5 Tips For Your Upcoming Spring Golf Trip
by Chris Boothman
Ready to get back out on the course? Use these helpful & easy tips to plan your spring golf trip in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach.
Are you ready to spring into the new golf season? Is your game in good shape after a long winter? Is Gulf Shores and Orange Beach a golfing destination on your radar this spring?
The spring season is a sign of not just warmer temperatures and the dormant grass coming back to life but a time for you to clean off those golf clubs and prepare to head to the course in the hope of achieving great things throughout the upcoming golf season.
For those that kept their golf game in shape during the winter, the goal is that you will be able to kickstart your season and reap the benefits from the long hours you put in at the course or driving range. However, don’t worry if you opted to pack your clubs away during the winter months, as there are still plenty of ways to ensure you are ready to go early in the new golf season. You should certainly follow these tips to maximize your upcoming spring golf trip.
1. A Perfect Golf Destination
Selecting an ideal location that has a plethora of courses and will offer the perfect climate to kickstart the new golf season is critical to ensure you will enjoy your upcoming spring golf trip. What better place to experience this than the Gulf Coast?
Maybe you’re intrigued by the prospect of being able to spend some time relaxing on the 32-miles of white-sand beaches, or perhaps you are simply ready to get your golf game in shape on the various courses along this stretch of Alabama coastline. No matter the reason, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are undoubtedly the best places to visit for a spring golf getaway.
Kiva Dunes is a world-class resort located just a few miles from the historic Fort Morgan and just a short drive from the heart of Gulf Shores. Frequently ranked as one of the best public courses in Alabama, this is an ideal spot for a spring golf getaway because you can stay onsite at their various vacation rentals. With a private beach and a variety of other amenities, this is a perfect location to enjoy a spring golfing vacation.
2. Book Your Tee Times
Plan your golfing itinerary to ensure you don’t need to worry about last-minute tee times or scrambling to find the perfect time to play the various courses in the area. While the spring months are a great time to start the new golf season, you also need to be aware of the daylight hours that are still relatively short compared to the middle of summer.
If you prefer an afternoon tee time, be sure to plan accordingly and know that you may need at least four hours to complete your 18 holes. Or perhaps you are organizing a trip to all the courses in the area. If so, you may opt to play only nine holes at certain courses. Regardless of your preference, booking tee times ahead of your visit is certainly a smart decision.
Take advantage of Kiva Dunes’ dynamic pricing, which will give you the flexibility to choose the right day at the right time and price to meet your needs. This approach ensures that the earlier you book your tee times, the more you will save!
3. Enjoy Friendly Competition
If you are heading on your spring golf getaway with a group of friends, add a little extra spice to the trip by creating a series of competitions at the various courses to ensure everyone has something to play for. Use a Stableford method of scoring so that those who may suffer a bad hole continue to have something to play for throughout the remainder of the round and especially if you create a longer tournament across multiple courses.
You can also add prizes and perks for individual rounds such as nearest the pin on a selected par 3, longest drive on a hole and even a putting contest on the practice green before or after the round. This friendly competition will allow everyone the opportunity to focus on their game while also having something to play for at the end.
4. Spend Time Off the Golf Course
Another benefit of heading to the Gulf Coast for your spring golf trip is the attractions and experiences awaiting you once you are off the golf course. While the focus of the trip may be to improve your golf game, having the opportunity to relax away from the course opens the doors to enhance the overall trip.
Taking time for new experiences such as kayaking along the Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge waterways or biking the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trails will give you the time to appreciate the natural beauty along the Gulf Coast before heading to the beach to indulge in a little relaxation.
5. Indulge in Local Cuisine
A golfing getaway experiencing a collection of courses will leave you with an appetite at the end of each round. With the diverse array of local restaurants offering the fresh catch of the day among other local seafood specialties, you can be sure there will be plenty of opportunities to satisfy everyone’s taste palate.
You can enjoy a traditional breakfast at locations such as Ruby Slipper, Brick and Spoon or Southern Grind Coffee House while those looking for the perfect energy option should consider heading to Soul Bowlz for a nutrient-packed bowl featuring either acai, pitaya, Graviola, or acerola.
All the golf courses in the area offer onsite restaurants for a light snack at lunch before heading out in the evening to enjoy a meal at Cobalt overlooking Perdido Key or perhaps The Gulf to sample locally inspired dishes at this waterfront setting.
Are you ready to hit the links this spring? With fifteen golf courses in and around Alabama’s beaches, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to golf while here. Start planning a golf trip today!
