A Gulf Shores golf trip offers an abundance of options for every standard of golfer, but there is one course that frequently lies in the shadow of the more infamous counterparts.
Located off the eastern shore of Mobile Bay in nearby Fairhope, Rock Creek Golf Club offers an eye-catching experience that should be on your radar.
Golfers of all skills levels will quickly fall in love with the aesthetically appealing layout of Rock Creek. At the same time, the off-course amenities, including an award-winning restaurant, are equally attractive for all the family to enjoy. Even non-golfers who want to enjoy the beauty of this stretch of shoreline along eastern Mobile Bay will want to catch a glimpse of Rock Creek before heading inside the clubhouse to indulge in the decadent cuisine.
Explore Vibrant Fairhope
Conveniently located near Alabama's beaches and Mobile, Rock Creek offers golfers the opportunity to play 18 holes before exploring Fairhope's vibrant town and embracing the breathtaking panoramic views of Mobile Bay before heading back to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Of course, a trip to Fairhope wouldn’t be the same without sampling the eclectic collection of art galleries, local boutique stores, gift shops and more. While others in your group may be able to spend a few hours enjoying a little retail therapy, the avid golfer will immediately fall in love with Rock Creek.
Enjoy a Pristine Course through Rolling Hills of Baldwin County
While uncharacteristic of many other courses along the Gulf Coast, the rolling hills through the wooded landscape offer a unique layout. The immaculate condition of the course epitomizes the work ethic of those associated with Rock Creek, with pristine fairways and smooth putting surfaces all year round.
Visitors to Rock Creek will experience some of Baldwin County’s highest elevations, offering spectacular vistas across freshwater wetlands and the Rock Creek basin. You could certainly be forgiven for allowing the landscape to take your focus away from your golf game.
Rumors suggest that Rock Creek is perhaps one of the first courses where golf was played in America. Whether there is any truth behind this, you can decide but be sure to take a look at the rock to the left of the first tee box and give it a quick rub for good luck before hitting your drive down the heart of the fairway.
A Gem on the Shores of Mobile Bay
At just under 7,000 yards, Rock Creek is a challenging experience for even the best players that head to the Gulf Coast to showcase their golfing ability. Renowned as one of Baldwin County’s finest courses, the moment you step on the first tee, you will realize that this is the ultimate gem on the shores of Mobile Bay.
Designed by local southern favorite, Earl Stone, Rock Creek has consistently been ranked highly among the very best courses courtesy of Golf Digest, and for good reason! Stone’s more renowned golf course design in the Gulf Coast region, Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club, is equally spectacular but Rock Creek has subtle design features that make this a one-of-a-kind experience.
Enjoy Rock Creek’s Undulating Layout
The opening par 5 offers the ultimate risk-reward experience, with a definite birdie on the cards for those that hit two solid shots. However, your scorecard can also get off to the worst possible start unless you hit an accurate tee shot. A birdie on the first will prepare you for what is recognized as Rock Creek’s signature hole.
Hole 2 will test every golfer’s strategy and precision. The elevated tee box offers a scenic view down the fairway, with the landing area 75 yards below the tee shot. Rock Creek’s undulations are in full show on the second, as your approach shot with a mid to long iron must carry over a large wetland guarding the green. Don’t hit your approach long either, as there is a 30-foot-high backdrop which could cause a tricky chip shot around the green.
Much of the course offers generous fairways with a premium on hitting accurate approach shots, given that many of the greens have multiple tiers. A variety of doglegs are prominent throughout the layout, again emphasizing the importance of hitting accurate shots.
Devour Eclectic Selection of Southern Cuisine
Head inside the clubhouse before or after your round at Rock Creek to indulge in casual fare and refreshments in the full-service restaurant, or perhaps you prefer to head outdoors and enjoy the gorgeous Gulf Coast weather on the patio while embracing the panoramic views across the course.
From sandwiches to burgers, Rock Creek offers all the regular items you can expect on a menu. However, just as the course offers unique characteristics, the menu offerings such as Duck Confit Po’boy or Crab Cakes with Fried Green Tomatoes will surely intrigue your tastebuds to sample something a little different.
5 Tips for Visiting Rock Creek Golf Club
- Be prepared for a workout at Rock Creek with the rolling hills and large multi-tiered greens.
- Be sure to visit downtown Fairhope during your visit to Rock Creek to enjoy the vibrant town full of unique stores, restaurants and more.
- Need some good luck before your round? Don’t forget to give the rock by the first tee a quick rub as you contemplate hitting your tee shot on what many consider to be the USA's first golf course.
- Embrace the spectacular views of Baldwin County’s Rock Creek Basin from the higher elevations around the course.
- Sample stereotypical southern fare at the 19th hole after a round at Rock Creek, while admiring the breathtaking panoramic views from the outdoor patio.
