. With over 32 national honors recognizing its outstanding design and dramatic elevation changes—rare for the Gulf Coast—Fallen Oak delivers a golfing experience that’s both beautiful and unforgettable.
Caddie service is available to enhance the experience, with course experts offering valuable insight on how to play each hole. The locker rooms and pro shop offer elegance and charm, while the clubhouse was thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly with the brilliant countryside views. A full beverage cart service is available throughout the course to keep guests refreshed.
The course was named a “must play” golf resort by Robb Report magazine and hosts the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic on the Champions Tour. It has also been recognized by Golf Digest as one of the top resort courses in the nation, praised for its pristine conditions and five-star service. Garnering even more accolades for its majestic beauty, brilliant design and playability, Fallen Oak was lauded by Golfweek as one of the country’s best courses— earning the No. 2 spot on its Best Casino Course list and No. 1 on its list of Best Courses You Can Play in Mississippi.
After a long day of driving and putting, guests can unwind at the pool oasis or indulge in a spa visit, where a soothing massage helps ease tired muscles. With golf, gambling and relaxation all checked off, Fallen Oak offers the complete Gulf Coast getaway experience.
For more information, visit www.FallenOak.com.
Breaking New Ground at Fallen Oak : An Interview with General Manager Lydia Kim
DANCING RABBIT GOLF COURSE, Pearl River Resort (Philadelphia, MS)
Whether your interests are golf, gaming, bingo, sports betting, fine dining, great cocktails or excellent entertainment, Pearl River Casino aims to please with all of these options available and more. The golfing experience is especially nice and Dancing Rabbit offers two complete 18-hole courses. Test your skills on a course surrounded by rolling hills and lush woods full of towering pines and oaks.
The award-winning, par-72 Azaleas and Oaks courses each feature 7,000 yards of challenging terrain in a stunning and serene setting on 700 acres. This landscape includes over five miles of spring-fed streams to add to the natural ambiance. As the property noted, Dancing Rabbit is “where championship golf meets southern charm.” The course offers players Champion Bermuda grass greens on the Oaks and ultra-dwarf Tif Eagle grass greens on the Azaleas. Also, look for Zoysia fairways on the Oaks and Bermuda fairways on the Azaleas.
Both courses were created by acclaimed golf course designer Tom Fazio and PGA great Jerry Pate. Players of all skill levels are also welcome with five different sets of tees available. A golf package may be the way to go and be sure to head online to book that trip. Dancing Rabbit has been named one of Golf magazine’s top 100 courses and one of the top 100 public courses by Golf Digest. A serene landscape, excellent facilities and hopefully a great score await golfers heading to this one-of-a-kind experience.
For more info, visit www.DancingRabbitGolf.com.
ROCKY GAP GOLF COURSE, Rocky Gap Resort (Flintstone, MD)
This property offers Maryland’s only Jack Nicklaus signature course and players are in for a treat. Nestled in the hills of the Appalachian Mountains, Rocky Gap offers brilliant views of the surrounding lush green forest with fairways seemingly slicing through the surrounding woods. The front nine features a more mountainous, tree-lined terrain with several major elevation changes. The back nine offers more expansive, gently rolling meadows to challenge golfers.
The 7,000-yard, par-72 course boasts five tee boxes per hole,—perfect for players of every skill level. Rocky Gap also features a 50-spot driving range, two large putting greens, two chipping areas, a practice bunker and club rentals. There is also a loyalty program for reduced rates for the course as well as for the restaurant and grill, beverage cart, spa treatments and more. There may be a rocky gap in Flintstone, but there is no gap in quality and service at this course.
www.cnty.com/Rocky-Gap/golf.
MYSTIC ROCK & SHEPHERD’S ROCK, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort (Farmington, PA)
Head to the Pennsylvania countryside to reconnect with nature and some luxury mixed in. The property features 2,200 acres of adventure in the Keystone State’s breathtaking Laurel Highlands with three luxury hotels, private homes and estates and a casino. This resort offers much more than just a simple gambling escape. There is just so much to do. The golf only adds to the experience and includes two legendary courses designed by the legendary Pete Dye.
The par-72 Mystic Rock features more than 7,500 yards with a rolling mountain landscape nearby and has hosted several PGA events through the years. On Shepherd’s Rock, golfers will find almost 7,300 yards and an even more scenic and challenging outing. Tee up while taking in the surrounding vistas and views. Beyond the experience of hitting the links, the facility also offers a golf academy, stay-and-play packages and much more. Who could ask for more?
Check out www.nemacolin.com for more information.
SANDIA GOLF CLUB, Sandia Casino Resort (Albuquerque, NM)
Head to the Land of Enchantment for a truly enchanting time on the fairways. Sandia is an oasis in the New Mexican desert and the course features some of the most expansive mountainous views one can find. Opened in 2005, this Scott Miller-designed championship par-72 course is the longest course in New Mexico at 7,752 yards, yet was developed with all skill levels in mind. The luxury resort is owned and operated by the Pueblo of Sandia tribe and is one of the best casinos in the state.
The course transitions through rugged high desert with picturesque views of the Sandia Mountains and greater Albuquerque area. The award-winning club is conveniently located about 15 minutes north of the state’s largest city. Players will find a fully stocked golf shop, restaurant and bar with outdoor patio overlooking the mountains, a full-size practice range with double tiered all-grass teeing area, a 10,000-square-foot practice putting green, short-game area and more. New Mexico averages 310 days of sunshine per year—simply perfect for teeing up and taking a swing.
For more information, visit www.SandiaGolf.com
SEWAILO GOLF CLUB, Casino Del Sol (Tucson, AZ)
This course offers an unmatched outdoor experience at the foot of the Tucson Mountains. The sweeping rocky backdrop will turn heads and the view makes for a picture-perfect golf outing. Casino Del Sol is owned and operated by the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, which has gone above and beyond with the course. Even the name implies beauty. In the Pascua Yaqui language, the word “sewailo” means “land where flowers grow” and the course offers up more than 30,000 native flowers, plants and cacti throughout the brilliant 200-acre surroundings.
Designed by Notah Begay III and Ty Butler, Sewailo is continually named one of the “Best Courses You Can Play in Arizona” by Golfweek. The 18-hole, par-72 championship course measures 7,400 yards and features five different tee boxes on each hole. The course’s rolling velvet fairways and exquisite greens complement the nearly 14 acres of extraordinary lakes, streams and water features. Sewailo’s fairways are all Bermuda grass overseeded with rye, intertwining between the seven lakes and two miles of flowing streams on the course. There is also an island-like green at the 18th hole, adding to the challenge. Additional features include an expansive driving range, practice areas for chipping and putting and more. Grab the golf bag and pack the shades and sunscreen!
Visit www.CasinoDelSol.com for more information.
SEQUOYAH NATIONAL GOLF CLUB, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee, NC)
Connect with nature while making that long drive or sinking that perfect putt. Harrah’s Cherokee calls Sequoyah “mountain golf at its finest.” Taking a look at the surroundings, who could disagree? This premier 18-hole championship course features 6,600 yards that combines strategic play with expansive views of the Great Smoky Mountains, lush fairways and a breathtaking atmosphere.
Owned by the Eastern Band of the Cherokee, this par-72 course was designed by Robert Trent Jones II and is open to the public. Sequoyah is a bit shorter than other courses mentioned here but don’t sell this venue short. The experience of moving around the course and taking in the views is simply amazing. The property could be a great addition to any southern road trip and is located just 45 minutes from Asheville. This makes for an ideal getaway to the Smokies and beyond—mixing in some excellent golf in the process.
To learn more, visit www.SequoyahNational.com.
Swing into SUMMER at Turning Stone
Upstate New York is the ultimate summer destination for golf enthusiasts, and Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona delivers an unbeatable experience. With five on-site courses—including three championship-level and two recreational layouts—golfers of all skill levels will find their perfect match. The standout stars are Atunyote and Shenandoah, two legendary championship courses that offer a unique and challenging experience for those seeking something beyond the ordinary.
The Atunyote course is from famed designer Tom Fazio and has hosted both the PGA Professional National Championship and the BC Open. Past champions include Tiger Woods, Matt Kuchar, Steve Flesch and Dustin Johnson. This course isn’t for the meek, so expect a difficult outing on this professional-level course. Atunyote (the Oneida word for “eagle”) offers an unparalleled setting with stretches of wide-open space, gently rolling hills and scenic water features such as small waterfalls and several lakes. Nature lovers will delight in the views from the tee box and beyond.
The award-winning Shenandoah also features 18 brilliant holes of PGA-level golf in a gorgeous setting. Rick Smith designed the venue, keeping the natural landscape in mind, complemented with a wooded parkland ambience that meets Audubon International standards. The course features open pastures for a links-style feel with more than 7,000 yards of professional tour-quality play.
The casino’s Champions Package is an excellent option and includes a two-night hotel stay; one round each on the Kaluhyat, Atunyote and Shenandoah courses; and more. Another highlight is the Golf Dome, offering a two-tiered hitting area with 40 hitting stations. Players can use one of two virtual simulators with 38 different courses including St. Andrews, Pebble Beach and Pinehurst. The golfing options are limitless at this property.
For full details, visit www.TurningStone.com/golf.
Tee Time Talk: Joel Barkin Shares What Makes Turning Stone a Top Golf Destination
