The Rapiscan Systems Classic returns to Coastal Mississippi at Grand Bear Golf Course! From March 28 - April 3, some of the greatest golfers will be battling it out in our own backyard, and for a good cause! Featuring a two-day Pro-Am tournament, a three-day PGA TOUR Champions tournament, a celebrity chefs dinner, pairings party at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casinos, and a host of other events, there's plenty of fun to be had. And when you're not on the green, you'll want to fill your itinerary with un-fore-gettable experiences perfect for the Rapiscan Systems Classic week! Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to hit the links, or a casual Golf Coaster, you're sure to enjoy a fun-filled and safe experience along The Secret Coast.
Swing away
Swing away at any one of our world-renowned golf courses!
From Jack Nicklaus to Arnold Palmer, from Davis Love III to Mark McCumber, Coastal Mississippi offers world-renowned golf courses designed by some of the greatest legends to ever hit the links. Play like a pro at Grand Bear, home of the Rapiscan Systems Classic, or enjoy a casual round with friends at any number of our courses. Besides award-winning play spanning from Bay St. Louis to Biloxi to Pascagoula, on our greens, you’re treated to sprawling views of Coastal Mississippi with plenty of room to spread your wings and social distance. When you’re on one of our nearly 20 courses, just don’t be surprised if you don’t know whether to tee off or take pictures!
Mini golfing is also a “fairway” to have a tee-rific experience in Coastal Mississippi! Putt your way past an erupting volcano at Lava Links Golf Club, located just steps away from the entrance of Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort in D’Iberville. Enjoy beautiful views of our coastline while navigating the two 18 hole mini golf courses at Big Play in Biloxi. Take a swing at Banana’s Mini Golf & Arcade in Gulfport, and cool off afterwards at Feel The Freeze Treats Shop.
They see me rolling
Let’s be honest. The pros at the Rapiscan Systems Charity Challenge might have as much fun racing around Fallen Oak on their golf carts as they do playing in the actual tournament! Even if your golf game isn’t quite up to par for professional competition, you can still get in on all the fun zooming around Coastal Mississippi in a cart of your own.
Schooner the Seagull loves a good golf cart ride around The Secret Coast!
Our coastal communities of Bay St. Louis, Waveland, Pass Christian, Diamondhead, Ocean Springs and Pascagoula all allow licensed drivers to operate golf carts on city streets at under 25 miles per hour. Try renting a cart at Bodega Adventure Rentals & Sales and putt your way around Old Town Bay St. Louis, or stop by Downtown Cart Rentals for quick access to enjoying everything Historic Downtown Ocean Springs has to offer. What better way to get some fresh air, see the sights and look like a pro golfer while doing it?
Birdie-watching
Celebrations are in order anytime a golfer scores a birdie or an eagle, and the same can be said when birdwatching in Coastal Mississippi! The Secret Coast is expansive, with 62 miles of shoreline, bays, bayous, marshes and barrier islands perfect for birdwatching more than 400 native and migratory species.
Coastal Mississippi offers endless birdwatching opportunities!
Get started by mapping out your visit with the Mississippi Coast Birding Trail. Some of the most popular sites include the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, the Pascagoula River Audubon Center and Gulf Islands National Seashore.
For more information on where to go and what to see, visit our Insider’s Guide to Birding in Coastal Mississippi!
Victory cigars
Rapiscan Systems Classic regulars like John Daly and two-time champion Miguel Ángel Jiménez are known to enjoy a celebratory cigar after a long day on the links, but the victory libations are welcome to all in Coastal Mississippi. The Cigar Shop in Biloxi has an outstanding selection and a helpful staff that can you help you find the stogie just for you. Cigars in the Pass also offers a huge selection, local craft beer on draft and an outdoor seating area!
