You’re standing on the tee box at Peninsula, the wind is whipping off Bon Secour Bay, and you realize you’ve probably brought too much club. That's basically the vibe of golfing on the Alabama Gulf Coast. It’s tricky. It’s gorgeous. And honestly, if you don't know which Orange Beach golf courses are actually worth the green fees, you’re going to spend a lot of money to end up frustrated in a bunker full of sugar-white sand.
Most people think "Orange Beach" and immediately picture the Wharf or the Flora-Bama. But for golfers, the geography is a bit more fluid. While the city of Orange Beach itself is compact, the best "Orange Beach golf courses" are spread across the island into Gulf Shores and just over the bridge into Foley. You've got options ranging from high-end Arnold Palmer designs to a local nine-hole track where you can play in a t-shirt.
Let's be real: the humidity here is a factor. If you’re playing in July, you better be off the course by 10:30 AM or you're going to melt. But in October? It’s probably the best golf weather in the entire country.
The Big Three: Craft Farms and Peninsula
If you ask a local where to play, they’re going to point you toward the Honors Golf properties. This is where the "resort" feel really kicks in.
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Craft Farms is the big name. It’s the only spot in the world where you’ll find 36 holes designed specifically by Arnold Palmer. You have Cotton Creek and Cypress Bend. Cotton Creek is the older sibling—it’s got more of a traditional, tree-lined feel. It’s challenging but fair. Cypress Bend is a bit more modern, with wider fairways that feel a little more forgiving until you realize how much water is actually tucked away on the edges of the greens.
I’ve seen people lose an entire box of Pro V1s at Cypress Bend just because they got greedy on the par 5s. Don't be that guy.
Then there’s Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club. It’s located right next to the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Because it sits on 800 acres of land that hasn't been over-developed, you actually see wildlife. Alligators? Yeah, they're there. Don't try to get your ball back if it rolls near the water's edge. Peninsula has 27 holes—Marsh, Lakes, and Cypress. The Marsh nines are arguably the most scenic because you’re playing right alongside the wetlands.
The turf quality at these three courses is generally top-tier. They use TifEagle Bmuda on the greens, which means they stay fast even when the Gulf Coast heat is trying to bake them alive.
Kiva Dunes: The Links Experience
If you want to feel like you’re playing in Scotland—but with 90-degree heat and seagulls—you go to Kiva Dunes.
Located way out on the Fort Morgan peninsula, it’s a bit of a drive from the heart of Orange Beach. Maybe 30 minutes. But it’s worth it. Kiva Dunes is consistently ranked as the number one public course in Alabama. It’s a true links-style course. The wind here is a permanent resident. It doesn’t just blow; it pushes.
The 18th hole at Kiva is a monster. It’s a long par 4 with water all along the right and sand traps that look like they were dug by a giant. If the wind is in your face, hitting that green in two feels like a miracle.
- The Vibe: High-end, serious, windy.
- The Cost: Expect to pay over $150 during peak season.
- The Secret: Check their website for "Twilight" rates. If you can handle the afternoon sun, you can save sixty bucks.
Why Orange Beach Golf Courses Get "Soft"
One thing golfers from up north don't realize is how much the "grain" of the grass matters here. Down here, we use Bermuda grass. It’s thick. It’s grabby. If you’re chipping into the grain, your wedge is going to dig into the dirt like a shovel.
I’ve seen low handicappers from Michigan come down here and lose their minds because they can't stop chunking chips. You have to learn the "bump and run." Keep the ball low. Let it roll.
Also, the sand is different. At courses like Lost Key (just over the line in Perdido Key, Florida), the sand is incredibly fine and white. It’s beautiful but it’s heavy when it gets wet. Since it rains almost every afternoon in the summer, you need to check the bunkers before you swing.
Lost Key: The "Ball Eater"
Technically, Lost Key is in Florida, but it's five minutes from Orange Beach. It was the first golf course in the world to be certified as an Audubon International Silver Signature Sanctuary.
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Translation: There are a lot of protected wetlands and you aren't allowed to go into them to find your ball.
It’s an Arnold Palmer redesign. It is narrow. Very narrow. If you have a slice, you’re going to have a bad time. Honestly, most people should just leave the driver in the bag on half the holes. Take a long iron or a hybrid and just try to keep it on the short grass.
The Budget Plays: Gulf Shores Golf Club and Glenlakes
Not everyone wants to drop two hundred dollars on a round of golf while they’re on vacation. I get it. You’ve got kids who want to go to Waterville or eat at LuLu’s.
Gulf Shores Golf Club is a solid middle-ground. It’s the oldest course in the area, but it got a massive renovation by the Jay and Carter Morrish team. It feels like a classic plantation-style course. Massive oaks with Spanish moss hanging off them. It’s very "Old South." It’s usually priced about 20-30% lower than Kiva or Craft Farms.
Then there’s Glenlakes Golf Club in Foley.
It’s a bit of a "diamond in the rough" situation. The Vista/Dunes nines are a links-style layout that provides a lot of challenge for the money. They also have a 9-hole course called the Lakes which is perfect for a quick afternoon round with someone who isn't a "serious" golfer. The bunkers aren't always perfect, and the clubhouse is modest, but the layout is legit.
Things Most People Get Wrong About Golfing Here
People assume that because it’s a beach destination, the courses are flat and boring. That’s just wrong.
While we don't have mountains, the designers used the natural dunes to create some wild elevation changes. Rock Creek in nearby Fairhope (about 35 minutes away) has massive drops and climbs that you wouldn't expect in a coastal area.
Another misconception? That you can just walk on.
In March and April—prime "Snowbird" and Spring Break season—the Orange Beach golf courses are packed. If you don't book your tee time at least two weeks out, you’re going to be stuck playing at 2:00 PM when the heat index is 105.
The "After Golf" Scene
In Orange Beach, the 19th hole isn't always at the clubhouse.
Most golfers finish their round and head straight to Big Wolf’s or The Woodside Restaurant at Gulf State Park. If you’re at Craft Farms, you’re right next to all the shopping at Pelican Place. But if you want the real experience, you go to The Lobby Bar at Perdido Beach Resort or just grab a bushwacker at a waterfront bar.
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A bushwacker is basically a chocolate milkshake with a lethal amount of rum. It’s the unofficial drink of Orange Beach. Just don't drink one before your round unless you plan on putting into the wrong hole.
Dealing with the Elements
You’re playing in a tropical environment. This means:
- Gnat spray is mandatory. There are these tiny "no-see-ums" that will eat you alive near the marshy areas. Regular Off! doesn't always work. Look for the stuff with vanilla or the local brands sold in the pro shops.
- Hydration isn't a suggestion. I’ve seen grown men pass out on the 14th hole because they thought three beers and no water was a good strategy.
- Lightning is real. If the sirens go off, get off the course. The storms here move incredibly fast. One minute it’s sunny, the next minute you’re in a monsoon.
Practical Steps for Your Golf Trip
If you’re planning to hit the Orange Beach golf courses, stop trying to wing it. You’ll end up overpaying and playing on a course that doesn't fit your skill level.
First, check the aeration schedules. Every course in this region aerates their greens at least twice a summer (usually May and August). Playing on freshly punched greens is miserable. Call the pro shop directly and ask, "When did you last punch the greens?" Don't rely on the booking websites; they won't always tell you.
Second, consider a package deal. Companies like Coastal Alabama Golf specialize in booking tee times across multiple courses. Often, they can get you into Craft Farms and Peninsula for a lower combined rate than if you booked them individually.
Third, play early. I cannot stress this enough. The first tee time is usually around 7:00 AM. Be on it. You’ll finish by 11:00 AM, the air will still be breathable, and you'll have the rest of the day to spend on the beach with your family.
Fourth, bring extra socks. The dew on the grass in the mornings is heavy. By the 9th hole, your feet will be soaked. A fresh pair of socks at the turn is a game-changer for your back nine.
Finally, don't be a hero. If the wind is blowing 25 mph off the Gulf at Kiva Dunes, move up a tee box. There is no trophy for shooting a 95 from the back tees when you could have had a blast shooting an 82 from the whites. Enjoy the views, watch the herons, and try to keep the ball out of the palmettos.