Make sure to include these 5 must-play golf courses when planning your next golf trip to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach.
The stretch of Alabama coastline between Fort Morgan and Orange Beach is not only home to 32 miles of pristine sandy beaches, but it is also one of the most underrated golfing havens. Whether you are intrigued by the prospect of playing a links-style course that is frequently recognized as one of the best courses in Alabama, or perhaps an Arnold Palmer-inspired design, this area of the Gulf Coast is definitely one that should be on every golfer’s radar.
Golf in the south offers year-round opportunities to hit the links, so it’s inevitable that visitors from all corners of the US will head to destinations such as Gulf Shores and Orange Beach to experience this collection of high-quality courses. Any area that offers such a diverse array of courses at an affordable price will attract golfers of all levels, and the Gulf Coast is certainly at the top of this list. Here are five of the best courses you cannot afford to miss during your next visit to the Gulf Coast.
Kiva Dunes Resort
Ready to visit one of the top public golf courses in Alabama? Kiva Dunes offers golfers the opportunity to experience a challenging yet rewarding 18 holes. Regardless of your standard, Kiva Dunes will test your nerve, skill and ultimately your patience, as there are a number of challenging holes that require full concentration.
Even the best golfers that visit the Gulf Coast will find Kiva Dunes an ambitious test, with holes such as the iconic 17th providing one of the toughest tee shots along this stretch of coast. A shot of 215 yards from the back tees across the water is required and undoubtedly plays an integral role in determining whether you walk to the 18th with a great scorecard or one that you may prefer to leave on the previous hole.
One of Kiva Dune’s unique selling points is the dynamic tee-time pricing strategy, as this frequently gives golfers the opportunity to pick up a bargain green fee. For those that prefer to book in advance, you can book your preferred time slot, head to the course with the knowledge that there is an awesome practice area to utilize prior to your opening tee shot, and then a clubhouse with excellent cuisine on offer to enjoy the 19th hole.
Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club
When you think about idyllic golf courses around the world, some spectacular golf destinations may immediately spring to mind, such as Augusta National, Pebble Beach or TPC Sawgrass. However, one course that deserves just as much attention because of the gorgeous natural landscape surrounding this golfing haven is Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club.
Located on the Fort Morgan peninsula, Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club is consistently voted as one of the “most memorable and enjoyable” courses in the southeast by Golf Digest. Enjoy 27 distinctive holes, each offering a unique challenge and perfectly manicured to ensure visitors from across the globe experience one of the best courses on the Gulf Coast.
The Cypress course offers several opportunities to improve your score, but it frequently leads golfers into a false sense of security as a high number is just around the corner. The Lakes course offers undulating greens and perhaps one of the most iconic holes at Peninsula – the short par-3 8th hole, which is an intimidating tee shot for even the most confident golfers. The Marsh course is not only a collection of intriguing golf holes but also a paradise for wildlife sightings, with alligators, eagles and other species frequently seen on this nine.
Craft Farms Golf Resort
When the great Arnold Palmer opted to showcase his design skills on the Gulf Coast, his desire to create a golfing masterpiece was clearly confirmed when he helped design the 36-holes at Craft Farms Golf Resort.
While Palmer’s influence at Craft Farms is epitomized throughout the course design, this is unequivocally one of the finest examples of embracing Southern hospitality throughout the historic Cotton Creek Clubhouse, alongside the inherent natural beauty of both the Cotton Creek and Cypress Bend courses.
Offering a true championship challenge at over 7,000 yards from the back tees, it’s no surprise that even the best golfers find Craft Farms to be a difficult prospect. Like many other Palmer-inspired designed spots, there are a number of “risk-reward” holes throughout both courses. While your bravery may lead to birdie or even eagle opportunities, the true challenge begins when you start trying to master the undulating greens that will certainly identify the best golfers.
GlenLakes Golf Club
While the Gulf Coast is home to several courses directly on the coastline, the nearby town of Foley is also a great golfing area. GlenLakes Golf Club is widely recognized as one of “Alabama Gulf Coast’s premier golf courses and the area’s best value” given that it features 27 holes at extremely affordable rates.
For those that love the Scottish links-style courses, you will immediately notice this design throughout the Dunes and Vista layouts. Strategic mounds combined with a number of bunkers create a challenging layout. However, golfers of every standard will enjoy this course as quality shots are rewarded with opportunities to shoot a low score.
The Lakes course offers a different style, with water hazards on six of the nine holes, ensuring that precise tee shots and approaches into the green are of paramount importance.
Orange Beach Golf Center
If you are looking for the perfect affordable golf course where you can work on your game at a lighted driving range before venturing out on a 9-hole course, Orange Beach Golf Center is the perfect location to visit.
Annual memberships are available for both Orange Beach residents and those out of state that enjoy visiting the Gulf Coast throughout the year. This is definitely a great way to save if you plan on visiting multiple times, and you can play unlimited rounds for the duration of your membership.
With both grass tees and mats at the driving range, golfers can enjoy practice in all conditions, and the nearby practice green offers the perfect location to work on your short game. A round at Orange Beach Golf Center is one of the most affordable on the Gulf Coast and offers golfers of every standard the chance to fine-tune their accuracy with plenty of water and other hazards ready to capture any stray shots.
The Alabama Gulf Coast is a golfer’s paradise. Start planning your next golf trip today.
