21 replies to this topic

[Supra GTR]

Im am going on Spring break for a week with my family to Alabama on the gulf coast.  We are staying right on Orange Beach.  What are the best golf courses in the area.

Edited by Supra GTR, 09 January 2012 - 07:45 PM.

[dock4]

Is that near Gulf Shores?

[henricogolfer]

Kiva dunes or you can drive to Mobile and play the RTJ trail. There is also a really nice par three just of the island, but the name escapes me.

[Supra GTR]

henricogolfer, on 05 January 2012 - 09:41 PM, said:

Kiva dunes or you can drive to Mobile and play the RTJ trail. There is also a really nice par three just of the island, but the name escapes me.

I am going to play for sure the Arnold Palmer courses Cypress Bend and Cotton Creek.  Are those any good.  I think I may try Kiva also.

[henricogolfer]

Supra GTR, on 06 January 2012 - 11:25 PM, said:

henricogolfer, on 05 January 2012 - 09:41 PM, said:

Kiva dunes or you can drive to Mobile and play the RTJ trail. There is also a really nice par three just of the island, but the name escapes me.

I am going to play for sure the Arnold Palmer courses Cypress Bend and Cotton Creek.  Are those any good.  I think I may try Kiva also.

Sorry, I have not played those. I only get down there about once every five years or so.

[Jimhiggins]

I'm from Boston, but I play down there all the time - my wife's parents retired in Gulf Shores.

Best two courses are Kiva and Peninsula. Peninsula is a true resort course - not that difficult. Greens are great though - pretty fast and true.

Kiva is a much better golf course - difficult, especially when the wind kicks up (which is often). You won't be disappointed you played this one.

Can't speak to the others as for 5 years, these two have kept me very happy.

[dock4]

I have played all of the courses mentioned and they are very fun.  My top 2 would be Kiva and Peninsula as well.

[knothead63]

Definitely drive over and play RTJ's Magnolia Grove. I lived in Mobile from '96-2000 and loved the RTJ facility. If you do go play, I preferred the Falls over The Crossings and also, the par 3 is amazing!
Near whree you'll be staying I enjoyed Rock Creek.
BW, you should eat at Lambert's up in Foley for some "throwed rolls"!!

[midirons]

Been coming down her for years amd retired here recently. Have played all of the courses. Here's how I'd rate them:

Kiva Dunes - Very challenging, greens and fairways are usually impeccable. Champions greens.
Peninsula (27 holes) - A resort type course with wide fairways, but also in excellent condition. Champions greens.
Craft Farms (36 holes, Cotton Creek and Cypress Bend) - Arnold Palmer designs. Very good layouts. THey get a fair amount of play so tee boxes aren't perfect (they're nor bad). Bermuda greens that are always in good condition. Nice clubhouse and very friendly staff. This is club to which my wife and belong.
Gulf Shores Country Club - (Used to be the Golf Club of the Wharf) - This is a real sleeper. This course was renovated 3 or 4 years ago and it is great tract. Good test of golf. It's sneaky short. I believe it plays about 6,600 from the tips but there are 3 or 4 really long par 4's. The greens are always in excellent condition and run pretty fast for bermuda.
Rock Creek - An Earl Stone layout that is quite hilly. It also gets quite a bit of play so tee boxes aren't perfect. Fairways and greens are always good though. It's a really good course to play.
Glen Lakes - Just installed Champions greens. A very good layout that is usally in pretty good condition. But it does get quite a bit of play as it is one of the lower priced courses. The front and back nines are completely different designs.
Timbercreek - (27 holes) This is actually in Spanish Fort right on I-10 (at Hwy 181)so it'll be a 45 min drive. Nice Earl Stone layout similar to Rock Creek. (I like Rock Creek better.) It's a basic public course in decent enough condition. I believe they've played a couple of amatear tournaments there.
Soldiers Creek - An okay layout. Not my personal favorite, but many of my buddies play there regularly and like it. It just doesn't set up well for me. It's ususaly in pretty good condition though.

Also, you could go over to Lost Key in Perdido Key, FL (not too far from Orange Beach). We affectionately call it "Lost Ball". It's in great shape and is an interesting layout. LOTS of water and marsh!!! Finally, I do think it's worth a trip to Mobile and play The Falls at Magnolia Grove. An absolutely enjoyable and challenging layout.

Honours Golf owns and/or operates Peninsula, Craft Farms, and Rock Creek. Their staff members are great. You might find a package to play those courses on their website. In fact, I'd check the websites of all these courses as I given only my opinions. Good luck and enjoy yourself. And yes, Lambert's is somewhat of an experience.

[jez]

You got to play Kiva Dunes, about a 21 mile drive from Orange Beach and Peninsula, which is about 15 miles from where you are staying.  Then, if you have time go to Craft Farms and play Cypress Bend and Cotton Creek.

[Supra GTR]

Any of these offer walking?

[RickKimbrell]

Another vote for Kiva Dunes and Peninsula

[Florida Gator]

Without being too specific- any RTJ course is a steal.  Magnolia Grove is great, or my suggestion is to drive the hour and a half to Greenville to play Cambrian Ridge.  SWEET Track- 3 nines IIRC, make a long day of it- its worth it.

[jholz]

Yes to the RTJ Trail courses. Great prices and wonderful facilities. Magnolia Grove is worth the drive and the (relatively) new Championship Bermuda greens on the Crossings course are wonderful. That stuff is bulletproof and rolls with the consistency of astro-turf.

[Smash It]

I live in Daphne which is where Rock Creek is but ifi were you for play Kiva Dunes and Peninsula there great and I also love craft farms you will pleased at any of the courses you play I assure you.

[jli2636]

My grandparents retired to Daphne and I love the area. I dont get to play much more than their home course (Lake Forrest CC) since its a great deal for us when we stayed with them.

I have played Rock Creek and really enjoyed it. Also I think the Par 3 course everyone is talking about is Emerald Greens? That name just rings a bell to me, wouldnt quote me on it though.

Edited by jli2636, 20 February 2012 - 10:51 PM.

[oubravs2b]

Have only played Craft Farms myself. Loved it, but heard great things about Kiva. Was disappointed we couldn't make that one happen.

[Supra GTR]

Well I am here and it is Gorgeous out.  I went out on Sunday for course recon.  I played Craft Farms on Monday, and it was a great course.  Tomorrow I am going to play Kiva Dunes.  Then on Thursday I am heading over to Lost Key and playing 18 there in the morning and then going to play another 18 at Kiva Dunes again.

[dukeman]

Supra GTR, on 27 March 2012 - 03:44 PM, said:

Well I am here and it is Gorgeous out.  I went out on Sunday for course recon.  I played Craft Farms on Monday, and it was a great course.  Tomorrow I am going to play Kiva Dunes.  Then on Thursday I am heading over to Lost Key and playing 18 there in the morning and then going to play another 18 at Kiva Dunes again.

I haven't played it, but the local nickname for Lost Key is Lost Ball....bring lots of ammo. The RTJ facility in Mobile might be a better bet and might be cheaper, too. Both courses are outstanding.

[bwgroom]

Lost Key is the only course I know where the beverage cart girl sells golf balls off her cart. "Lost ball"  indeed. Kiva Dunes and Peninsula are by far the 2 best. And they are right there beside each other. Lakewood at the Grand Hotel Marriott is pretty close by and is far better than any of the Craft Farms choices.

[Animal Chin]

jholz, on 08 February 2012 - 02:59 PM, said:

Yes to the RTJ Trail courses. Great prices and wonderful facilities. Magnolia Grove is worth the drive and the (relatively) new Championship Bermuda greens on the Crossings course are wonderful. That stuff is bulletproof and rolls with the consistency of astro-turf.

You're right about how they roll but it's mini Verde.  The par 3 course was changed to champions last year.

[nitram]

In Lower Alabama you have Kiva, Peninsula, and access to most RTJ courses. Rock Creek and Craft Farms are great as well. Don't forget, you can hop on I-10, head West and not have to drive over two hours and play some really great courses as well such as: Fallen Oak, Grand Bear, Shell Landing, The Bridges, The Oaks, The Preserve, and Windance CC. I worked/lived in Theodore, AL (think Mobile)for about a year and can honestly tell you that I've played every course I've mentioned here and all on the RTJ. I also played a few in the Florida Panhandle such as Emerald Bay, Indian Springs, Tanglewood and Sandestin. ALL are worthy tracks its just I preferred to drive to MS. The courses in AL and MS were easier to access and seemed to have less traffic. You are in a prime spot my friend and in my opinion, you've hit the golf lotto. Enjoy thyself