Pack the clubs: here are 8 standout Gulf Coast courses across Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Perdido Key, and Pensacola, plus local tips for a golf lover's escape.
Blue skies, sugar-white sand, and fairways that flirt with the coastline, golf on the Gulf Coast is an easy yes. With forgiving winters and breezy spring and fall conditions, this stretch of Alabama and Florida packs in some truly memorable rounds, from links-style layouts to Audubon-certified sanctuaries.
Curious? Here's a little preview just for you:
- Kiva Dunes (Fort Morgan): Coastal setting, natural dunes, expansive practice areas.
- Craft Farms (Gulf Shores): Arnold Palmer designs, water in play, well-kept greens.
- Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club (Orange Beach): 27 holes by Earl Stone and beautiful wildlife sightings.
- Lost Key Golf Club (Perdido Key): Arnold Palmer design, Audubon Silver Signature, pristine greens.
- Perdido Bay Golf Club (Perdido Bay): Former Pensacola Open host, undulating greens, full practice complex.
- Tiger Point Golf Club (Gulf Breeze/Pensacola area): Links-inspired, 14 holes with water, Santa Rosa Sound views.
- A. C. Read Golf Course (NAS Pensacola): Oaks and water carry, open to the public, classic Panhandle scenery.
- Marcus Pointe Golf Club (Pensacola): Hilly terrain (for Florida!), Earl Stone routing, friendly pace & value.
At Luxury Coastal Vacations, we offer a wide range of rental options along the Gulf Coast, paired with exceptional customer service and meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of your vacation. As experts in Perdido Key, Pensacola, Orange Beach, and Gulf Shores, our destination blog covers everything from top pet-friendly spots and kid-friendly activities to must-try restaurants, local distilleries and breweries, and tips for the perfect beach day.
In this guide, I'll highlight standout courses across Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Perdido Key, and Pensacola, so you can pack your clubs and plan a Gulf Coast escape you'll actually remember.
Let's jump into the details!
1. KIVA DUNES GOLF COURSE
Fort Morgan — Coastal dunes, quiet scenery, and an excellent warm-up loop.
Set beside an undeveloped stretch of coast, Kiva Dunes pairs wind-brushed dunes with a thoughtful layout that rewards strategy as much as distance. The practice facilities make dialing in wedges and speed control a breeze: a large range with bunker-ringed targets, a chipping green with sand, and a spacious, contoured putting green. The resort perks (private beach, pool, and low-key wildlife encounters) add to the sense you're playing golf in a nature preserve; keep an eye near the water's edge.
Highlights
- Natural dunes and coastal winds shape shot selection.
- Varied but fair routing that suits multiple skill levels.
- Robust practice complex (targets, bunker work, putting)
- Resort setting with beach and pool access.
2. CRAFT FARMS GOLF RESORT
Gulf Shores — Twin Arnold Palmer designs with different personalities.
Minutes from the beach, Craft Farms serves up two distinct 18-hole experiences. Cotton Creek stretches out with broad, undulating greens and meandering water features—plenty of interest without feeling punitive. Cypress Bend is more generous off the tee yet uses bunkering and water to challenge approach play; forced carries are limited, so it stays friendly for mid-caps and newer players. Conditioning is a strong point across both.
Highlights
- Two Palmer designs: pick your preferred flavor (or play both)
- Cotton Creek: strategic water and movement in the greens.
- Cypress Bend: wider fairways, smart bunkering, clean sightlines.
- Consistently well-maintained surfaces.
3. PENINSULA GOLF & RACQUET CLUB
Orange Beach — 27 holes framed by Bon Secour's coastal landscape.
Designed by Earl Stone, Peninsula's three nines blend marsh views, pine corridors, and occasional wildlife sightings (alligators, eagles) into a calm, scenic round. Rated 4.5 stars by Golf Digest, the course is known for playable teeing options and tidy conditioning. The club's welcoming staff and a comfortable clubhouse round out a day that feels both polished and relaxed.
Highlights
- 27 holes: mix-and-match routing for variety.
- Playable for all levels with clear visuals from the tee.
- Wildlife and nature views add "only-here" moments.
- Friendly service and a good post-round clubhouse scene.
4. LOST KEY GOLF CLUB
Perdido Key — Audubon-certified Palmer design with pristine greens.
Lost Key is the first Audubon International Silver Signature Sanctuary course in Florida, a testament to its sensitive footprint among native flora. Expect expansive, rolling greens, tree-lined fairways, and a layout that can humble low-handicappers while staying fair to improving golfers. Lose a ball? Maybe. Regret the round? Not a chance.
Highlights
- Arnold Palmer design with environmental credentials.
- Smooth, well-kept greens and thoughtful green complexes.
- Tree-lined corridors demand commitment off the tee.
- Unique setting that feels secluded and serene.
5. PERDIDO BAY GOLF CLUB
Perdido Bay — Former PGA Tour host with tournament bones and year-round polish.
A Pensacola Open championship venue for more than a decade, Perdido Bay blends layers of rough, elevated tees and greens, and honest, right-in-front-of-you strategy. The practice setup, full range, putting green, chipping area, and bunkers make it easy to prep for the round or sharpen a particular part of your game.
Highlights
- Proven tournament pedigree with a fair test.
- Noticeable green undulation without trickery.
- Elevated tee/green complexes accent visuals and club choice.
- Complete practice facilities on site.
6. TIGER POINT GOLF CLUB
Gulf Breeze / Greater Pensacola — Links-inspired routing with Sound-side drama.
Set along the Santa Rosa Sound, Tiger Point mixes coastal wind, generous visuals, and water in play on 14 holes. The feel is links-leaning, plenty of short-game creativity required when breezes kick up. A robust practice area (range, two putting greens, chipping, and bunker) plus available lessons make it a smart pick for both tune-ups and first-timers.
Highlights
- Par-72 with a links accent and wide horizons
- Water influences decisions without overwhelming play
- Practice-friendly setup and lesson availability
- Big views even when the scorecard isn't cooperating
7. A. C. READ GOLF COURSE
NAS Pensacola — Classic Panhandle vistas boasting oaks, water carries, and jets overhead.
Located on Naval Air Station Pensacola yet open to the public, A. C. Read threads fairways past live oaks and water, delivering that "you're really in Pensacola" moment when training jets sweep the sky. It's picturesque, straightforward, and a pleasing walk or ride for golfers who like traditional corridors with occasional bite.
Highlights
- Public access on base; memorable sense of place
- Tree-lined holes with strategic water features
- Old-Florida charm across the routing
- Solid value and approachable pace
8. MARCUS POINTE GOLF CLUB
Pensacola — Rolling terrain and Earl Stone strategy
Spread across 600 acres of genuine hills, Marcus Pointe offers a different rhythm than many coastal tracks: fewer water hazards, more bunkers, woodland edges, and angle-driven decisions. Conditioning is steady, staff is welcoming, and the overall experience hits that sweet spot of fun and affordable.
Highlights
- Real elevation changes (yes, in the Panhandle)
- Bunker placement and tree lines reward thoughtful lines.
- An inclusive feel for all handicaps.
- Consistently maintained greens and good pace of play.
Extra Tips for Better Gulf Coast Rounds
- Dress for heat & humidity: Light layers, hat, and sunscreen, especially May–September.
- Mind the forecast: Pop-up showers happen; good drainage keeps rounds moving after rain.
- Book ahead: Peak seasons and weekends fill quickly; reserve preferred tee times early.
- Know local etiquette: Repair ball marks, rake bunkers, and keep pace; everyone's day improves.
- Wildlife awareness: Enjoy from a distance (especially around water).
- Check event calendars: Tournaments and scrambles can be fun to join, or helpful to avoid.
Quick FAQ: Golfing the Gulf Coast
1. When is the best time of year to play golf on the Gulf Coast?
Late fall through spring offers the most comfortable rounds, with lower humidity, steady breezes, and firmer fairways. Summer is playable but hotter; early tee times and plenty of water make a big difference.
2. Do I need to book tee times in advance?
Yes, popular courses near the beach fill quickly, especially on weekends and during holidays. Reserve online or call the pro shop a week or two ahead to lock in preferred slots.
3. Are these courses suitable for beginners as well as low handicaps?
They are. Places like Cypress Bend at Craft Farms and Peninsula offer generous landing areas and multiple tee boxes, while Kiva Dunes and Lost Key reward precise approaches and short-game control for experienced players.
4. What should I know about course conditions and weather swings?
Expect faster, firmer conditions in cooler months and softer greens after summer showers. Courses on this list generally drain well, but it's smart to check same-day updates with the pro shop.
5. Is there wildlife on the courses, and is it safe?
Yes, alligators, birds of prey, and coastal species are part of the scenery. Enjoy the views at a distance, obey signage, and never enter water or tall vegetation to retrieve balls.
6. Which courses have strong practice facilities or lessons?
Kiva Dunes, Perdido Bay, and Tiger Point all have robust ranges plus short-game areas; several clubs offer individual and group instruction. Call ahead to confirm range hours and lesson availability.
7. Are carts required, and what's the pace of play like?
Carts are common given summer heat and spread-out routings, though walking is possible on select days and nines. Starter crews aim to keep rounds moving; maintaining pace and ready golf helps everyone.
8. What kind of attire is expected on Gulf Coast courses?
Collared shirts and golf shorts or slacks are standard, with soft-spike shoes preferred. Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics and a hat are smart choices in warmer months.
9. How do fees compare across these clubs?
Rates vary by season, time of day, and residency. Twilight times can yield solid value, and semi-private clubs often publish dynamic pricing; check the course website or call for current rates.
10. Where should I stay to be close to multiple courses?
Base yourself in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach or Perdido Key/Pensacola to keep drives short in either cluster. Vacation rentals with kitchens and balconies make pre-round routines and post-round debriefs easy.
Stay Near the Gulf Coast Fairways in Style
Looking for an extra idea to make the most of your vacation on the Gulf Coast? Book your stay with Luxury Coastal Vacations. We offer the finest selection of luxury rentals on the Gulf Coast, spanning Alabama and Florida.
When you choose to stay in one of our homes or condos, you can expect a 5-star experience that you'll cherish forever. Browse through our options and discover what awaits you on the beautiful Gulf Coast.
