Diamondhead Country Club -Cardinal

Guest (cart included), played on Monday, January 2023 at 12:00 PM

If someone were to mention "Diamond Head," any person with any knowledge of geography would instinctively think of Hawaii, and Diamond Head Crater, an extinct volcanic crater and the site of a luakini heiau, and ancient ceremonial structure dedicated to the war god and used by ancient Hawaiians for worship and human sacrifice. It's one of the most popular hikes on the island of Oahu and happens to be Hawaii's most recognized landmark.

Diamondhead (notice the difference in spelling) is a city on the Bay St. Louis coastline in Mississippi, located about 35 miles from Biloxi, MS, and 50 miles from New Orleans, LA, making it an easy drive from both markets. The city of Diamondhead was destined to be a resort town, with Hawaii-inspired architecture, landscaping, and road names. even their logo depicts this. Take a look at the country club's swimming pool and you'll see what I'm talking about.

Within the city, you'll find The Club at Diamondhead, a semi-private country club where the emphasis is on recreation and enjoying all that a Mississippi Gulf Coast lifestyle has to offer. For some, it's the ten lighted, hydra-clay tennis courts at The Tennis Club, for others, the dining and social aspects of the club, For the majority of members, it's the two 18-hole championship golf courses that draw golfers from near and far. The area has some interesting topography with elevations that rise to just over 100 feet. You won't find many water hazards out here however both courses have a lot of tree-lined fairways, so if you can't hit it straight off the tee, be prepared to get creative!

The Cardinal Course

With tree-lined fairways, extra-long sand bunkers, and no parallel holes, the Cardinal Course makes for a serene, peaceful round of golf. From the White Tees, the course plays 6,128 yards with a course rating of 71.0 and a slope of 128. With 4 sets of tees, there's a suitable yardage for every golfer, no matter how good – or bad – you are!

The 4th hole is a par 3 that plays 140 yards over water into a large, oceanic-style green that is well-sloped from back to front. The water guards the right side of the green, and bunkers front left and in the back place an emphasis on accuracy off the tee. There's a bailout area long, and right, however, it leaves most players with a tough up and down.

That same accuracy will come in handy on the par 4, 383-yard 6th hole. You'll need it to avoid the bunkers, both off the tee and around the green. Off the tee, there's a lot more room on the right side than you may think, and the fairway bunker on the left side gets a good workout as well! Long, deep bunkers guard either side of this long, narrow green. There may be as much as a two-club difference between a front and back pin placement. Maury Hodgens, Head Golf Professional, says “Be sure to stay below the hole and favor left of center for a slightly uphill putt. Putts from above the hole on Number 6 of the Cardinal are deceptively fast and can get away from you in a hurry.”

Number 13 is probably the signature hole on the Cardinal course. It's a 153-yard par 3 that plays downhill over water with woods on either side. The green is a tilted plane and not very deep on the right side. It's protected by a bunker in the back right. Par is a good score here.

If Number 13 is not the signature hole, then, by all means, Number 15 is. This 510-yard, par 5 will require three well-thought-out and accurate shots to get on the green in regulation. You'll need to cross the water twice, once from the elevated tee box to an island fairway and a second time on your layup shot. The landing area off the tee to the island fairway is narrow, and trees come into play on the right side. Your layup shot starts your uphill journey to the green, and it's best to play at least one extra club on your next two shots. Trees come into play on both sides of the fairway on your second and third shots as well. There's a single bunker short of the green on the right side; the green is not that large and has some good slope to it.

If either of these courses has you doubting your game, maybe a visit to The Golf Academy of Diamondhead is just what you need. Headed up by PGA Director of Instruction and Player Development, Hoppy Smith, a quick lesson might help work out the kinks. They use the latest technologies and can help you out with golf club fittings, ball and club speed analysis, and club distance and gapping measurements. Individual and on-course instruction is available as well as weekly golf clinics, all designed to help you get the most out of your golf game.

In 2020, Hurricane Zeta hit Diamondhead, MS, and according to Food and Beverage Manager Chris Rahaim, there was extensive damage to the clubhouse, in particular, the kitchen and restaurant areas. Management chose to look on the bright side and saw this as an opportunity to do some remodeling. The result is an open-air concept that is multi-functional. Whether it's just your foursome or you're part of a larger golf group, the staff can easily accommodate you. The food is incredible, especially the Sunday Brunch, complete with an omelet station and Prime Rib carving station. They also do a lot of special events, including wine and bourbon tastings. Check out the website or their Facebook page for up-to-date information.

These are just a few of the many things going on at The Club at Diamondhead. To book your next round or for information on becoming a member, call them at (228) 255-3910 or visit them online.

Guest (cart included), played on Monday, March 2021 at 10:00 AM

Although Biloxi, MS is best known for its beaches and casinos, its appeal to golfers and golf travelers is growing quickly. Coastal Mississippi has some amazing and stunning golf courses, with plenty of courses for the public to play, numerous restaurants to eat at, and the opportunity to win big at one of the many casinos. It’s a chance for a hole-in-one and a million-dollar jackpot all in the same day! There are 12 courses immediately in the Biloxi area; several more if you don’t mind putting a few miles on the rental car. Here’s my take on a few of them.

Diamondhead Country Club is one of those courses that take a little longer to get to but is well worth the trip. Diamondhead has 36 holes of challenging golf. The Pine Course is skillfully carved into rolling terrain that is rarely seen this close to the coast. It features strategically placed bunkers and water comes into play on a number of holes. Diamondhead’s Cardinal Course is more wooded, with less undulation in the terrain. You’ll find no parallel fairways and several extra-long sand bunkers that seem to appear from nowhere. If you’re looking for scenic beauty and some of the best greens on the gulf coast, come on down! Diamondhead also has the only indoor/outdoor Golf Academy along The Secret Coast.

When it comes to dining options, you can’t go wrong with what each of the casinos has to offer: incredible buffets as well as high-end steakhouses. Get outside the casinos and head into the towns of Ocean Springs and Biloxi and I have a couple of suggestions. Patio 44 in Biloxi is known for its fresh take on classic Creole-style dishes that incorporate the freshest ingredients available from the Delta and Gulf Coast regions, dishes like shrimp and grits, fried catfish tacos, and seafood gumbo. The Buckhead Certified Angus Beef they serve is aged for a minimum of 21 days. Patio 44 also offers one of the most unique – and delicious – appetizers I’ve ever had. Their Debris Fries are a “southern take” on Canadian poutine. Perfectly cooked French fries with braised beef trimmings, brown gravy, and melted cheese, garnished with green onions. It’s a must!

Maison de Lu is Ocean Springs is another great choice. New Jersey native Luann Ellis left the snow and headed for Gulf Coast over 20 years ago and now calls Ocean Springs home. Maison De Lu is located in the heart of downtown Ocean Springs and serves some interesting creations. The Goat Cheese Torte is delicious; layered with sundried tomatoes and pesto and served with warm pita chips. The New Zealand Rack of Lamb is sliced into chops and served with the sauce du jour. The side dishes are amazing; Roasted Red Beets, Roasted Mushrooms and Onions, and a great alternative to potatoes, Twice Baked Cauliflower.

This is just a brief glimpse into everything Coastal Mississippi has to offer golfers. From great drives on the course to short drives to everything you want to do off the course, The Secret Coast has got you covered.