ABOUT THE MGCGA

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Golf Association, the only organization on the Gulf Coast 100% dedicated to promoting golf, is a Non-Profit golf destination marketing organization. Our mission is "to promote golf and golf package play at Member Courses and Associate Member Hotels on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, specifically Hancock, Harrison and Jackson Counties." The organization was established in 1982 to promote the game in tournaments run by Member Courses and volunteers around the coast.

The Gulf Coast is the site of the oldest golf course in Mississippi, the Donald Ross designed Great Southern Golf Club, which was established in 1908 and hosted the PGA Tour's Gulfport Open in the 40's. The historic match in 1943 had the two most prolific stars, Byron Nelson and Sam Snead, battling it out in a 19-hole playoff. The match ended on the 19th playoff hole after Mr. Nelson showed incredible sportsmanship by conceding Mr. Sneed's putt to make him that year's champion. Today the Gulf Coast is the Riviera of the South. Antebellum homes and historic structures matched with 12 Las Vegas Style casinos and 26 miles of Gulf of Mexico shoreline.

All of this, coupled with an average temperature of 68 degrees, makes it a 12-month destination. When you add the 15 Member Courses on the Gulf Coast, you have a golf destination that is truly the 'GOLF COAST'. Who's Who of golf course designers now dot the coast with at least two more courses in development. Architects such as Arnold Palmer, Earl Stone, Davis Love and John LaFoy, to name a few, are involved.

When you want more from your golf destination than just golf, the GOLF COAST is the answer. With casino nightlife matched with southern charm and a location that puts the area one hour from Bourbon Street in New Orleans or 1 1/2 hours to Pensacola, Florida - Come visit for the weekend or a week.

HISTORY, GOLF and More…

The Mississippi Gulf Coast over 300 years of history is marked with many countries flags raised over it. England, Spain and France all laid claim before it was claimed by the United Sates as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. When the newly appointed Governor sent a party to the Mississippi Gulf Coast in 1811 led by Dr. William Flood, he proclaimed "the beautiful bays and rivers which empty into the sea, would promote and repay for the unhealthiness of the climate of New Orleans." Dr. Flood's prophetic announcement came true in the antebellum period of rapid construction of summer homes, cottages, bordering houses and small gulf side hotels. Biloxi had earned her title as "Queen of the Watering Places.

Golf, like most of the United States, did not come to the Gulf Coast until the 'turn of the century.' Great Southern Golf Club built in 1908, played host to some the greatest players of the 40's by hosting the Gulfport Open. The 1943 Gulfport Open ended in a 19-hole playoff with Sam Snead edging Byron Nelson shortly before he wins 13 straight events, a record he still holds today. The Gulf Coast Open and Gulf Coast Amateur, played every summer the past 20 years, is a continuation of this rich golf championship past. With the boom of golf in the later part of the century, small private clubs were proliferating on the Gulf Coast.

While Golf is alive and well in the Gulf Coast, man cannot live on Golf alone and nowhere is that more prevalent that the here on the Gulf Coast. From the 26 miles of Gulf of Mexico coastline and all of its seafood bounty, so much that this region was once the Seafood Capital of the World at the turn of the century. To the 24/7 entertainment gaming brings to the Gulf Coast with 12 'Las Vegas Style' Casinos on its beaches and bays. As well as the 17,000 rooms available to visitors. Golf, Gulf of Mexico and Gaming - the only golf destination in the United States to deliver this unique combination of History, Climate, Golf, Gulf of Mexico and 24/7 Gaming & Entertainment.

CLIMATE

The mild climate of the Mississippi Gulf Coast has long attracted tourists and industry alike. Annual average temperature is 68°, ranging from a 30-year average of 52° in the coldest month to 82° in the hottest month. Annual average precipitation is 61 inches, ample rainfall for our vibrant azaleas and other garden flowers.

COME BY LAND, AIR OR SEA

MILEAGE BY LAND
The Mississippi Gulf Coast hugs the Gulf of Mexico and is approximately an hour's drive from New Orleans, Louisiana to the west and Mobile, Alabama to the east. Simply take one of the region's major interstates (I-55, I-65, or I-85) to I-10 and then I-110 or State Highway 49 to US Highway 90, which runs along the Gulf waters.The following table lists mileage distances from major cities in the Southeast:

AIR TRANSPORTATION
http://www.gulfcoast.org/gpt/index.htm

BY SEA
Visitors are always welcomed at many of the private and public marinas. Many have hook-ups and shower facilities. Once ashore, an excellent mass transit system will get you around with ease. Below is a listing of area Marinas.

Beau Rivage Marina
875 Beach Blvd
Biloxi MS 39532
228-386-7580, 1-888-576-2746, Fax: 228-386-7582
Telephones, restrooms, fuel, showers, laundry facilities, cable water, 37 slips.

Bert Jones Yacht Basin (Gulfport Small Craft Harbor)
200 20th Ave
Gulfport MS 39501
228-868-5713, Fax: 228-868-5758
Restrooms, fuel, on-board maintenance, showers, laundry facilities, supplies, 300 slips.

Biloxi Small Craft Harbor
693 Beach Blvd
Biloxi 39530-4302
228-374-6600, 228-436-4062, Fax: 228-435-7228
Telephones, restrooms, fuel, showers, repair dock, limited supplies, 147 permanent slips (14 transient).

Long Beach Marina
720 South Cleveland Ave
Long Beach MS 39560
228-863-4795, Fax: 228-868-5441
Telephones, restrooms, fuel, limited supplies, pump-out station, 24 hour security, 2 public fishing piers, 232 slips.

Pascagoula Inner Harbor
228-762-1020
23 SLIPS.

Pass Christian Municipal Harbor
1 South Heirn Ave
Pass Christian, MS 39571
228-452-3315, Fax: 228-452-3322
Telephones, restrooms, fuel, supplies, 350 slips.

Point Cadet Marina
119 Beach Blvd
Biloxi MS 39530
228-436-9312, Fax: 228-436-9312.
Telephones, restrooms, fuel, showers, laundry facilities, and 285 slips.

President Broadwater Marina
2110 West Beach Blvd
Biloxi MS 39531
228-385-4097, 1-800-647-3964, Fax: 228-385-4073
Telephones, restrooms, fuel, showers, laundry facilities, pump out station, 118 slips.