Physical Activity

One main reason I enjoy golf is I love being outside. I would much rather sit staring at the sky from my back porch than sit staring at the television in my living room. And more than either of these, I would prefer to be doing something active while outside (although staring at the sky is often a relaxing alternative).

This is what makes the Alabama Gulf Coast ideal for people like myself. Not only is the golf excellent—you can hardly beat nine scenic, challenging signature golf courses—but the opportunities for outdoor activities abound. Swimming in the Gulf, walking the beach, and hiking/biking a nature trail supplement a golf vacation nicely. Fishing is another popular option that also works well during a group golf trip—hit the greens one day and fish the Gulf the next.

I also enjoy staying at a condo or hotel with amenities like pools and tennis courts, and there are plenty of these types of accommodations in the area. Visit the Gulf Shores Golf Association website to learn more about area lodging options.

Choosing a Golf Course

When you visit an area like the Alabama Gulf Coast that has several options for great golf, deciding where to play can take some thought. Of course, this is a good challenge to face—I’ve been places where the options were few and not nearly as appealing.

The different golf courses have various characteristics that may help break down your decision. For instance, if design is important to you, you might like the fact that Cotton Creek and Cypress Bend at Craft Farms as well as the Lost Key course are Arnold Palmer designs, and other courses were designed by greats such as Bruce Devlin, Jerry Pate, Earl Stone and Robert Von Hagge.

Many of the courses have unique characteristics that make them appealing, such as the scenic marshland hazards at Rock Creek, chilled apples at the first tee of all 3 nines at Peninsula, and the mango-scented ice-cold towels at Cotton Creek.

Or perhaps ratings play an important part in the decision. Golf Digest has ranked Kiva Dunes as one of “America’s Top 100 Public Courses” and rated Cypress Bend as 4.5 stars.

Book a golf vacation package and play as many of the courses as you want. Check out the Gulf Shores Golf Association website for more information.

Where to Stay?

Deciding which golf courses to play when visiting the Alabama Gulf Coast is only half the fun. Figuring out where to stay adds a whole new level to the planning process.

Whether you want a luxury condo, a private beachside house, or a simple hotel room, there are plenty of great lodging options in the area. Maybe it’s a buddies trip or a family vacation, and a beach house would be most accommodating. Or maybe it’s a getaway with a significant other, and a romantic beach-front condo is your preferred option.

You may also want to consider which courses you plan to play while in the area, and where they are in relation to where you’re staying. A customized golf package can help simplify your plans. Click here for information on getting a customized quote.