Just beyond the tree-lined highways of east central Mississippi, near the town of Philadelphia, lies one of the most acclaimed golf destinations in the region—Dancing Rabbit Golf Club. This hidden gem, located on the lands of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and operated by Pearl River Resort, features two championship-caliber courses surrounded by towering pines, hardwoods, and natural wetlands. While this week marks the annual Choctaw Indian Fair, bringing added energy and cultural pride to the area, Dancing Rabbit offers its own form of celebration—one of nature, design, and unforgettable golf.
Dancing Rabbit is home to 36 holes of pristine golf split across two signature layouts—The Azaleas and The Oaks—each co-designed by PGA legend Jerry Pate and renowned architect Tom Fazio. Unlike many resort courses that emphasize flash over feel, these courses are immersive, quiet, and deeply tied to the land. Carved through nearly 700 acres of rolling, wooded terrain, both layouts play as beautifully as they look, with elevation changes, creeks, and wild flora adding challenge and character at every turn.
The Azaleas Course is perhaps the more widely known of the two. Opened in 1997, it features wider fairways and a slightly more forgiving layout that still demands thoughtful club selection and course management. Lush fairways, A4 bentgrass greens, and springtime blooms give the course its name and charm. Still, it’s no pushover—especially from the tips, where it stretches to 7,128 yards.
(The Azalea’s Course at Dancing Rabbit Golf Club)
Just across the property lies The Oaks Course, opened in 1999, and known for its tighter fairways, strategic bunkering, and more undulating greens. Slightly shorter than Azaleas at 7,076 yards from the back tees, The Oaks rewards precise iron play and control off the tee. With more tree-lined corridors and dramatic doglegs, it’s a favorite for experienced players looking to test their full game.
Both courses consistently rank among the top public courses in the state. . The secluded atmosphere—free from housing developments or traffic noise—makes every round feel like a peaceful retreat. Golf Digest has previously listed Dancing Rabbit among its “Top 100 Courses You Can Play,” and those who make the trip understand why.
(The Oaks at Dancing Rabbit)
Planning your trip around both golf and the fair is surprisingly seamless. The Dancing Rabbit Inn, located on-site at Pearl River Resort, offers modern accommodations with shuttle access to both the golf course and the fairgrounds. Many visitors choose to tee off early in the morning, when the course is quiet and the Mississippi sun hasn’t reached its peak. After a round, it’s easy to grab lunch at the clubhouse or casino, freshen up at the Inn, and then head to the fairgrounds by mid-afternoon. There, you can explore the Choctaw Cultural Village, watch ceremonial dances, browse handwoven baskets and beadwork, and stay into the evening for concerts and carnival rides. Shuttle buses run throughout the day, making travel worry-free.
(Golden Moon Casino at Pearl River Resort)
Beyond the fairways, the Pearl River Resort offers a full suite of amenities that elevate Dancing Rabbit into a weekend-worthy destination. Lodging is available at the Dancing Rabbit Inn, a cozy, quiet hotel just a short walk from the course. Rooms are clean, modern, and convenient for early tee times. For guests seeking more entertainment or nightlife, the nearby Silver Star and Golden Moon casinos offer expanded lodging with gaming, concerts, and upscale dining.
The Clubhouse Grille serves as the 19th hole and is well worth a stop, whether you’re grabbing a pre-round breakfast or winding down with a cold drink on the veranda overlooking the 18th green. The clubhouse itself is elegant but unfussy—much like the course it serves. There’s also a well-stocked pro shop with apparel, gear, and helpful staff who offer local insight on pin positions and playing conditions.
Packages and stay-and-play deals are regularly available through the resort, and rates are typically very competitive when compared to similar golf destinations in the Southeast. Especially in the summer months, when play slows just slightly due to the heat, travelers can often score a great value for a premier golf getaway.
Tips for Visitors
- Book early during busy weeks like the Choctaw Indian Fair, Neshoba County Fair or fall weekends. Tee times fill up quickly.
- Play early in the day to avoid summer heat. Both courses offer cool, shaded stretches and plenty of water stations.
- Bring your camera—signature holes like the par-4 10th on Azaleas and the par-5 17th on The Oaks are as photogenic as they are strategic.
- Consider a 36-hole day if you’re up for the challenge. Playing both courses offers a full view of what makes this property so special.
A Mississippi Treasure Worth the Trip
In a state filled with sports tradition, from college baseball powerhouses to Friday night football glory, Dancing Rabbit Golf Club carves out its own kind of athletic excellence—one rooted in course craftsmanship, natural elegance, and Southern hospitality. It’s not just a place to play golf; it’s a place to enjoy golf.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior looking for a new challenge or a traveling golfer chasing the best layouts the South has to offer, Dancing Rabbit delivers. And during weeks like this, when the Choctaw Indian Fair adds extra energy to the town and tribal grounds, a visit to Philadelphia becomes much more than a getaway—it becomes a story.
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