Golf on the Alabama Gulf Coast is an incredible experience already. However, when you add a little extra incentive because of some of the infamous golfers that have helped shape the design of these courses, it creates a magical golfing paradise that you cannot help but fall in love with.
While the greatest players don’t always transition into the best golf course designers, there are several examples along Alabama’s beaches where iconic golfers have left their footprint on the design elements at these courses. It’s an appropriate philosophy as we continue to protect our Gulf Shores and Orange Beach coastline & wildlife by embracing the Leave Only Footprints initiative.
For aspiring or seasoned golfers, a golfing getaway along the Gulf Coast awaits. Here are some greens you can golf year-round and experience and discover the history of how notable golfers influenced their designs.
Craft Farms Golf Resort
The 36-hole complex at Craft Farms Golf Resort is one of the finest examples of embracing Southern hospitality throughout the historic Cotton Creek Clubhouse, alongside the inherent natural beauty of the Cotton Creek and Cypress Bend courses. As you approach the first tee of either course, you will quickly realize that this resort has a unique feel. Unsurprisingly, one of the greatest golfers ever decided to showcase his design skills here – the late Arnold Palmer!
When The King started to add design elements throughout this course, his infamous “risk-reward” style holes were scattered throughout both Cotton Creek and Cypress Bend. This signature style of Palmer-inspired design is not only an attraction for golfers of all standards, but it fits perfectly with the natural beauty found throughout both courses. Palmer’s partnership alongside successful businessman R.C. Craft helped create this coastal masterpiece.
Craft Farms is proud of the history and heritage associated with this iconic partnership. As the only Palmer-designed courses in the state of Alabama, it can certainly emphasize that the Alabama Gulf Coast is home to a one-of-a-kind experience.
Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club
One of Alabama’s finest golf course architects, Earl Stone, showcased his finest work at Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club in Gulf Shores. Nestled on the spectacular Fort Morgan peninsula between Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, Stone helped create a masterpiece that Golf Digest has frequently recognized as one of the “most memorable and enjoyable” courses in the southeast.”
Stretching almost 7,200 yards from the championship tees, Peninsula is a real test for every golfer but has the perfect blend of challenging holes and picturesque scenery to create a memorable layout. A 27-hole complex combines three distinctive 9-hole courses, each with unique characteristics that highlight everything there is to love about an Earl Stone-style golf experience. While Peninsula is home to a collection of attractive yet sometimes intimidating holes, perhaps the iconic short par-3 8th hole at the Lakes is the signature experience that will be daunting for even the most courageous golfers.
Kiva Dunes Resort
If you are thinking about a stereotypical golf course along the Gulf, Kiva Dunes Resort likely epitomizes everything you would associate with this greens style. Thanks to the intricate design details of architect 1976 US Open winner Jerry Pate, Kiva Dunes has become one of the most frequently talked about courses when considering the best golf in Alabama.
Renowned as one of the most dynamic golfing destinations on the Gulf Coast, Kiva Dunes transformed an area of land along the coast into a unique challenge that every golfer will immediately fall in love with. From the iconic 17th hole and championship tees to a 215-yard carry across the water and a gorgeous finishing hole with the clubhouse providing a picture-perfect backdrop, Kiva Dunes Golf Course has everything a golfer could wish for.
GlenLakes Golf Club
GlenLakes Golf Club is widely regarded as one of the Alabama Gulf Coast’s premier golf courses and undoubtedly one of the area’s best value for money. Located in Foley, just a short drive from the 32 miles of pristine beaches, this 27-hole complex will evoke a sense of playing Scottish-style links combined with stereotypical parkland courtesy of the Lakes course.
Designed by renowned players and architects Bruce Devlin and Robert Von Hagge, this creative design offers an engaging Alabama golf experience for players of all levels. The Dunes and Vista courses offer rolling fairways, extensive bunkering, and undulating greens, creating the optimal challenge at an affordable price.
Rock Creek Golf Club
Another of Earl Stone’s iconic designs along this stretch of Alabama coastline can be found in Fairhope – home of Rock Creek Golf Club! This 18-hole Baldwin County course stretches just under 7,000 yards, creating a challenge for the long-hitters but shorter options for golfers hitting the links for the first time.
From an aesthetic perspective, Rock Creek offers a spectacular experience, with numerous doglegs prominently featured throughout the natural rolling terrain. With tall pines and hardwood forest lining each fairway, this provides a visually breathtaking golf course and unique venue in Southern Alabama.
The signature hole at Rock Creek is the 2nd, with a second shot offering a long carry-over through wetlands to a green featuring a 30-ft bulkhead wall. Epitomizing the true character of this golf course, golfers who get through this hole with a par will carry memories of this magnificent hole throughout the remainder of the round while still ensuring their scorecard is intact.
