Gateway to Ground Zero

Tunica National

We were on our way to visit Tunica National Golf & Tennis, the best course in the area.

After a warm welcome from General Manager Bob Wolcott, we had lunch in the clubhouse overlooking both the golf course and the four indoor, air-conditioned clay tennis courts. The facilities are managed by KemperSports, renowned for their work at Bandon Dunes, Chambers Bay, Streamsong and dozens of other outstanding facilities across the United States. The well-appointed proshop and first-class practice facilities make this worth a visit even if you aren’t playing a round.

There is water on 15 holes of this challenging track, with cambering and falloffs bringing the water even more into play. The bunkering is also a major factor, especially lining the fairways, which makes accuracy off the tee essential. Overall conditioning was great, with the greens a highlight, in super shape and running firm and true.

As one might expect there aren’t too many elevation changes given the generally flat delta terrain, but there are a surprising number of blind shots, so be sure to check the GPS in the cart before hitting! The closing hole is perhaps one of the best and toughest on the course. At over 400 yards, this dogleg left requires a heroic drive to take on the cross-water approach. Anything less than perfect off the tee and a lay-up is recommended. A great finish to a formidable test.

The relatively flat surroundings make the prevailing winds even more of a factor – this course can bite when they get up.

That said, this is a resort course with relatively wide fairways, rough that isn’t too penal and five tees on every hole to ensure everyone gets around. In short, at just over 7,200 yards from the tips this Mark McCumber design is a fair course, one to be found in great condition that anyone can play and that can be dialed up to give a good challenge to stronger players.