5 Unmissable Golf Courses in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

The Gulf Shores & Orange Beach area is blessed with incredibly scenic beaches rich with natural white sand and lush greenery nearly year-round. The warm temperatures lend themselves to the majesty of the golf course, a well-manicured display of landscaping prowess and an ideal place to step away from the world for a round or two.

Professional golfers have also noticed the perfection of playing on the greens by the Gulf of Mexico. Golf pros come here to practice, and some have fallen so deeply in love with the area that they have designed their own golf courses in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach.

1. Craft Farms Golf Club
You can't pass up the chance to play a breathtaking course designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer. Two full 18-hole courses await you close to the indescribable tranquility of the Gulf's white-sand beaches. The Cotton Creek and Cypress Bend courses provide a unique challenge offset by the pure beauty of the Gulf Shores area.

Enjoy a drink at the Cotton Creek Bar & Grill, where trained cooks and chefs serve delightful post-game treats. Breakfast and lunch are served 7 days a week, so you can enjoy a game and a bite on your day off or on the weekend.

The club also offers its venue for weddings. Settings range from casual to elegant and are selected to enhance your most special day with unforgettable views and unequaled service.

2. Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club
Golf Digest, one of the premier golfing publications in the U.S., rated Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club in Gulf Shores at 4.5 stars. Among courses in the Southeast, it was deemed one of the most memorable and enjoyable.

The staff at Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club prides themselves on their customer service and their impressive dinner menu. The course allows junior members to play for free and celebrates golf and national holidays with special deals for the day.

There is also a Golf Academy available both for those who want to improve their game and those who need to learn the basics of proper golf technique. The academy emphasizes positivity in its training and is taught by PGA members who have experience on professional greens.

3. Kiva Dunes Golf Course
The Kiva Dunes property is hidden away from the bustle of the beach in Gulf Shores, and the golf course wraps around the dunes to create a golfing expedition that feels miles away.

U.S. Open champion Jerry Pate helped property developer Jim Edgemon craft a casual but challenging course that remains fresh in memory well past the 18th hole. Lessons are also available here from former champions and PGA members who are fully certified to mentor great golfers.

4. Lost Key Golf Club
Lost Key is a popular golf destination with a host of wonderful amenities and a view that rivals the scenery at some of the world's most exotic resorts. The club boasts a professional golf and food and beverage staff that will cater planned group outings with boxed lunches, barbeque, a beverage cart, and much more. Choose from a variety of tournament styles to keep your group well-fed and endlessly entertained.

You can book your tee-time online, rent clubs, and enjoy special discounts not available at many Orange Beach golf courses. Pensacola golf hero Nick Rousey directs lessons & clinics on-site, and once you've worn out your swinging arm, you can relax and shop at the luxurious Lost Key Golf Shop that houses pro-level equipment as well as fun souvenirs. It's truly an all-in-one golf club you can't miss.

5. Orange Beach Golf Center
The city of Orange Beach offers its own golfing experience to visitors of the area at the Orange Beach Golf Center. Residents have the option of paying a low annual fee for unlimited use of the greens, but visitors must pay for every 9 holes or purchase a slightly more expensive annual membership.

Beyond the fees, however, the city's golf course offers some of the most beautiful scenery available in the Gulf Shores area. Water features and shifting terrain abound, and everyone from beginners to experts can enjoy the course.

Wildlife comes and goes as you play across the course, and there are walking trails available when you need a break and simply want to enjoy the air and trees.

The beautiful Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area isn't just for golf enthusiasts, though - it's a destination promising something for everyone, from pristine beaches to savory seafood. Ready to make a trip? Book the perfect rental now!