Are you considering playing golf this year? Or perhaps you’ve been playing for some time and are looking for ways to improve your game?
There are many great places to play golf in the U.S., so the opportunities for improvement are endless! One great option is Winged Foot Golf Club in Gulfport, Mississippi. Here’s a quick look at how much to play and what to expect from this exceptional golf course!
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General Overview
Wingèd Foot Golf Club opened in 2010 and is the brainchild of Rodney Shults. The course is located just north of Gulfport in Mississippi and, as the name suggests, is shaped like a bird’s foot. Shults named it that because he wanted the course to resemble the ballet dancer’s foot, which he admires.
The design provides the player with a unique experience. It’s firm but not overly difficult, with some interesting ‘blind’ holes that require more courage than luck to negotiate successfully. And, of course, there are the treacherous marshes that you must avoid at all costs.
Cost To Play
The cost to play a round of golf at Wingèd Foot Golf Club is around $180 per person, including fees. (The rate changes slightly depending on the time of year, but it’s always in the $180s.) You can get a feel for the general costs by calling the course directly or visiting their website at www.wngfdc.com. (Note: The cost includes a golf cart, which you must rent. You can’t bring your own vehicle on the course.)
Golfers Friendly
The folks at Wingèd Foot Golf Club certainly seem to appreciate golfers. They routinely offer discounted green fees and offer additional perks, such as free range balls and range balls, to those who play regularly. Plus, they have a special ‘golfers only’ area’ where the grass is cut a certain way to make it easier for the game. (This area is identified by a white paint ring on the trees and posts, along with other helpful signs.)
And what golfers don’t like getting free stuff? As if the perks weren’t enough, Wingèd Foot Golf Club also offers an incredible amount of practice facilities. The course has 6 sets of putting greens, along with 2 full practice vaults. In addition, there are 3 full sized basketball and tennis courts, perfect for team workouts or individual matches.
The Course
As noted, the design of Wingèd Foot Golf Club is interesting. Its odd shape makes for some pretty unique golfers experiences. The ‘bird’s nest’ at the 1st tee box gives you an idea of what you’re in for. The green is also quite unique, as it’s made up of 6 large bunkers that are positioned in a circle. (These are the same folks that built the Panama Canal, so they know a thing or two about big projects.)
The design truly requires a different way of thinking when playing. There’s no traditional tee box, so you won’t know exactly where you’re hitting the ball. Even the pin positions are a bit…well, odd, to put it nicely. The par-3 3rd hole, for example, is split-bunkers and a water hazard. The 4th hole is yet another water hazard, along with a ravine and a lake.
On the downside, the terrain is rather demanding and can be punishing for the unprepared. Furthermore, the frequent rainstorms can turn the course into a pond or a sea if you’re not careful. The good news is that you won’t have to deal with that too much, as Shults has reported that most of the water drains away, and it only gets worse during heavy rainstorms. So, if you can handle getting wet, you can enjoy the unique atmosphere the course provides. Otherwise, you may find the mud to be more of a hindrance than a help.
Overall, What Can I Say?
In conclusion, Wingèd Foot Golf Club is a great choice for golfers who want to take a mental leap forward in their game. (No pun intended!) The unique course design and the community spirit of the staff and players make for a warm welcome for beginners and pros alike. What’s not to like?