Canebrake Golf Club, Hattiesburg, Mississippi - An Upscale, Semi-Private Golf Course Ranked #3 in the State

Canebrake Golf Club is a semi-private course that plays around a 250-acre lake and winds through more than four acres of native bamboo fields. Several of the fairways are tree-lined, but wetlands and water are the order of the day, as seven of the holes play around the lake.

The course, which opened in 1998, is a Jerry Pate design and features undulating fairways and a lot more elevation changes than most other courses in the region. The course also features some typical Pate design elements, such as square tee boxes, oddly shaped bunkers and large, severely sloping greens. The Tifdwarf grass greens also tend to roll very fast and true.

The 18-hole, par-71 course plays to slightly more than 7,000 yards from the longest tees, with a USGA rating of 73.3 and a slope rating of 130 on Bermuda grass. From the White tees, the course plays nearly a thousand yards shorter at 6,031 yards.

Some of the more noteworthy holes include No. 3, a hole said to be "created by nature.'' This par-4 plays to a landing area bordered by a 50-acre nature preserve on the right, dictating a tee shot to the left. From there, approach shots play over a wetland to a picturesque green surrounded by pecan trees.

Hole No. 16 is the signature hole for the course, a par-3 that can be a bit daunting at 243 yards from the back tees. From that tee box, golfers are on the other side of Milliken's Lake, while the more forward tees don't require a carry over water. Even so, this hole can be quite intimidating, as it curves around the water and the green is set on the lakeshore.

The finishing hole may be the most difficult on the course. This par-4 plays to 464 yards from the back tees and is the longest on the course. While the hole plays straight, the challenge comes not only from its length, but from an elevated fairway that plays to a green guarded by two bunkers and more water on the right.

Canebrake has hosted a number of tournaments over the years and received several honors and awards. Golf Digest ranked it #2 among the Best New Affordable course for 1999, and the course has also been rated the #3 golf course in the state.

Practice facilities at Canebrake consist of a dual driving range considered the best in the area. The facility also features 6,700 square feet of putting and chipping greens, as well as two practices and bunkers. Lessons are also available from the staff PGA professional.

One of the most impressive features at the course is its expansive clubhouse, which features a fully stocked golf shop. The clubhouse also features locker rooms, a full-service bar and lounge, as well as three restaurants for casual or fine dining.

Other amenities at the club include a Junior Olympic-size swimming pool, complete with a bathhouse and child play area, along with a 24-hour fitness facility.