Tunica National delivers championship-length fun on playable, rolling zoysia fairways and slick Champion Bermuda greens. Strong conditioning and a tournament pedigree make it the course to anchor a Tunica golf trip, delivering challenge and enjoyment for every skill level.
Course DNA
Difficulty
72
Scenery
60
Conditioning
83
Shot Variety
76
Walkability
61
Green Complexity
71
Wow Factor
67
Design Quality
73
Don't miss
Ask staff about Russell Knox’s 61 and see if you can spot the spot where he holed his back-nine eagle—scoreboard often marks it during tournament season.
At a glance
Quick facts
Greens
Champion Bermuda
Fairways
Zoysia grass
Practice facility
Full driving range and short game area
Renovation
2026 greenside bunkers and drainage
Golf trip hub
Adjacent to Tunica Resorts/casinos
Event host
NGA Hooters Tour & MS State Am
Pace of play
Resort course standards
The design
The architecture
Tunica National’s Mark McCumber layout blends the muscle of modern championship design with open Mississippi Delta terrain and the forgiveness of broad zoysia fairways. Strategic contouring, risk-reward par 5s, and varied green complexes keep determined ballstrikers engaged, while generous corridors and slick Champion Bermuda putting surfaces ensure every skill level finds opportunities to score. The renovation of greenside bunkers and improved drainage in 2026 brought renewed challenge and durability, cementing the course as a regional anchor.
Mark McCumber’s focus at Tunica National blended playable width and everyday approachability with strategic options and championship test from the tips, showing off his versatility as both pro and architect.
Defining features
Generous zoysia fairways for driveability
Champion Bermuda greens: smooth, quick, true
Strong mix of short and long par 4s
Memorable, testing par 3s
Strategic risk-reward par 5s
Modern, reworked bunkering post-2026
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 4
Long Iron Crucible
PAR
3
YARDAGE
204
A true tester at over 200 yards, the 4th hole requires a laser-like long iron or hybrid to a green that punishes short-side misses. Wind in the Delta can force last-second club changes, and the angled approach rewards disciplined ball flight.
Play it smart
Play to the center, favoring safety over heroics—par is a win here.
Where it bites
Miss short or left and a tough up-and-down is all but guaranteed.
Course management
Shots to think about
Approach from the rough to a firm green
Take extra club and play to the fat side—zoysia lies sit high, but balls can bound.
Par 5 second shot with water right
Lay up with less than driver if angle is awkward—avoid the big miss.
Short par 4 tee with crosswind
Set up for your favorite wedge—don’t chase the green if wind is up.
Long par 3 into the wind
Don’t be ashamed to take hybrid or even fairway wood—par is great.
Final three holes with fatigue
Focus on tempo and routine—delta winds and bunkers will catch lazy swings.
Firm green with a tucked pin
Use the broad side—don’t chase tucked pins on Champion Bermuda unless confident.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Smooth Champion Bermuda greens and lush zoysia fairways, with renovations keeping bunkers sharp.
Pace
Busy on weekends, but generally holds to a four–four and a half hour routing.
Vibe
Resort-friendly, comfortable, and welcoming to visitors.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Practice Short Game First
Champion Bermuda greens call for crisp wedges and sharp chipping—use the short game area before your tee time.
02
Hydrate for the Delta Heat
Mississippi humidity can sneak up in summer; carry water in your cart or bag and pace yourself.
03
Book Casino Lodging Early
Stay overnight in Tunica Resorts for the quickest tee-to-table experience, especially during peak weekend season.
04
Bring a Rangefinder
Elevated greens and subtle undulation make accurate yardages a must on approaches.
The lore
How it came to be
2004
Course opened, designed by Mark McCumber.
2005
Stacy Lewis fires 67 in SEC Championship round.
2010
Russell Knox sets course record with a 61 in Hooters Tour event.
2012
Site of U.S. Open sectional qualifying (Mississippi).
2018
Named No. 1 in Golf Advisor Best of Mississippi Public courses.
2026
Major greenside bunker and drainage renovation completed.
Stories & legends
What makes it special
course record
Russell Knox’s Scoring Blitz
One of golf’s great regional scoring barrages played out in 2010, when Russell Knox shot a course-record 61 in a pro tournament, eclipsing his own 62 from the day before. The card was flawless: fairways ripped, greens hit, and opportunities seized for a record unlikely to fall soon.
college golf
SEC Star Makes Her Mark
Before dominating on the LPGA, Stacy Lewis sharpened her game with a 67 at Tunica National in SEC Championship play—a number that remains one of the best in event history and stands the test of time for both men and women.
tournaments
Hooters Tour Brings the Fire
When the NGA Hooters Tour rolled into Tunica, players found a muscular championship setup demanding both strategy and execution. The event built the club’s reputation as a ‘come test your game’ destination for up-and-coming professionals.
renovation
Course Upgrades From the Ground Up
A rigorous 2026 upgrade focused on greenside bunkers and drainage boosted both surface conditioning and playability—ensuring Tunica National’s tournament-caliber standards remain for years to come.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
Russell Knox shot 61 in competition here, beating his own round-one 62.
2
The course sits barely a mile from the lively casino row of Tunica Resorts.
3
Zoysia fairways provide a thick, carpet-like base for aggressive iron shots.
4
Recent bunker renovation brought in top-quality sand and new drainage.
5
Open corridors let wind shape many shots, especially on the back nine.
Build the trip
If you're making a Delta-and-Tunica casino golf trip
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
River Bend Links Golf Course
Public
Links-style layout just 7 miles away—tunica’s other must-play public.
North Creek Golf Club
Public
Strong, convenient Memphis-area public, perfect for second day’s round.
The Links at Whitehaven
Public
Classic Memphis muni experience for golfers seeking variety and value.
Stay at a casino hotel in Tunica Resorts for maximum convenience and nightlife.
Course DNA
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Community Sentiment
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