Golf Destination: Alabama's Gulf Coast
 By BRIAN WRIGHT

Picture this. It’s 75 degrees, there’s a slight breeze off the Gulf of Mexico just tickling the treetops,
and a bright blue sky above as you tap in for par. As you place the flagstick back in its resting place,
you hear a subtle yet powerful rumble over your left shoulder. You turn around just in time to see a squadron of Blue Angels buzz the green flying in the classic tight formation of F/A-18 Hornets. Where are you? Pick one of any 10 championship courses that comprise the Gulf Shores Golf Association in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, Alabama.

Gulf Shores is a sliver of land stretching some 32 miles from just outside Pensacola, FL — home of the famous Blue Angels — into Alabama where the Gulf of Mexico and Mobile Bay melt together. It’s really quite beautiful. Highlighted by spectacular weather, "sugar-white" sand beaches, great golf courses and as unpretentious hospitality as you’ll find anywhere, it’s easy to see why the area is rapidly becoming a hot golf destination.

You may think of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in conjunction with the words Alabama and golf — the trail lies within just a short drive to the north. However, Gulf Shores offers variety, convenience and value on the level that is unique in its own right.

"Our variety of signature golf courses is second to none," says Michael McArthur, Executive Director of the Gulf Shores Golf Association. "The courses are designed by the likes of Bruce Devlin, Arnold Palmer, Jerry Pate, Larry Nelson, Earl Stone and Robert Von Hagge. The great thing is that you can experience everything from scenic coastal views and wetland preserves, to Alabama forests and links-style golf courses.

"As an association, we have worked hard to forge relationships with area accommodations so that we can help golfers get the most out of their experience here, McArthur states. " We offer tremendous value through our golf packages. We have 15 local accommodations we work with and offer a world-class resort, luxury beachfront condominiums, on-site golf villas and affordable national chain hotels."

The area truly is unique. Being sandwiched between the Gulf of Mexico and Mobile Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway, it’s not a "spring break" party area that has been overrun with commercialization (i.e., go-cart tracks, miniature golf and two waffle houses on every corner). In fact, when Hurricane Frederick rolled through in 1979 and destroyed a large percentage of the area’s structures, it left a clean canvas for the future. None of the 10 courses reviewed by this publication existed until after 1985. That translates to good news for golfers visiting the area. All the courses, and their respective clubhouses, feature the best when it comes to course design and creature comforts.

"It’s been exciting to be able to see all of these courses come on line and develop into an association," says Mark Stillings, President of the Gulf Shores Golf Association. Stillings, who also happens to be the Director of Golf at the association’s flagship course — Kiva Dunes — has been instrumental in the development of the association and its efforts to provide a spectacular golf vacation destination.

"We founded the association in 1995. We have done a lot of research and we try to see what other destinations are offering and how they do things," Stillings comments. "Then, we put our heads together and try to improve on ideas that are working and invent a few of our own along the way."

Whenever there is a meeting of the minds, you’ll probably find a gentleman by the name of Robert Craft nearby. Craft, a graduate of Auburn University, has transformed the family farm into a premier golf course community and has been the catalyst for growth in the Gulf Shores area. The Crafts own three of the 10 courses that make up the GSGA.

"I sold the idea of the GSGA to the golf courses," Craft reflects. "Then, the CVB was able to bring the lodging on board. We all work together to create awareness that Gulf Shores is a viable, golf vacation alternative."

Nearly all the courses are overseeded "wall to wall" as they say in Gulf Shores providing excellent playing conditions throughout the year. The sand bunkers, which are filled with that "sugar white" sand, are visually stunning. In addition, many feature GPS systems on the golf carts.

The following brief descriptions are of the 10 GSGA courses (in alphabetical order). There is also an Alabama State Park course in the area, plus, a private course that is accessible at times.

Cotton Creek at Craft Farms - A superb layout designed by Arnold Palmer, this course is a wonderful mix of rolling fairways and strategically placed water hazards. The large greens are in immaculate shape and roll true. As part of the Craft Farms complex, it shares an outstanding clubhouse and practice area with its sister course Cypress Bend. You’ll find attention to detail and superior service at the entire complex.

Cypress Bend at Craft Farms - Also designed by Palmer, the course was rated the "#1 Most Playable Course in the U.S." by Golf Digest in 1999. Lush conditions and lots of water hazards highlight this excellent course. Again, the Craft Farms complex, which is centrally located among the 10 courses, is outstanding.

GlenLakes Golf Club - A links-style course designed by Robert Von Hagge and Bruce Devlin (the duo also designed Tan-Tar-A’s Oaks course at Lake of the Ozarks), the course has dramatic mounding and large undulating greens that dominate the landscape. Generous off the tee and fun to play.

Kiva Dunes - Wow! Kiva Dunes is such a unique experience that you may want to play it twice. Without a doubt one of the top public courses in America, this Jerry Pate design is situated at the tip of the peninsula directly on the Gulf of Mexico and is a must play for visitors.

The natural beauty of this piece of property nearly defies description. It’s a challenging layout dotted with sand dunes, lakes and natural wildlife habitat. Keep an eye out for the beautiful birds and the occasional alligator.

In addition to the golf course, the Lodge at Kiva Dunes is world-class as well. Finely-appointed condominiums that overlook the course are available for rent. They even have 3,000 feet of private beach for guests. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.

Lost Key Golf Club - The closest course to the Pensacola airport, the course has achieved signature status with Audubon International for its preservation of the environment.

Tight tree-lined fairways and plenty of water hazards highlight the Arnold Palmer-designed layout.

Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club - A neat facility with 27 holes of golf. The facility lies on 820 secluded acres directly on Mobile Bay and offers some memorable golf holes and gorgeous views. Earl Stone designed the golf holes, and the maintenance crew has done a wonderful job of highlighting the property with ornamental grasses and shrubs.

Rock Creek Golf Club - The course at Rock Creek is more typical of what Kansas City area golfers may be used to with its elevation changes and tree-lined fairways. Another Earl Stone gem in the Gulf Shores stable of courses, Rock Creek is very challenging and visually appealing. You’ll need to work the ball around this course while paying close attention to the subtle breaks on the undulating greens. Rock Creek also features a splendid clubhouse and practice range.

Soldiers Creek Golf Club - Opened in 2001, this is the newest course on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Designed by Scott Clark, it features a natural setting with rolling fairways, mature trees and wetlands.

Soldiers Creek prides itself on superb playing conditions and they definitely go out of their way to provide just that. Fast greens and lush fairways await you. And, if that wasn’t enough, the facility boasts a 10,000 square foot putting green and full service practice range.

TimberCreek Golf Club - The farthest course north of the 10 GSGA members, it’s also the closest to the Mobile airport. The complex offers 27 holes of Earl Stone-designed golf — and many of the holes are quite dramatic. Lots of elevation changes bring attention to the sweeping fairways which are cut through a beautiful forest of pine, magnolia and dogwood trees.

Woodlands at Craft Farms - Another superb facility in the Craft Farms tradition. Designed by Larry Nelson, this course looks like it belongs on a postcard with its marshes, lakes, tall pines and abundance of wildlife. An excellent golf course.

If you’re looking for a golf vacation with service and value, unspoiled beauty and a laid-back attitude, give Alabama’s Gulf Coast a try. It’s a wonderful low key alternative to today’s fast-paced, high-priced golf destinations.