Ace Your Golfing Skills on These Top 4 Golf Courses in Alabama’s Gulf Coast
Alabama’s Gulf Coast is a popular vacationing spot for its white-sand beaches, scenic trails, and unique wildlife reserves. Unbeknownst to many, it’s also home to world-class golf courses, some of which are frequented for their breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. And no matter your level of experience, you’ll find an array of holes designed for both the experienced golfer and fun-loving adventurer.
Kiva Dunes Public Golf Course
Kiva Dunes is an 18-hole, award-winning course rated the number one public golf course in Alabama in 2017 and given 5 stars by Golf Advisor and Golf Pass. Being on the Fort Morgan peninsula of Gulf Shores, its main attraction is the fact that it’s a natural beach golf course with balmy winds, white sand dunes, and 7,100 yards of play area for the avid golfer.
It’s great for those looking for a relaxing experience, as the course’s design is very forgiving to those who’re just getting started. It ensures that you finish feeling as though you had a great experience despite your score, harnessing the spirit of the game and location. If this entices you, be sure to check out the signature Par 3-5 holes, including the Par 4, 9th hole!
Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club
This course is peculiar for its three 9-hole courses: the Marsh, Lakes, and Cypress course. Each offers a unique experience from the other as well as differing challenges. The 7,000-yard course underwent renovations, which makes it more accommodating to golfers of all skill levels. What’s more, it’s group-friendly, handicap accessible, and offers free parking to the public.
A big downside is that this course is a part of a club and therefore newcomers may be limited in what they can do and when they can do it. There should be no problem getting into the game itself otherwise, as this course is rated favorably by Golf Digest as one of the “most memorable and enjoyable” courses in the Southeast.
Craft Farms Golf Club
Craft Farms Golf Club brings a golfing adventure to the public that embodies the beauty of the coast in its design. It features a 36-hole layout, that’s two golf courses just minutes away from Gulf Shores! Both courses provide a challenge with balanced Par 3-5s and a collection of hazards that’ll make you rethink your choice of club and speed.
The cotton creek course is 7,000 yards, a thrilling 4-star course according to Golf Digest, and accented with gentle hills, peaceful lakes, and lush oak trees. It’s geared towards low handicappers, but playable for all under certain conditions.
The cypress bend course, on the other hand, received 4.5 stars from Golf Digest. This 6,800-yard course captures the appeal of coastal golfing better than its sister with its wide layout, stretched white sand bunkers, and seemingly endless views of the water.
Gulf Shores Golf Club
Gulf Shores Golf Club is an award-winning course and the first ever established in the Gulf Shore area. And though there’s an attached golf club, the public is welcome to putt. You can do so as a vacationer on this course’s 18-hole, classic layout. It’s open 7-days a week, so you won’t feel the pressure of squeezing it into your vacation schedule. However, the practice area is reserved for members only, and those who wish to observe will be charged a cart fee.
But unlike most courses on the list, this course is built for a challenge. If this seems like the perfect place to putt, remember that golf clubs usually have a separate tee time for their members and the public and you’ll likely need to book a time rather than walk in. So be sure to plan ahead!