November 16, 2024

JACKSON, MS — The highly anticipated 24th annual Carl Spackler Open, a celebrated national golf tournament, is back, offering golf enthusiasts an exciting blend of competition and camaraderie. Organized by the prestigious Captains Club, this year’s event brings added excitement with the announcement that The Refuge Golf Course in Jackson, Mississippi, is being considered as the venue for the 2025 tournament.

"The Refuge joins our 2025-2027 venue list with Boulder Creek and Weaver Ridge," announced Captains Club member Greg Garrett. "The local hotels are ultra-affordable for traditional Spackler budgets and grateful for tee time availability.”

The Refuge Golf Course opened in 1998, designed by Roy Case, and quickly became known as one of Mississippi’s best public courses, even earning the title of “Best Purely Public Golf Course in Mississippi.” The Refuge has been ranked as high as #4 in the state, and its layout reflects the unique character of the Mississippi landscape. Set across 200 acres of preserved wetlands, the course weaves through majestic pines and centuries-old oaks, with most wetlands maintained in their natural state.

The 18-hole golf course was renovated under the direction of architect Nathan Crace reopened in the spring of 2021. The renovated course provides a more playable layout including tree-lined fairways, 13 holes with water hazards, and 26 sand traps.

Several holes stand out at The Refuge for their distinctive design. Hole 6, the course’s first par 5, offers a fairway flanked by trees and a green protected by two bunkers. Water hazards appear just shy of the green, adding a unique challenge for golfers.

Back-to-back par 3s on Holes 7 and 8 add further excitement, with Hole 7 often playing into the wind and requiring a carefully chosen club to reach the elevated green. Hole 8, another par 3, demands precision, playing over water to a large green nearly surrounded by water. With a pot bunker in front and water hazards lurking on all sides, this hole can make or break a round.

Hole 16, a 345-yard par 4, presents a sharp dogleg left, with water flanking the left side and a large pine tree guiding shots toward the lake. Meanwhile, the finishing hole, Hole 18, offers a forgiving par 4 experience if players manage to keep their drives in play. Positioned down the left side, a strong tee shot sets up a short approach to a slightly elevated green, encircled by bunkers, offering a memorable end to the round.

The Refuge’s location in Jackson offers the Carl Spackler Open more than just a golf experience, with ample nearby accommodations, dining, and nightlife.

"There are a dozen affordable hotels and evening gathering spots," added Greg Garrett. "Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport, located directly across the street from the golf course, has plenty of affordable flights from United, American, and Delta Airlines."

The 2025 Carl Spackler Open promises to bring excitement to The Refuge, offering an event that will challenge players while celebrating the sport in an inclusive setting designed to welcome golfers from all backgrounds. Golf fans can look forward to a memorable tournament at one of Mississippi’s most beautiful and versatile courses.