Golf Courses in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach—Which Is the Best?

So Kiva Dunes was ranked number 3 according to GOLF Magazine’s state-by-state public access courses in America. I have to disagree with them—it’s number 1 in my book. A beach-front layout on the Gulf Coast, the beauty and challenge presented by the course…it’s just hard to beat that!

But here’s what I love about golf in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach: nine signature golf courses to choose from, each with its own special qualities. Like the mango-scented, ice-cold towels offered by Cotton Creek at Craft Farms, and the chilled apples at Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club—both are really nice features when playing golf on a hot summer day! And the marshland hazards at Rock Creek Golf Club in Fairhope offer a unique scenic quality that I just love.

Plus, Kiva Dunes isn’t the only Gulf Shores & Orange Beach golf course to win accolades and high ratings. Cotton Creek and Cypress Bend at Craft Farms, Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club, and Rock Creek Golf Club have each received a four and a half star rating by Golf Digest. And most of the courses were designed by golf greats like Earl Stone, Arnold Palmer, and Jerry Pate.

I’ve played all of these courses, and looking back at all of them, I’m actually not sure which I would rank as number 1. Think I better book a Gulf Shores golf vacation so I can re-assess.

Keeping Cool on the Golf Course

Well, the hot weather seems to have officially rolled around again, which means keeping cool on the golf course will involve more than just deep breaths and restraint from throwing the golf club. Personally, I prefer the weather-related heat to the steam I feel when I can’t seem to avoid the dreaded golf shank. And thankfully, my favorite Gulf Shores golf courses have some excellent—and sometimes creative—ways for golfers to cool down on a hot day.

An old time favorite cool-down method of mine is a nice cold drink at the club bar after a solid round of 18 holes. Some of the clubs have really nice restaurants that are perfect for lunch or dinner with the golf buddies.

But often halfway through a round you’re already in need of a cool-down—how about trying a chilled apple? Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club and Rock Creek offer these at certain tees along their courses. It’s cold, refreshing, and a nice pick-me-up. They also deliver ice-cold towels to golfers.

And going a step further with the ice-cold towels is Cotton Creek at Craft Farms with their mango-scented ice-cold towels. It doesn’t get much cooler than that.

And, of course, you can return to your condo or hotel for a cooling dip in the pool. Be sure to visit the Gulf Shores Golf Association website for information on golf packages and accommodations.

Golf Instruction Programs

My golf game has come a long way since I first started playing as a kid years ago. Now I’m actually halfway decent—some days, I’m even pretty good. And I’m always in favor of tips, advice, and even a lesson or two to improve.

So I was pretty happy to hear that Rock Creek Golf Club in Fairhope and Craft Farms in Gulf Shores are now offering instruction programs. The clubs are offering a variety of programs, including adult developmental clinics, ladies’ clinics, and junior programs. Tips to make golf more enjoyable and instruction on swing mechanics, specialty shots, and course management are some of the topics that are covered.

It’s a fun addition to a golf vacation and a great way to improve your golf game. I’m hoping to finally straighten out my slice and clean up my short game.

For more information, visit the Gulf Shores Golf Association website.