4 Gulf Shores Courses Among Golf Advisors' Top 20
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
When searching for the South’s best golf, Alabama comes up on many lists with more than a few championship courses including several along the Gulf Coast.
According to the latest from Golf Advisor, multiple courses on Alabama's beaches rank in the state's Top 20 Golf Courses for 2021, with Gulf Shore's course Kiva Dunes coming in at number two. Read on for more details about Gulf Shores' golf courses that made the list and other golf courses along the Gulf Coast.
Kiva Dunes Golf Course in Gulf Shores
A gorgeous course designed by U.S. Open Champion Jerry Pate along with developer Jim Edgemon, Kiva Dunes offers more than 7,100 yards of play area in a natural setting with lots of exposed sand and gnarly scrub oak. The top-rated public course is no stranger to awards as it regularly appears on top course lists in highly regarded publications such as Golf Digest, Golf Week and Links Magazine, and Golf Advisor.
A links-style course opened in 1995, Kiva Dunes is beautifully manicured and meanders through acres of coastal greenery and conservation areas along the Fort Morgan peninsula of Gulf Shores. Kiva Dunes doesn't disappoint when it comes to unique signature holes, sugar-white sand traps, and the perfect blend of tropical landscape coupled with the Gulf of Mexico.
Cypress Bend at The Craft
Designed by none other than Arnold Palmer, Craft Farms is the home of this golf legend's signature courses, including #6 on the list, Cypress Bend. Opened in 1993, Craft Farms has been a popular golf location since its conception. The resort offers two 18-hole courses that challenge golfers at every level and provide them with a scenic view of the area while they play. Both courses feature a coastal feel to players with dwarf Bermuda grasses below their feet and numerous lakes scattered throughout the resort.
In addition to the courses, there is also a golf academy on-site with lessons from a PGA professional. After finishing a round, golfers can enjoy the 19th hole of Craft Farms, their Clubhouse, which features a bar and grill, dining room, golf shop, and pool house.
Gulf Shores Golf Club
Coming in at #9 on the Golf Advisor list, Gulf Shores Golf Club (previously known as Golf Club of The Wharf) is a challenging course in yet another fantastic Gulf Coast setting. Earl Stone designed the award-winning public course, which has been open since 1967. The course was lengthened by 300 yards during a 2005 renovation.
Designed in traditional plantation-style, the Clubhouse features a Pro Shop and a dining room. Golfers at Gulf Shores Golf Club also enjoy a driving range, practice putting green, and a chipping green complete with surrounding sand bunkers for exclusive use by members and registered golfers.
Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club in Gulf Shores
Like Kiva Dunes, the Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club is located on the Fort Morgan Peninsula of Gulf Shores between Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The setting is spectacular, and the golf is even better. The 27-hole championship course was designed by Earl Stone and offers a different atmosphere given that it is actually three 9-hole courses: Marsh, Lakes, and Cypress. Each course is distinct and provides golfers with a fun set of exciting challenges. Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club ranks #19 on the Golf Advisor listing, giving the Gulf Coast four top 20 golf facilities. That's good news for folks looking to travel to the beach and bring along their clubs.
