jamie_patterson_mugAs the sun began to set, shades of purple and pink canvassed across the lush landscape.
I took my stance with my golf club and squinted my eyes to see how far I needed to make the ball go.
With a firm grip and solid stance, I executed my swing. Although the ball didn’t go very far, it was a straight path.
Looking over at my husband Jason, he gave me an approving nod of his head. My son James seemed to have praised me with his piercing eyes.
This magic happens often at...Patterson Hills.
Patterson Hills is a deluxe golf course nestled in the quiet community of Little Yazoo. It’s the finest grounds you have ever seen. Cool refreshments are catered to you directly on the course. And the serene sounds of nature are only a few feet away.
While your golf game is going on, your children can participate in their own activities. Or, as a family, you can have a friendly sporting event before you leave.
There is only one catch to enjoying the splendor of Patterson Hills. You have to have permission from its owners, the Patterson brothers. Membership is pretty tight and not just anyone can experience the magic that happens within its fences.
Patterson Hills, at the time, only has about five members. Visitors are allowed from time to time, but for the most part, the member list includes Jason, James and I, along with Eric, his wife Tresa and their son Biven.
I decided to write this column to let the local country clubs know that there is are innovations being made in the field. We have a new approach to the country club experience. It’s a whole new playing field at Patterson Hills.
The lush green course found at most golf courses is the first thing to go. The rolling landscape is simply too hard to maintain. Jason bush hogged a driving range through the waist-high grass the day before.
A cow pasture, preferably one that is currently being used by a herd of cows, provides for a more zesty game. Any position on the pasture can instantly become a driving range, as long as the livestock will move.
I am learning my swings very well now thanks to this form of driving range. I like to think my senses are also improving considering that while swinging, I must also be mindful of the hundreds of cow patties littered throughout the course. Who needs sand traps?
There is no need for a patio bar area for refreshments at Patterson Hills. Cool drinks are easily stationed right beside you. A recycled five gallon bucket filled to the rim with ice can keep any drink cold the entire day. And you can grab it up and take it anywhere on the course.
At Patterson Hills, there is no need for tennis courts, swimming pools or other such nonsense.
A stocked bass pond can be a fisherman’s dream or a young child’s wish. Watching out for turtles and fish that suck toes, your little one can find a relaxing swim just the ticket while Mom and Dad finish up their golf game. But be mindful of a cow or two who needs to wet his lips or cool off.
Clay shooting may fly in some upper crust country clubs. But at Patterson Hills, an empty can and a box of bullets is a sure way to practice those shooting skills.
Tired of those polo shirts and  uncomfortable golf shoes? Patterson Hills has you covered. The preferred uniform is camouflage pants with a plain white T-shirt for the men and blue jeans and T-shirt for the women. Flips flops are acceptable, but Patterson Hills is not responsible for any damage from briars or cow patties.
Golf carts are a thing of the past at Patterson Hills. A four-wheel drive blue Chevy can get you anywhere on the property.
Patterson Hills could revolutionize the country club industry. I am positive other country clubs will be contacting us to understand the dynamics behind such a venture.
There’s plenty of “country” in this club.
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Jamie Patterson is a reporter for The Yazoo Herald. She can be reached at 746-4911 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .