Over the years my husband and I have bypassed many great casino resorts because we do not gamble. Nonetheless, after a brief stay at a resort in Northern Michigan, we realized that casino resorts offer a lot more than just gaming. Casino resorts have some of the most beautiful and challenging courses in America. Because golfing is one of our favorite past times, casino resorts have become a favorite for our vacations. Many resorts offer stay and play packages, as well as golf training and instruction.
The Best Golf Courses:
French Lick Springs Resort is located in Southern Indiana. French Licks is home of the legendary par 70 Donald Ross Course. The popularity of this historic course has led to their hosting of the U.S. Open Qualifier in mid-May of this year.
Grand Bear Golf Course is a part of Harrah’s Casino in Saucier, Mississippi. The course was designed by renowned golf champion Jack Nicklaus. It is a par 72 course with Bermuda grass throughout. Grand Bear made Golf Week’s List of Best Casino Courses in 2007.
Belterra Casino Resort in Florence, Indiana borders both Ohio and Kentucky. Belterra offers a challenging par 71 course set amongst thousands of trees. This course was named in the top 10 of Golf Magazine’s Public Access Golf Courses in America 2001, and Golf Week Magazine’s America’s Best Public Access Courses for Indiana 2005.
Shadow Creek MGM Mirage was named #1 on Golf Week’s Best Casino Course list in 2007. Set in the Nevada desert near exciting Las Vegas, Shadow Creek is a sight to behold. It has received various other awards including Top New Private Course by Golf Digest back in 1994.
The Links at Cottonwoods are also a part of the Harrah’s Casino family. Located in Tunica, Mississippi, not far from Memphis, TN, the course is named “the Links” because of its Scottish link style. Golf Digest named the Links at Cottonwoods one of the Top 40 Casino Courses in 2007.
Wynn Golf and Country Club (part of Wynn Las Vegas) is the only golf course on the famed Las Vegas strip. This breathtaking course was designed by both Tom Fazio and Steve Wynn. It is a par 70 course with rolling fairways, dramatic waterfalls and mature trees.
The Bridges at the Hollywood Casino in Bay St. Louis was ranked among the top 10 courses in Mississippi by Golf Digest. This par 72 course designed by Arnold Palmer is set amongst several lakes, bridges and wetlands.
Several casino courses also offer golf training and instruction. Whether you are looking to improve your skills or to learn the game, casino resorts are a great place to take either private or group lessons. Some courses even offer one or more day golf academies.
Casino resorts may also offer hot deals during the week. In addition to golfing, many casino resorts offer spa services, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, delicious buffets and various kinds of entertainment. It is a great vacation spot for gamers and non-gamers alike.
