News:

Welcome to the Golf Club Atlas Discussion Group!

Each user is approved by the Golf Club Atlas editorial staff. For any new inquiries, please contact us.


Frank Sekulic

  • Karma: +0/-0
Fallen Oak
« on: April 10, 2015, 02:32:24 PM »
 I am heading down to New Orleans in a week and a half for JazzFest and was going to shoot over to play Fallen Oak the following Monday, I was wondering if anyone here has played the course and if so, what to expect.


MCirba

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Fallen Oak
« Reply #1 on: April 10, 2015, 02:59:49 PM »
Frank,

I was in New Orleans Christmas week and tried to arrange to play Fallen Oak.   I was told that one has to stay in the resort there to play the course so went down the road to play Nicklaus' Grand Bear instead, which was pretty good Nicklaus, although Fallen Oak is generally rated higher.

Guess what I'm saying is don't just assume you can get on, even if the course is supposedly public.   Enjoy!
"Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent" - Calvin Coolidge

https://cobbscreek.org/

Bill_McBride

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Fallen Oak
« Reply #2 on: April 10, 2015, 03:04:40 PM »
There are a couple of other good options in that area of coastal Mississippi.

Shell Landing is a solid Paul Cowley course.

The Preserve is an equally good Jerry Pate/Steve Dana course.

I think I liked Grand Bear best, maybe my favorite Nicklaus course.

This is a good time to play there.  Avoid July-September!

John Cowden

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Fallen Oak
« Reply #3 on: April 10, 2015, 05:01:12 PM »
I was more impressed by the casino hotel in Biloxi where a stay is required to play Fallen Oak.  Very good food and a great crowd; room was very good also.  As for FO--ho-hum; a not very inspiring or challenging Fazio design.  I left thinking that if that was the top-rated course in MS I won't be playing much golf in that state.  (But I really like Beau Pre in Natchez.  Don't know the archie but I recommend it to anyone nearby.)

Frank Sekulic

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Fallen Oak
« Reply #4 on: April 10, 2015, 05:36:58 PM »
Frank,

I was in New Orleans Christmas week and tried to arrange to play Fallen Oak.   I was told that one has to stay in the resort there to play the course so went down the road to play Nicklaus' Grand Bear instead, which was pretty good Nicklaus, although Fallen Oak is generally rated higher.

Guess what I'm saying is don't just assume you can get on, even if the course is supposedly public.   Enjoy!


We are going to be staying at Beau Rivage so getting on will not be a problem, although I may check out the Grand Bear as well.

Tom Fagerli

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Fallen Oak
« Reply #5 on: April 10, 2015, 07:59:06 PM »
I have played Grand Bear several times and enjoyed it greatly. Only a couple goofy shots. Great setting back in the woods.

Joe Hancock

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Fallen Oak
« Reply #6 on: April 10, 2015, 09:19:39 PM »
I was more impressed by the casino hotel in Biloxi where a stay is required to play Fallen Oak.  Very good food and a great crowd; room was very good also.  As for FO--ho-hum; a not very inspiring or challenging Fazio design.  I left thinking that if that was the top-rated course in MS I won't be playing much golf in that state.  (But I really like Beau Pre in Natchez.  Don't know the archie but I recommend it to anyone nearby.)

I might be wrong, but I think Beau Pre is Mike Young....
" What the hell is the point of architecture and excellence in design if a "clever" set up trumps it all?" Peter Pallotta, June 21, 2016

"People aren't picking a side of the fairway off a tee because of a randomly internally contoured green ."  jeffwarne, February 24, 2017

Bryan Icenhower

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Fallen Oak
« Reply #7 on: April 10, 2015, 09:24:45 PM »
I left thinking that if that was the top-rated course in MS I won't be playing much golf in that state. 

Couldn't have said it any better. Played it many years ago and don't remember much about it other than the above.

Sam Morrow

Re: Fallen Oak
« Reply #8 on: April 10, 2015, 09:28:22 PM »
Fallen Oak is a very solid golf course, I compare it favorably to Squire Creek or Dallas National.

Mark Pritchett

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Fallen Oak
« Reply #9 on: April 10, 2015, 10:51:53 PM »
Fallen Oak is a solid test of golf with some really good holes.  As it is a Fazio, it won't garner any "street cred" from the hairy bunker crowd on this board. 

Bill_McBride

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Fallen Oak
« Reply #10 on: April 10, 2015, 11:21:03 PM »
I was more impressed by the casino hotel in Biloxi where a stay is required to play Fallen Oak.  Very good food and a great crowd; room was very good also.  As for FO--ho-hum; a not very inspiring or challenging Fazio design.  I left thinking that if that was the top-rated course in MS I won't be playing much golf in that state.  (But I really like Beau Pre in Natchez.  Don't know the archie but I recommend it to anyone nearby.)

I might be wrong, but I think Beau Pre is Mike Young....

Yes indeed.  I have been wanting to get over there to the Natchez Trace. 

Tom_Doak

  • Karma: +2/-1
Re: Fallen Oak
« Reply #11 on: April 10, 2015, 11:53:25 PM »
I tried to see Fallen Oak in January but they wouldn't let me past the front gate without staying at the casino.  The director of golf even came out to the front gate to explain to me why they couldn't let me in!  I would have stayed at the casino, but the course was going to be closed the next day anyway, so I skipped it and drove up the road to Laurel Country Club instead, which was terrific.

Mike_Young

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Fallen Oak
« Reply #12 on: April 11, 2015, 07:26:02 AM »
I was more impressed by the casino hotel in Biloxi where a stay is required to play Fallen Oak.  Very good food and a great crowd; room was very good also.  As for FO--ho-hum; a not very inspiring or challenging Fazio design.  I left thinking that if that was the top-rated course in MS I won't be playing much golf in that state.  (But I really like Beau Pre in Natchez.  Don't know the archie but I recommend it to anyone nearby.)

I might be wrong, but I think Beau Pre is Mike Young....

Joe,
Yep it is mine.  Haven't seen it in a few years but last time there it was in good shape...
"just standing on a corner in Winslow Arizona"

John Mayhugh

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Fallen Oak
« Reply #13 on: April 11, 2015, 07:35:38 AM »
I thought Fallen Oak was pretty good.  Deeper fairway bunkers than I have normally seen on Fazio courses.  They look great, but play tough.  Plenty of width, so it's possible to avoid them.   Large greens, even one or two that slope front to back.  Routed to be walkable and good variety of holes.  Lots of attention to conditioning and aesthetics.  Trees add to the look, but do have to contend with them sometimes.  I don't know that I would travel to Mississippi just for Fallen Oak, but sure wouldn't miss it if I were in that area.

As JCowden mentioned, Beau Pre is worth seeing if you're anywhere around Natchez.
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,44392.0.html

Bill_McBride

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Fallen Oak
« Reply #14 on: April 11, 2015, 10:17:56 AM »
I tried to see Fallen Oak in January but they wouldn't let me past the front gate without staying at the casino.  The director of golf even came out to the front gate to explain to me why they couldn't let me in!  I would have stayed at the casino, but the course was going to be closed the next day anyway, so I skipped it and drove up the road to Laurel Country Club instead, which was terrific.

They'll be sorry when the North American Confidential Guide comes out!

I thought I had played everything over there but never heard of Laurel Country Club. 

Sam Morrow

Re: Fallen Oak
« Reply #15 on: April 11, 2015, 10:58:31 AM »
Tom,

Why didn't you call ahead?

John Cowden

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Fallen Oak
« Reply #16 on: April 12, 2015, 02:00:34 AM »
Re Beau Pre, Mike, I'm pleased to know it's your design.  Pardon my ignorance, but I'm a west coast guy.  I've played Beau Pre maybe a couple dozen times when visiting my wife's mother.  I absolutely love it.  Great fun and strategy, and eminently playable for all skill sets.  Walkable for sure, and few players when I've been there.  I was delighted to discover it, and it's now my second best reason to return to Natchez.

Anthony Fowler

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Fallen Oak
« Reply #17 on: April 12, 2015, 12:19:45 PM »
Let me echo others in saying that Fallen Oak is a very solid course. I played it last year under similar circumstances to Frank's. I was already in New Orleans for a conference, and I was very happy that I added a few days to the trip play Fallen Oak and see a little more of the region.

There are a lot of elevation changes, some varied/strategic holes, and some really fun, challenging greens. The course has a "big" feel to it, not unlike Bethpage Black. It also has a quiet, secluded ambiance that you would typically only experience at a private club with few members. It's not overly penal. My recollection is that good players should lose few golf balls, but it's hard to make birdies, not unlike a Doak course in that respect.

Aesthetically, Fallen Oak looks like a Fazio course, i.e., you wouldn't confuse it with a minimalist effort. Nonetheless, Fazio used the land well and created some really fun, interesting, challenging holes. The course is very walkable, and the overall flow/experience of the round is very nice. 7 and 16 still stand out in my memory as really fun, strategic short par 4's, and the green on 16 is particularly memorable. This is one of the better Fazio courses that I have played (although, in my experience, none are bad but none are world class). Overall, I would rate it comparably to courses like Butler, Olympia Fields, Whistling Straits, and Crooked Stick--long, challenging courses designed for tournament competition but with a lot of redeeming qualities.

As a side note, I should also point out that the service at Fallen Oak is exceptional. I usually don't care about this kind of thing (and if anything, I dislike the over-the-top service at a lot of courses), but my overall experience on and off the course was great. I played on a rainy day with some chance of lightning. Before my trip, the weather forecast was good, so I was unprepared. They lent me rain gear and an umbrella, and they regularly drove out to the course to bring me dry towels and update me on the forecast. I also remember having a great lunch in the clubhouse sitting at the sunken bar and overlooking the scenic, brutally difficult 18th. 

Frank, have fun and please report back!

Charlie Ray

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Fallen Oak
« Reply #18 on: April 12, 2015, 08:22:21 PM »
Frank
have a blast at Jazzfest.
If you are stuck between choosing a round of golf and another few hours at the Fairgrounds, then go with the music.  (eat the Shrimpbread at Ponaroma booth)  

I concur with the comments with Fallen Oaks,  go expecting a big course and enjoy the services.  It is the best course within Biloxi with Grand Bear and Gulf Hills ( only 4 miles east of your hotel.  Old 1920s course, been surrounded by homes,  but very quirky course that is rare in this part of the country).
« Last Edit: April 12, 2015, 08:44:06 PM by Charlie Ray »

Steve Lang

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Fallen Oak
« Reply #19 on: April 12, 2015, 09:08:25 PM »
 8) FO like some other TF designs, big and beefy, like a Wendy's Triple, if you're already staying in at the casino, enjoy it all and even take the limo to the course...
Inverness (Toledo, OH) cathedral clock inscription: "God measures men by what they are. Not what they in wealth possess.  That vibrant message chimes afar.
The voice of Inverness"

Tom_Doak

  • Karma: +2/-1
Re: Fallen Oak
« Reply #20 on: April 12, 2015, 09:16:54 PM »

I thought I had played everything over there but never heard of Laurel Country Club. 

It was a recommendation from Tiger Bernhardt.  Really good.

Paul Jones

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Fallen Oak
« Reply #21 on: April 12, 2015, 10:04:05 PM »
I have played Fallen Oak a few times and last played it before the renovation.  Part of the renovation was suppose to soften some of the bunkers, one of the features I did not like was the bunkering.  Minus the bunkering, I really enjoyed the golf course and the experience.  I highly recommend staying at the Beau Rivage and playing the course.  I am also curious about the renovations, it was also suppose to make the course easier and more fun.
Paul Jones
pauljones@live.com

Joel Zuckerman

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Fallen Oak
« Reply #22 on: April 13, 2015, 12:55:26 PM »
I think the golf course is top-notch, as others have stated, and let me contribute a quick aside about the amazing level of service they provide, echoing Anthony's comment.

My driver was decapitated in the back of the limo on the way there. Not only did they furnish me an adequate replacement for the round, but they had my driver reshafted properly and back in my hands by the 15th tee!

You'll have a great time there--on and off the GC.

Jason Topp

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Fallen Oak
« Reply #23 on: April 13, 2015, 01:00:52 PM »
Joel - I thought you meant limo driver so I had to read that post a couple of times.

Fallen Oak was the best course I played in the area by a significant margin.  It has terrific par 5's, plenty of width and  I really liked the bunkers. 

Grand Bear and the Preserve were also worthwhile but Fallen Oak is the course that makes Biloxi a worthwhile destination.

Matt Glore

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Fallen Oak
« Reply #24 on: April 13, 2015, 01:43:14 PM »
8) FO like some other TF designs, big and beefy, like a Wendy's Triple, if you're already staying in at the casino, enjoy it all and even take the limo to the course...

No more limo service, I had to take a cab (and an expensive one) from the Casino to the course.
Its an OK course, I prefer Grand Bear.  The conditioning is very good.  The Bloody Mary was the highlight of my visit. 

Tags:
Tags:

An Error Has Occurred!

Call to undefined function theme_linktree()
Back