The JT Experience: Mirimichi Golf Course in Memphis

Hi Elegant readers,

Pray that everyone is having a joyful holiday season.

Mirimichi Golf Course

Visiting Memphis in November was a weekend to remember. My hubby and I had the opportunity to visit the Mirimichi world class golf experience. As a part of the JT Memphis weekend contest, I received two rounds of golf at Justin Timberlake’s Mirimichi Performance Learning Center and Golf Course.
The Mirimichi golf course was named 2013 best golf course in Tennessee on Golfweek magazine’s 2013 Best Courses You Can Play.

I must admit that I have not golfed since high school. I thought to myself, I don’t know how to play golf, however we were interested in taking a tour of the Center and the course.

Well, we were in for a great experience.

Mirimichi Golf Learning and Performance Center

What does Mirimichi mean? When I looked at the brochure, it read.

“What’s in a name? When making this decision, curse founder and world-renowned entertainer Justin Timberlake went back to his roots. “Some of my heritage is Native American. I thought it would be fitting with all the eco-friendly features of the course to find a name that reflects that heritage. Mirimichi means ‘place of happy retreat,’ and that is what the experience at our golf course is all about – a place to enjoy time with family and friends. Come share our Mirimichi.”

The golf course is about 25 minutes from the Peabody hotel where my hubby and I were staying. It was great to see more of what Memphis had to offer. When my hubby turned the corner to go into the golf course it looked so serene and beautiful. The sign that said that Mirimichi is the first Audubon certified gold course in the United States caught my eye because I am all about preserving nature and wildlife.
Also, added bonus Mirimichi is open to the public.

When we parked at the Performance and Learning Center and got out of the Jeep, we were welcomed by Deb Peterson, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Mirimichi. She was very gracious and introduced us to the staff. Justin’s mother had her hand in the decorating of the center and it was really well done.
We were given a brief overview of what each staff person does at Mirimichi and were handed off to Instructor/Assistant Golf professional Bobby Cochran.
He was very nice and really works with the experienced golfer as well as the novice.

JT and Resident Mirimichi golf pro Bobby Cochran

Mirimichi offers a comprehensive swing analysis system, sponsored by Callaway, that determines what kind of equipment you need to be effective on the golf course.
I had some misses but finally hit the ball on my last swing. My hubby hit the ball to register on the screen, so that was a lot of fun.
Bobby showed us how the Callaway system can be used to improve your swing technique.

JT and hubby with Justin Timberlake bag photo op

This game is not easy and your technique plays an important part of your success. The one pic below where Bobby is helping me, I really am not trying to hit him. Ha Ha!

Bobby has great form.

Bobby Cochran showing how to find your form with the proper equipment

Jennifer Jordan, the Lead Golf Instructor, showed us the practice facilities where you can fine tune your swing, all year long. She and the other instructors are on hand to teach anyone how to play golf, whether it is the beginner who never picked up a club before; to the person who wants to improve his or her game.

Practice range

After getting brief overviews of what the facility has to offer from Bobby and Jennifer, it was time to go out on the course. Dustin Green guide gave my hubby and I royal treatment and was so informative.

Tour of the Course

We boarded the cart and proceed to find out more about each of the eighteen holes.

Dustin Green showing me the different types of grass

The land is so beautiful. Dustin showed us the different types of grass and how it stays the different shades of green all year long.

Mirimichi Golf Course

Interesting notes I learned about Mirimichi

Each hole has a specific Indian name
All the plants at Mirimichi are native to Tennessee.

Native Plants

“Mirimichi has state of the art irrigation and drainage systems that recycle rain water and maximize water management efficiency.”
Mirimichi is not only a golf course but a place that practices eco-friendly, they even have its own plant food. It would be great to see this kind of natural plant food and weed/grass control in the stores. I personally do not like using products with harmful chemicals so it would be good to see more eco-friendly products.
Mirimichi is Golf Environment Organization (GEO) Certified. This certification is based on sustainability in protecting the land and wildlife.

The deck area overlooking the course was an idea of Justin’s mother, I can see it has a woman’s touch. This is a venue for golfers and non-golfers to enjoy whether it’s a band coming to play for an event or taking a break after a round of golf.

The deck area

Dustin really took time with us out on the course to give us background on each hole. I felt like I have known him for years because he was so personable and really knew his job well.
He really is passionate about his job.

Dustin with award

The Mirimichi Performance and Learning Center and Golf course is a beautiful place to see whether you are a golfer or a non-golfer. You will enjoy it. I know my hubby and I did. Dustin said that he oftens see wild turkeys and deer in the early morning.