The sugar-white sand beaches at Orange Beach in Gulf Shores, Ala., make an ideal setting for vacationers to unplug, relax and soak up some sun. But there are other uses for sand, too, such as improving your bunker game at Coastal Alabama’s array of championship golf courses.
Many of the 14 area courses were designed by some of golf’s greatest players and have received top rankings from the PGA of America and Golf Digest. With mild temperatures year-round and a variety of courses from which to choose, the Gulf Shores & Orange Beach area truly is a golfer’s paradise.
Get a quick start to your day on the greens when you stay and play at a Gulf Shores golf resort such as Kiva Dunes or Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club. Designed by former U.S. Open champion Jerry Pate, Kiva Dunes offers a natural and rugged links-style experience with immaculately conditioned green complexes. It was ranked as the No. 1 public course in Alabama by GolfAdvisor.com in 2017.
CLICK HERE FOR SLIDESHOW
If tree-lined parkland courses are more your style, the Peninsula course has 27 challenging holes. It received 4½ out of 5 stars from Golf Digest, which called it “the most memorable and enjoyable” course in the Southeast U.S.
For accommodations, consider a beachfront condo or private beach house with views of the Gulf, perfect for families or foursomes. Beachside accommodations are centrally located and convenient to area attractions, restaurants and bars.
In addition to great golf courses and beautiful beaches, you’ll find exciting nightlife, delicious food, fun events and lots of fishing opportunities. Orange Beach has one of the largest charter fishing fleets on the Gulf Coast, and Alabama’s waters are home to the country’s largest artificial reef system. From fishing in the bay to chasing down a giant marlin, a fishing trip is always a fun way to spend a day.
Once you’ve returned to shore with your big catch, have it cooked at one of the waterfront restaurants and enjoy a beautiful view. After dinner, unwind to live music featuring local and well-known artists, or soak up the warm Gulf breeze on an outdoor deck as you savor your favorite brew or cocktail.
This fall, return for the Coastal Alabama Couples Classic Golf Tournament, Sept. 26-29. Enjoy three days of golf at several area courses, a sunset cruise, mouthwatering food and meeting lots of new friends from across the country.
Whether you’re a beginner or advanced player, the Alabama Gulf Coast’s variety of golf courses will test your skills and create long-lasting memories. Planning a trip with a group of friends? Book customized golf and lodging packages for groups of any size.
