DestinationFlowood web

In anticipation of the hotel and conference center
opening, The Refuge will undergo a $2 million upgrade.
The course will be shut down for a year to 18 months
while the upgrade construction is underway.
In addition to the hotel, the conference center will
occupy approximately 54,000 square feet and will be
available for conferences, meetings, receptions, and a
myriad of other events. “We have already had multiple
inquiries about booking events and conferences,” says
Gary Rhoads, Mayor of Flowood. The projected open
date is mid-2020.
Funding for the hotel and conference center
project has been committed by the City of Flowood,
Rankin County Board of Supervisors and Rankin First
Economic Development. The Mississippi Development
Authority approved the project for the Mississippi
Tourism Sales Tax Program to offer incentives to
development of the area near the Jackson airport.
“There’s no doubt that this is being seen as a
project that will have a tremendous economic impact
on Flowood, all of Rankin County, and the Jackson
metro area,” says Rhoads.
Rhoads says the project will impact the economic
growth of Flowood through ad valorem taxes, sales
taxes, and job placement. “To have all the unique
amenities that will only be found at this destination will
be a huge boon for Flowood,” says Rhoads. “It will
provide tourism and recreational opportunities.”
COURSE IMPROVEMENTS
• New 8th and 18th holes so that front and back 9 return to clubhouse.
• All new green surfaces, sprigged with TifEagle ultradwarf Bermuda.
• All new and renovated bunkers with sodded faces and semi-flat floors.
• Removal of invasive trees to widen fairways and green surrounds.
• Elimination of lakes on existing 6th and 18th fairways to improve playability.
• Players will be able to hit driver on EVERY par-4 and par-5 after renovation.
• Installation of Longleaf Tee System to create nine “courses” with five sets of tees,
ranging from +/- 4,045 yards from fwd tees to 7,045+ yards from back tees.
• New and expanded trees throughout with sand caps for better playability.
• Improved drainage throughout the course to speed recovery of rainwater.
• New and more efficient irrigation at greens and new fairways.
• New wider concrete cart paths with curbs throughout the course.
• New 6,800 square foot putting green and expanded driving range tee.