BILOXI, Miss. — Beau Rivage Resort & Casino recently re-opened following a dramatic $550-million renovation and is now poised to become one of the nation’s top golf destination resorts. Fallen Oak, a Tom Fazio-designed course, will combine Southern charm and ambiance with golf at the highest caliber.
Envision MGM MIRAGE’s renowned Shadow Creek in Las Vegas, only instead of the desert, the course is an oasis in the midst of a forest. Now, envision service that will rival the finest country clubs and a course that will leave no leaf unturned in its quest for providing the perfect golfing experience.
On Nov. 6, that vision will come to life, with the highly anticipated opening of Fallen Oak. Only the second golf course built by MGM MIRAGE for their guests, Fallen Oak promises to become one of the nation’s top resort courses and a must-play destination for golf getaways and casual vacationers alike.
The multi-million dollar course features dramatic elevation changes – which is rare for a Gulf Coast course – and more than 4,000 stately oaks, magnolias, pines and other hardwood trees. Fallen Oak is located on a 510-acre tract at the edge of the DeSoto National Forest, 15 miles north of Beau Rivage.
From the moment guests enter the lush and picturesque course through the gated front entrance, they will know they are someplace special. With a personal greeting upon arrival, swing tips on the practice facility, exceptional caddy service, on-course food and beverage and chilled scented towels, Beau Rivage guests will find a round at Fallen Oak will deliver an experience that is memorable and unrivaled in the region. Read the rest of this entry »
In reviewing Gala entries, one hotel’s special event caught my eye: the Aug. 29 gala thrown by the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Miss. The event celebrated the resort’s reopening after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.
Last year, a 40-foot wave demolished the entire first floor of the 1,740-room property. All the event department’s decor, equipment and props were washed away. Yet management declared the Beau Rivage would reopen in one year to the day, and with a gala “that would surpass any other ever seen on the Gulf Coast,†Beau Rivage president George P. Corchis Jr. promised. The event department made good on his pledge with a party for 1,100 guests heralding the property’s reopening and marking the return to work of nearly 4,000 employees.
Special events are so often dismissed as nothing but pretty parties. The Beau Rivage event reminds us they are so much more.
IP event a first in Biloxi
BILOXI – Dave Gafford of Denham Springs, La., bet aggressively to come from behind and win the IP Casino Poker Classic on Sunday night.
Josh McCallie of Dallas had a 6-to-1 chip advantage over Gafford when third-place finisher Brad Isbill of Foley, Ala., was eliminated from the final table around 6 p.m. It took Gafford about 40 minutes to take McCallie’s chips.
Gafford hugged his wife, Rebecca, lifted his little girl into the air and traded high-fives with his young sons upon winning Biloxi’s first poker tournament championship event. He won $51,122.80 in cash, a $25,000 seat at the World Poker Tour in Las Vegas and $3,000 in expense money.
Isbill, the youngest of the final three at age 27, said he drives over from Foley to play poker about twice a month in Biloxi. The IP Poker Classic was the first big tournament he said he had ever played in.
“I’m sick at my stomach,” he said. “I played way too aggressive.”
The final two played the game with different styles. Gafford kept his eyes covered with sunshades and showed little emotion except to stand up from the table when placing big bets. McCallie would rock his chair on its back legs, or put his head down on his wrist when deciding whether to wager.
McCallie, who lived in Biloxi for about two months in the summer of 2005, has played in several poker tournaments. His best finish was winning $210,000 at Bellagio. However, he said the IP Classic was the first one he’s played in about a year-and-a-half.
The IP will host its second Poker Classic on Jan. 22 through Feb. 3.
Source: Tom Wilemon – Sun Herald
