The Refuge Golf Course ReOpens

The Refuge Golf Course officially opened for daily-fee play in April. The long-awaited reopening comes after a multi-year renovation and enhancement project. Originally designed by Roy Case, The Refuge opened to rave reviews in 1998. In an effort to modernize the layout and increase playability, The Refuge closed in 2017 for an extensive renovation and restoration under the direction of golf course architect Nathan Crace. In August 2020, Honours Golf®, a division of Troon®, was hired to oversee the final stages of the renovation and to manage course operations.

"After years of hard work, we look forward to showcasing the new playing experience at The Refuge to our residents and daily-fee guests," said Flowood Mayor Gary Rhoads. "We brought on Troon, the top-rated golf management company in the industry, to help us navigate through this golf course development project, and they have surpassed our expectations. The newly renovated golf course and beautiful new hotel and conference center are just the beginning of many wonderful things to come to the City of Flowood."

The newly redesigned 18-hole layout ranges in length from 4,439 yards to 7,013 yards making it suitable for players of every skill level from beginner to professional. As part of the renovation, invasive trees were removed and playing corridors were widened. Many modifications were made to the overall routing including three new holes, the relocation of several water hazards, as well as new and enlarged cart paths. Irrigation and drainage systems were also enhanced and all course bunkers were rebuilt using the Better Billy BunkerTM method which provides a technically advanced drainage and liner system while providing optimal playing conditions much deeper into the life of the bunker. In addition, all greens were re-grassed with TifEagle Ultradwarf Bermuda and multiple tee boxes were added on each hole to improve the overall playability.

"The Refuge has always had a great reputation within the Mississippi golf community," said Matt Hurley, President of Honours Golf. "We're confident that the newly renovated course will open to excellent reviews, and with the adjacent Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center opening soon, Flowood will become one of the most sought-after golf destinations in The South."

Other enhancements to the golf facility include a signature water practice range along with a new golf shop and men's and women's locker rooms which are located on the south side of the newly built Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center (opening later this spring). There will be an onsite dining venue, the 19th Hole, which will open in the near future. In the interim, local restaurateur and Table 100 owner, Bill Latham, will help provide food and beverage service to daily-fee guests.

The Refuge is located in Flowood, Mississippi and open to public play with annual golf memberships available. For more information on The Refuge Golf Course, call the golf shop at (601) 941-6116.