ISSUE 239 NATCHEZ GOLF CLUB Mississippi’s oldest public-access course is still a hidden treasure www.teetogreengolfmagazine.com
Tee to Green GOLF MAGAZINE COVERAGE AREA: Louisiana and Mississippi PUBLISHER: John Price (ttgmagazine@yahoo.com) SOCIAL MEDIA: TTGgolfmagazine ALBATROSSES in APRIL HARRY YOUNG AIDEN COBB 7, BREC's Webb Memorial Golf Course (Baton Rouge, La.) No. 11 (404 yards) Notes: Completed par-5 hole by sinking second shot with a 3-hybrid; Aiden resides in Texarkana, Texas Witnesses: Peyton Hebert, Mike Anderson, Bennett Goris WILLIAM HANDJIS 27, BREC's Webb Memorial Golf Course (Baton Rouge, La.) No. 10 (301 yards) Notes: William, who resides in Vidalia, La., used a driver to accomplish this extremely rare feat of an albatross ace! 24, Quail Hollow Golf Course (McComb, Miss.) No. 9 (434 yards) Notes: Harry completed this par-5 hole by sinking his second shot from 200 yards with a driver! Witnesses: Jimmy Coker, Danny Easley, Jim Hales ANDREW LINDSTROM 29, BREC's Historic City Park (Baton Rouge, La.) No. 6 (260 yards) Notes: This was an albatross ace as the sixth hole is a par-4 and Andrew used a driver for the shot! Tee to Green Golf Magazine Issue 239 Page 3
COVER STORY ENDURING POPULARITY Natchez Golf Club continues to be an admired facility Established as a 9-hole course in 1916, Natchez Golf Club at Duncan Park has found a way to appeal to golfers young, old and in between over the last 110 years. One trip to these hollowed grounds in Historic Natchez (Miss.) and you will find a place where in the early days Walter Hagen, Sam Snead and Babe Zaharias played this course. This past June, the course played host to its annual Norman Puckett Junior Championship, a regional championship that continues to grow and attract players from the Southeastern United States. In October, the course will welcome competitors for the Natchez Open, a 54-hole tournament sanctioned by the Mississippi Golf Association that also awards WAGR points. In between all these prestigious events, there will be thousands of rounds played on the original nine holes and the second nine, which was opened in the 1990s. Seymour Dunn, a Scottish professional golfer, was the designer of the par-35 front nine. The round starts with four par-4s. The rest of the front nine features the par-5 fifth, a par-3 sixth, back-to-back par-4s and the par-3 ninth, which is the shortest hole on entire course from the tips (blue) and middle (white) tees. The back nine, designed by Bryan Ault, starts with one of two par-5s (number 14 is the other). Nos. 11-12 are each par-4s and No. 15 is the final par-3 of the course, which finishes with a pair of par-4s. The back nine is a par-36 and together the course plays at 6,501 from the tips. From the middle tees, the course is just under 5,900 yards and just over 5,100 from the front (red) tees. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE Tee to Green Golf Magazine Issue 239 Page 4
The green at No. 8, a par-4 that plays 420 yards from the tips and 344 yards from the red tees CONTINUED from PAGE 4 While Natchez Golf Club doesn’t have the length that many of the modern courses have, what makes it unique also makes it a challenge. “Every hole out here is a riskreward hole,” said Natchez Golf Club General Manager Greg Brooking, who has been with the course since 1995 and also is the facility’s Professional and Superintendent. “Michael Arnaud, who won two Natchez Open titles, once told me there are so many ways to play the course and that’s one of the things he liked about it.” The course will make you think, as the big hitters typically will only hit a driver on five holes. The key to going low on this course is playing smart with good iron play, staying in the fairway and putting well. 2026 NORMAN PUCKETT JUNIOR GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL RESULTS Boys overall* Gavin McDermott (215, won playoff) John Avery Storey (215) Rylan Hess (218) Girls overall Rylee Summerlin (252) Leah Wigginton (260) Katelyn Stringfellow (262) Girls 16-118: Rylee Summerlin (252), Scarlett Kirsch (277), Reese Johnson (305) Boys 14-115: Neil Langford (221), Elijah Dufrene (224), Davis Murphy (236) Girls 13-115: Leah Wigginton (260), Katelyn Stringfellow (262) Boys 12-113: Travis Cater (148), Bowman Sandifer (151), Neil White (156) Boys 10-111: Charlie Magee (67), James Pena (73), Wyatt Williamson (79) Girls 10-112: Addilyn Stephens (81), Ada Taylor (110), Macie Hicks (116) Boys 9-aand-uunder: Mac Holtmann (74), Cash Junkin (121) Gavin McDermott Rylee Summerlin *same top-three results for boys’ 16-18 division “Although water only comes into play on a few holes, there are some hazards in the form of trees if you miss the fairway, Brooking explained. “Almost any errant shot can result in tree trouble.” Aside from the beautiful flowers on the course at Duncan Park, there are also an abundance of Dogwoods, Long Leaf Pines and towering Oaks trees, many draped in Spanish Moss. Another reason the facility, which is a charter member of the Mississippi Golf Trail, continues to be popular is the value and conditioning of the course. “Our motto out here is not to keep the course in good shape, but excellent shape,” Brooking said. Even with a new renovated clubhouse, excellent year-round conditions and great hospitality, green fees are still only $16 (add $18 if you want to rent a cart), making Natchez Golf Club perhaps the best value in the South! For more info (including upcoming events) about Natchez Golf Club, log onto www.natchezgolfclub.com. You can also call the course at 601.442.5955 for tee times. The facility is open seven days per week. Tee to Green Golf Magazine Issue 239 Page 5
JANUARY ACES REYNOLD WELCH 3, BREC's Santa Maria Golf Course (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 17 TOM WAGUESPACK 3, The University Club (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 8 (150 yards) JOHNNY SETTON 5, BREC's Beaver Creek Golf Course (Zachary, La.), No. 3 (110 yards) JOE AUSTIN 5, The Club at Diamondhead (Miss.), Pine Course No. 6 (118 yards) RAY LOUVIERE 6, The Island Golf Course (Plaquemine, La.), No. 16 (102 yards) CHRISTOPHER PIPSAIR 9, Baton Rouge (La.) Country Club, No. 3 (110 yards) MICHAEL LANG 9, Baton Rouge (La.) Country Club, No. 3 (110 yards) JAMES LAMBERT 11, Copper Mill Golf Club (Zachary, La.), No. 6 (141 yards) KEN TYLER 16, The Club at Diamondhead (Miss.), Pine Course No. 2 (125 yards) ALLEN THORNTON 23, BREC's Webb Park Golf Course (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 5 JOSH FULLILOVE 23, Tidelands Country Club (Galliano, La.), No. 14 (170 yards) LEONARD DEROCHE 28, Tidelands Country Club (Galliano, La.), No. 14 (139 yards) BOBBY SIMPSON 28, Copper Mill Golf Club (Zachary, La.), No. 6 (117 yards) NICHOLAS MILLER 29, BREC's Webb Memorial Golf Course (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 17 NELSON HINES 29, BREC's Santa Maria Golf Course (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 5 DICKIE OLIVIER 29, The Wetlands Golf Course (Lafayette, La.), No. 13 (92 yards) BLAIR NUTTING Josh Fullilove 29, The Club at Diamondhead (Miss.), Cardinal Course No. 17 (154 yards) Tee to Green Golf Magazine Issue 239 Page 6 Michael Lang (left) and Christopher Pipsair
FEBRUARY ACES JAMES HOPPER 1, Shell Landing Golf Club (Gautier, Miss.), No. 11 (121 yards) JOSH GREEN 2, BREC's Santa Maria Golf Course (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 2 MIKE GENARD 2, Copper Mill Golf Club (Zachary, La.), No. 11 (144 yards) TOBY WAGUESPACK 4, BREC's Webb Memorial Golf Course (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 15 DOUG McLAUGHLIN 4, Quail Hollow Golf Course (McComb, Miss.), No. 13 (87 yards) PAGE BREAUX 7, The University Club (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 16 (139 yards) BENSON ROSS 7, Steelwood Country Club (Loxley, Ala.), No. 2 (215 yards) JOHN YOUNG 11, BREC's Santa Maria Golf Course (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 11 BENNY LOPOO 12, The University Club (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 5 (137 yards) OTIS AUTREY JR. 12, BREC's Historic City Park Golf Course (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 5 PAUL MARCHAND 12, BREC's Historic City Park Golf Course (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 5 JACOB LEWIS 14, Country Club of Canton (Miss.), No. 12 NELSON HINES 18, BREC's Historic City Golf Course (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 5 (144 yards) JACK O'DELL 18, BREC's Santa Maria Golf Course (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 5 BRYAN LANOIX 18, The University Club (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 8 (166 yards) Tee to Green Golf Magazine Issue 239 Page 8 Doug McLaughlin James Hopper
FEBRUARY ACES JIM PARR 20, The University Club (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 16 (140 yards) ANTHONY JACKSON 20, The Club at Diamondhead (Miss.), Pine Course No. 6 (112 yards) GORDON GIVENS 21, Okatoma Golf Club (Collins, Miss.), No. 11 (80 yards) JOEL PREJEAN 21, The University Club (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 8 (146 yards) JAMES NUTT 25, Country Club of Canton (Miss.), No. 12 WILLARD KEARNS 25, The Club at Diamondhead (Miss.), Cardinal Course No. 17 (126 yards) ETHAN MOSER 26, The University Club (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 16 (157 yards) KEN MILLER 28, BREC's Webb Memorial Golf Course (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 3 WILLIAM ARON JR. 28, BREC's Santa Maria Golf Course (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 17 Cardinal Course No. 15 at The Club at Diamondhead (Miss.) Gordon Givens Tee to Green Golf Magazine Issue 239 Page 9
MARCH ACES DAVID MONGRUE 3, The University Club (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 5 (117 yards) DALE WILLIAMS 5, Mallard Pointe Golf Course and Villas (Sardis, Miss.), No. 12 WILL HANDJIS 10, BREC's Webb Memorial Golf Course (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 3 TRAN ASPRODITES 11, The Club at Diamondhead (Miss.), Cardinal Course No. 17 (126 yards) KEVIN WEBB 12, The Club at Diamondhead (Miss.), Pine Course No. 6 (118 yards) JANSEN BOURG 13, Ellendale Country Club (Houma, La.), No. 4 (142 yards) DEAN BEESON 13, The University Club (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 8 (157 yards) LEE FANGUY 15, Ellendale Country Club (Houma, La.), No. 17 (118 yards) BRUCE DUHE 17, BREC's Santa Maria Golf Course (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 5 SOPHIA MACIAS 20, English Turn Golf and Country Club (New Orleans), No. 17 (140 yards) NICK MYERS 21, BREC's Beaver Creek Golf Course (Zachary, La.), No. 15 MORGAN WIGGERS 21, The Refuge Golf Course (Flowood, Miss.), No. 5 (130 yards) NICHOLAS CRISTEA 22, The University Club (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 13 (183 yards) DOUGLAS LEMOINE 29, BREC's Webb Memorial Golf Course (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 3 ALLAN DANIEL 29, The Club at Diamondhead (Miss.), Pine Course No. 2 (129 yards) COLE MOULARD 29, Bringhurst Golf Course (Alexandria, La.), No. 3 JORDAN KARAM 29, Copper Mill Golf Club (Zachary, La.), No. 8 (180 yards) KELLY KLING 31, BREC's Historic City Park Golf Course (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 10 TURF BABIN 31, BREC's Historic City Park Golf Course (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 5 (143 yards) Tee to Green Golf Magazine Issue 239 Page 10 Cole Moulard Bruce Duhe Lee Fanguy (center) Dale Williams
www.theislandgolf.com 18 HOLES OF CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF IN PLAQUEMINE, LA. Memberships Daily-fee play Tournaments Outings Lessons Contact PGA Professional Chris Burkstaller for more details at 225.685.0808
APRIL ACES RAYMOND MONETTE 3, BREC's Webb Memorial Golf Course (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 15 ZACK HODSON 3, LaTour Golf Club (Mathews, La.), No. 4 JACK DEBOER 7, BREC's Historic City Park Golf Course (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 1 NORRY GALJOUR 7, Tidelands Country Club (Galliano, La.) No. 14 (149 yards) CONNOR CAVIN 8 , The Country Club of Louisiana (Baton Rouge), No. 6 (152 yards) JOEY WATSON 8, Copper Mill Golf Club (Zachary, La.), No. 2 (106 yards) DEAN NAPOLI 9, The University Club (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 16 (154 yards) D.J. DAIGLE 10, BREC's Santa Maria Golf Course (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 5 (149 yards) HENRY SCHOTT 14, BREC's Webb Memorial Golf Course (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 3 (130 yards) ED CANCIENNE 15, The University Club (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 5 (120 yards) GARY BERGERON 16, Timberlane Golf and Recreation (Gretna, La.), No. 8 GARY HUGHES 16, The Club at Diamondhead (Miss.), Cardinal Course No. 7 (130 yards) PATRICK DESTEFANO 17, The Club at Diamondhead (Miss.), Pine Course No. 6 KENNY HOGGATT 17, BREC's Webb Memorial Golf Course (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 15 PAUL MAINIERI 19, The University Club (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 13 (157 yards) CAN LE 22, BREC's Santa Maria Golf Course (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 17 RANDY HOLS 22, BREC's Santa Maria Golf Course (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 11 BRYCE NEWSOM 22, BREC's Webb Memorial Golf Course (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 3 Gary Bergeron Tee to Green Golf Magazine Issue 239 Page 12 D.J. Daigle Connor Cavin Norry Galjour Zack Hodson
APRIL ACES GIOIRE MANGUNO 23, The Island Golf Course (Plaquemine, La.) No. 8 (171 yards) RANDY ROGERS 24, The Club at Diamondhead (Miss.) Pine Course No. 2 (137 yards) WILLIAM HANDJIS 27, BREC's Webb Memorial Golf Course (Baton Rouge, La.) No. 10 (301 yards) JOHN BENNETT 27, The Country Club of Oxford (Miss.), No. 5 JEFF NEEDHAM 28, Mallard Pointe Golf Course (Sardis, Miss.) No. 8 (123 yards) DUSTIN KIDDER 28, The University Club (Baton Rouge, La.) No. 16 (156 yards) ANDREW LINDSTROM 29, BREC's Historic City Park (Baton Rouge, La.) No. 6 (260 yards) John Bennett Mallard Pointe Golf Course Jeff Needham Gioire Manguno Tee to Green Golf Magazine Issue 239 Page 13
MAY ACES ALLAN DANIEL 4, The Club at Diamondhead (Miss.) Cardinal Course No. 4 (111 yards) MICKEY GUIDRY 5, The Club at Diamondhead (Miss.) Pine Course No. 15 (142 yards) ETHAN SPENCER 9, The Country Club of Oxford (Miss.), No. 5 Santa Maria Golf Course KENYON SPEARS 14, BREC's Webb Memorial Golf Course (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 5 CHARMAYNE PURVIS 21, The Club at Diamondhead (Miss.) Pine Course No. 2 AUSTIN MANUEL 31, BREC's Santa Maria Golf Course (Baton Rouge, La.), No. 5 Ethan Spencer 2026 DIRECTORY Preferred list of public-access courses in Louisiana, Mississippi, the Gulf Coast of Alabama and the Florida Panhandle Speciality publication of TEE TO GREEN GOLF MAGAZINE www.usssagolf.com Tee to Green Golf Magazine Issue 239 Page 14
LOUISIANA Farm d’Allie Golf Club (Carencro) Beaver Creek Golf Course (Zachary) LaTour Golf Club (Mathews) MISSISSIPPI Shell Landing Golf Club (Gautier) ALABAMA & FLORIDA COMING SOON! Beaver Creek Golf Course
ON THE ROAD Four Florida Panhandle courses to play soon The Florida Panhandle has long been known for its sugar-white beaches and emerald waters, but golfers are starting to find out the region offers an equally impressive collection of courses. Here are four courses on the Florida Panhandle that should be on your must-play list. Starting off in Pensacola is Marcus Pointe Golf Club, which features a course that winds through towering pines, natural wetlands and gently rolling terrain. Wide fairways invite aggressive play, but strategically placed hazards ensure every club selection matters. Excellent practice facilities, friendly staff, and consistent course conditions have made Marcus Pointe a favorite stop for both local golfers and visitors exploring Florida's western Panhandle. Travel east for 43 miles and you will find Fort Walton Beach Golf Club, which has welcomed golfers for generations. The 36-hole facility combines playability with mature trees and outstanding value. The Pines and Oaks courses provide different experiences while maintaining the relaxed atmosphere that has made this municipal facility a favorite among locals, military personnel, and visiting golfers alike. CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 Tee to Green Golf Magazine Issue 239 Page 16 Marcus Pointe Golf Club Fort Walton Beach Golf Club
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 One place you don’t want to be at this facility in the much-talked-about deep bunker (see picture on bottom of Page 16). Eight miles east in Shalimar is Shalimar Pointe Golf Club, which offers a memorable round along the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay. The course blends strategic shot-making with beautiful water views. Elevated greens, well-placed bunkers, and coastal breezes create a challenge that rewards thoughtful course management while remaining enjoyable for players of all skill levels. Moving east is one of Destin's premier championship venues — Kelly Plantation Shalimar Pointe Golf Club Golf Club. Built on the site of a former working plantation overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay, the course is known for immaculate conditioning, rolling fairways and several unforgettable holes that frame the area's natural beauty. First-class amenities and outstanding customer service have helped establish this facility as one of Northwest Florida's must-play destinations. www.marcuspointegc.com www.fwbgolf.com www.shalimarpointe.com www.kellyplantationgolf.com Kelly Plantation Golf Club Tee to Green Golf Magazine Issue 239 Page 18
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