Down here on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, spring rolls in like a gentle breeze—easy, familiar, and just what you’ve been waitin’ on. The azaleas are in bloom, the sun’s shining brighter, and the salt air is just right for shaking off the winter blues.

If golf is your game, this is your time. From championship layouts to laid-back rounds, the Gulf Coast is home to some of the South’s prettiest fairways. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or still figuring out your swing, there’s a perfect place here to tee off in paradise.

So pack your polos and grab your clubs—let’s check out the best golf courses on Alabama’s coast.

Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club – Gulf Shores

If you like your golf with a side of Southern charm, then Peninsula is where you need to be. Tucked between the Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge and Mobile Bay, this 27-hole treasure is the epitome of coastal elegance.

The three nine-hole courses—Lakes, Marsh, and Cypress—let you mix and match your round like a Sunday plate at the church potluck. You’ll get a little bit of everything: marshland beauty, pine-lined fairways, and glimpses of local wildlife that’ll have you reaching for your camera more than your club.

The course is always in top-notch shape come spring, and the clubhouse feels like you’ve just stepped into someone’s fancy beach house. (The kind with monogrammed hand towels and sweet tea on tap.)

Kiva Dunes – Fort Morgan

Next up is what many folks consider the crown jewel of Gulf Coast golf: Kiva Dunes. Nestled in Fort Morgan, not far from the lively heart of Gulf Shores, this course is downright stunning. Designed by U.S. Open champ Jerry Pate, it’s Alabama’s only beachfront golf resort—and trust me, it knows it.

With rolling dunes, coastal breezes, and native grasses that sway like sweet tea on a porch swing, Kiva Dunes is the kind of place where your worries fall right off your shoulders. The layout is challenging but fair, and you’re never too far from a Gulf view that’ll stop you mid-putt.

Word to the wise: pack a few extra balls. The wind off the water has been known to play tricks on even the best of swings.

Gulf Shores Golf Club

Y’all, this one’s a classic. Gulf Shores Golf Club is the oldest course in the area, and it’s got the kind of old-school charm that never goes out of style. Originally opened in the 1960s, it was totally revamped in 2005, but it still holds on to that laid-back, Southern feel.

With wide fairways and big, inviting greens, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed round—especially if you’re just getting into the swing of things. The course is flat and walkable, with just enough bunkers and water hazards to keep things interesting.

And in the spring? The birds are out in full chorus, the fairways are lush and green, and the air carries hints of jasmine and salt. It’s the kind of day that’s hard not to smile through.

Craft Farms – Gulf Shores

Right in the heart of Gulf Shores, Craft Farms serves up not one, but two Arnold Palmer signature courses: Cotton Creek and Cypress Bend. Now y’all, if that doesn’t make you want to lace up your golf shoes, I don’t know what will.

Cotton Creek is the more traditional of the two, with tree-lined fairways and just enough water to keep you honest. Cypress Bend is a little more forgiving, with wider landing areas and a layout that feels like butter on a biscuit—smooth, easy, and just plain good.

The staff treats you like kin, the greens roll true, and the scenery? It’s enough to make a grown man cry. Springtime here is magical, with blooming dogwoods and azaleas framing your shots like a Southern postcard.

ONE Club – Gulf Shores

For a quick and casual round, or if you’re trying to squeeze in a little golf between beach days and shrimp boils, ONE Club is just the ticket. This nine-hole course in Gulf Shores has a relaxed, social vibe and is perfect for families, beginners, or folks who just want to keep it light.

It’s got a relaxed, resort-style feel with crisp white condos surrounding the course and a clubhouse known for its social vibe—think live music nights, friendly gatherings, and the kind of community that makes visitors feel right at home. You might come for the golf, but don’t be surprised if you end up staying a while just to soak in the atmosphere.

GlenLakes – Foley

Last but not least, let’s head over to Foley, where GlenLakes Golf Club offers two distinct courses that locals and visitors alike rave about. The 18-hole Dunes-Vista course, designed by Bruce Devlin and Robert Von Hagge, brings a touch of Scottish links style with rolling fairways and strategic bunkers. For a more relaxed round, the 9-hole Lakes course offers generous fairways and scenic water features.

Spring is the perfect time to play, with blooming flowers and breezy conditions that make every swing feel like a breath of fresh air. The vibe is friendly, the pace is easy, and the golf? Just right.

Swing Easy, Y’all

Whether you’re here for a buddy trip, a couples’ escape, or sneaking off while the family hits the beach, Alabama’s Gulf Coast is a golfer’s dream. The courses are scenic, the spring weather’s just right, and you’re always close to fresh seafood and a great view.

Need a place to relax after your round? BEACHBALL PROPERTIES has cozy vacation rentals that feel like home—just with better sunsets.

So don’t forget your clubs. Come tee off in paradise and leave with a new favorite tradition.

Come Have A Ball At The Beach!

– Ginger & Hunter Harrelson