“Stay-N-Play Golf Packages”
At Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama
Story & Photos (unless noted) by: Ed Stone

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama are blessed with 32 miles of the most beautiful sugar white sands created when the glaciers gradually moved into the Gulf.

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama are blessed with 32 miles of the most beautiful sugar white sands created when the glaciers gradually moved into the Gulf. This creation has been found nowhere else except in the Panhandle. The white quartz sand is not only the whitest in the world but reflects the sun and does not burn the sunbathers or people walking on the beach in the hottest part of the day. As a matter of location, you can hardly tell when you leave the State of Florida and enter the State of Alabama.

You’ll find not only some of the South’s best golf courses, great accommodations and fine cuisine in Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, AL.

For golfers, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama are places you’ll find not only some of the South’s best golf courses, but they also will find the best of beaches for all the family to enjoy. On a recent trip to this area, GoGolfandTravel.com found nine-signature courses designed by some of the greats in the creation of golf courses. Names like Arnold Palmer, Bruce Devlin, Jerry Pate, Earl Stone and Robert Von Hagge have placed their names on these links that are conveniently located within easy driving range of a variety of accommodations and restaurants offering packages created especially for you…the golfer. Each very affordable "Stay-N-Play" Golf Package lets you pick and choose where you want to stay, play and dine. There are 189 holes of championship caliber golf at 9 courses. The following website address allows you to review, select and book all of your golfing vacation or outing needs online. Whether you are a couple, family or a large group, each is tailor-made just for you. Go to: www.golf.gulfshores.com

Gulf Shores/Orange Beach – “Stay-N-Play Golf Package” Courses:

First, let’s talk about the nine golf courses in the “Stay-N-Play Golf Packages” you have to choose from when visiting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. All of the courses offer an unlimited amount of daily play as an option in their packages. They are listed in alphabetical order and include the following:

ABOVE: The Cotton Creek course at Craft Farms is an 18-hole, 72 par Arnold Palmer designed course with a championship length of 7,028 yards.
Below: The Cypress Bend at Craft Farms course is also considered a championship golf course with a length of 6,848 yards. (Photos courtesy of Craft Farms)

Cotton Creek at Craft Farms
3840 Cotton Creek Circle
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Phones: 251-968-7500 Toll Free: 800-327-2657
Website: www.craftfarms.com
This is an 18-hole, 72 par Arnold Palmer designed course with a championship length of 7,028 yards. The blues are 6,581 yards, the whites 6,032 yards and the forward tees 5,175 yards. Recently rated 4 ½ stars by Golf Digest, Cotton Creek at Craft Farms offers a full service golf shop and clubhouse.

Cypress Bend at Craft Farms
3840 Cotton Creek Circle
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Phone: 251-968-7500 Toll Free: 800-327-2657
Website: www.craftfarms.com
A second Palmer designed course playing out of the same clubhouse, but about 250 yards shorter than the Cotton Creek sister course. These two courses are the only Palmer designed golf courses in the State of Alabama. This course also has 18 holes, a 72 par and is considered a championship golf course with a length of 6,848 yards. Then, the other tees play: blue 6,424 yards; white 5,954 yards; red 5045 yards. Recently rated 4 ½ stars by Golf Digest.

Glenlakes Golf Club
9530 Clubhouse Drive
Foley, AL 36535
Phone: 251-955-1220
Website: www.glenlakesgolf.com

The Glenlakes par 72, 18-hole championship layout features wide, rolling fairways bordered by their hallmark mounds and ending with large undulating greens. (Photo courtesy of Glenlakes)

This par 72, 18-hole championship layout features wide, rolling fairways bordered by their hallmark mounds and ending with large undulating greens. "The Vista/Dunes" is a Devlin-Von Hagge layout stretching 6,938 yards will test your game and evoke the feeling of Scottish links golf featuring strategic mounding, extensive bunkering and undulating fairways and postage stamp greens. Golfers love the course rotation that now boasts newly converted Champion Bermuda ultra-dwarf putting surfaces.

The Glenlakes clubhouse, features the newly renovated “Eagle’s Nest” Grill and is the perfect place to start and finish your golf experience.

Gulf Shores Golf Club
520 Clubhouse Drive
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Phone: 251-968-7366
Website: www.gulfshoresgolfclub.com

The Club’s 18 championship holes were the first golf course in Gulf Shores. In November 2005, the course closed to undergo a complete renovation.

Originally built in the 1960’s, the Club’s 18 championship holes were the first golf course in Gulf Shores. In November 2005, the course closed to undergo a complete renovation. Taking place under the guidance of Jay and Carter Morrish, the renovation lengthened the par 71 course by 300 yards and added numerous water features, bulkheads, enhanced fairways, doglegs and additional bunkers. The course’s championship length is 6,812 yards, blue 6,365 yards, white 5,950 yards and forward tees 5,362 yards.

The beautiful setting and elegant clubhouse create a golf atmosphere that both the golf novice and enthusiast will admire. Designed in the traditional plantation-style, The Clubhouse is complete with a dining room and golf Pro Shop.

Kiva Dunes Golf Club
815 Plantation Drive
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Phone: 251-540-7000 Toll Free: 888-TEE-KIVA
Website: www.kivadunes.com

Kiva Dunes is a “must play” course and is Alabama’s only beachfront golf resort.

U.S. Open Champion, Jerry Pate, did an exceptional task in designing Kiva Dunes. This is a “must play” course and is Alabama’s only beachfront golf resort. Consistently ranked among the top golf courses along the Gulf Coast, Kiva Dunes is listed on Golf Digest’s “America’s 100 Best Public Golf Courses.” The 7,092-yard course offers spectacular beauty as it meanders through the property’s secluded native sand dunes, lakes and natural wildlife areas. The other tees are: blue 6,464 yards; white 5,849 yards; forward 5,006 yards.

In 1995, Kiva Dunes was named one of the two “Best New Golf Courses in the United States” and has been included in Golf Digest’s “America’s Top 75 Golf Resorts.” Golf Magazine, LINKS Magazine, Golf Course Living and GolfSouth have given high ranking to Kiva Dunes.

Kiva Dunes offers a full-service clubhouse, meeting facilities, fitness area, three swimming pools, 3,000-feet of private beach and on-site rentals of two, three and four-bedroom luxury condominiums and beach homes.

Lost Key Golf Club
625 Lost Key Drive
Perdido Key, FL 32507
Phone: 850-549-2161 Toll Free: 888-256-7853
Website: www.lostkey.com

Lost Key Golf Club is a championship redesign by the Arnold Palmer Design Group in 2006. (Photo courtesy of Lost Key)

Some 19 miles from Gulf Shores is Lost Key Golf Club is a championship redesign by the Arnold Palmer Design Group in 2006. This par 71, championship course features the premiere grass Sea Dwarf Paspalum from tee to green for the optimum in quality playing surfaces and green speeds.

Lost Key was the first golf course in the state of Florida and the world to be certified as an Audubon International Silver Signature Sanctuary. The project continues to protect the natural resources of the area while providing an excellent golf experience.

From the tips, the black tees are 6,801 yards; blue 6445 yards, white 6001 yards, forward tees 4807 yards. Lost Key offers a full service restaurant & bar open daily, breakfast & lunch available Thursday – Sunday, Light fare menu Monday - Wednesday.

Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club
20 Peninsula Boulevard
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Phone: 251-968-8009 Toll Free: 800-391-8009
Website: www.peninsulagolfclub.com

The natural beauty of Peninsula is well worth a visit. You’ll want to play all 27 holes.

This 27-hole championship course is one not to be missed when playing golf in the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area. It is rated by Golf Digest with 4 ½ stars and well deserved. Earl Stone almost out did himself when he created Peninsular…it is unique and stretches over 7,000 yards from the tips. Course Length: Gold 7,026 yards; blue 6,494 yards; white 5,799 yards; forward tees 5,072 yards.

Situated on 820 secluded acres touched on two sides by the Bon Secour Wildlife Preserve, the natural beauty of Peninsula is well worth a visit. You’ll want to play all 27 holes that wind through live oaks, cypress and natural vegetation, more than 30 lakes and some of the area’s largest white-sand bunkers and waste areas.

A tradition at Honours Golf facilities, Peninsula features chilled apples on the 1st tee on each of its 3-nines, and iced-cold towels delivered to you on sweltering days. Only enhancing the enjoyment is a state of the art GPS system that gives players clear visuals of the holes and accurate yardage.

Rock Creek Golf Club
140 Clubhouse Drive
Fairhope, AL 36532
Phone: 251-928-4223 Toll Free: 800-458-8815
Website: www.rockcreekgolf.com

The surprise at Rock Creek is the stunning topography, with high elevations overlooking freshwater wetlands and the Rock Creek basin. (Photos courtesy Rock Creek)
(Photos courtesy of Rock Creek)

Earl Stone created the Rock Creek championship golf course for the serious golfer in a master planned community. The surprise at Rock Creek is the stunning topography, with high elevations overlooking freshwater wetlands and the Rock Creek basin. The course is lined with tall pines and hardwoods on nearly every fairway enhancing the visual and aesthetic effect.

Located off the eastern shore of Mobile Bay, this 18-hole course was recently honored by a 4½ star Golf Digest rating, is enjoyable, forgiving and captivating. It’s a true test of golf where strategy and accuracy are the name of the game.

Rock Creek also features full clubhouse amenities; including a complete lunch menu and group outing banquet facilities, as well as certified golf instruction on a hilltop practice tee.

Course Length: Championship 6,950 yards, blue 6,350 yards, white 5,900 yards, forward tees 5,150 yards.

A tradition at Honours Golf facilities, Rock Creek features chilled apples on the 1st and 10th tees and iced-cold towels delivered to you on sweltering days.

TimberCreek Golf Club
9650 Timbercreek Boulevard
Daphne, AL 36527
Phone: 251-621-9900 Toll Free: 877-621-9900
Website: www.golftimbercreek.com

TimberCreek is a 27-hole championship facility featuring terrain more reminiscent of the inland Carolinas. (Photo courtesy of TimberCreek)

Again, Earl Stone has created a one-of-a-kind golf course with spacious, flowing fairways and immaculately manicured playing surfaces artistically sculpted from a forest of flowering Magnolias, Dogwoods, and Loblolly Pines. The wetlands of D’Olive Creek meander throughout the property, accentuating the natural beauty of the course while offering strategic challenges for golfers of all abilities.

TimberCreek is a 27-hole championship facility featuring terrain more reminiscent of the inland Carolinas than the coastal topography one might expect so close to the Gulf of Mexico.

Conveniently located just ¼ -mile north of I-10, exit 38, TimberCreek makes for a great playing option on the way in or out of Gulf Shores.

Course Length: Championship 7,026 yards; blue 6,345 yards; white 5,835 yards; forward tees 4,885 yards.

Gulf Shores/Orange Beach – “Stay-N-Play Golf Package” Accommodations:

Now that we have golf covered, let’s look at your choices of accommodations that best fit your group of golfers or family. Under the “Stay-N-Play” package participants of the nine signature Gulf Shores golf courses, you have a wide choice of lodging options. There is everything from resort-style and "national-chain" hotels, to well-appointed "on-site" golf condominiums, to luxury beachfront homes and condos. They are listed in alphabetical order and include the following:

All photos below courtesy of accommodation properties.

Brett/Robinson
(251) 968-7363
Website: www.brett-robinson.com
The official vacation rental company for Phoenix condominiums and hotels.

Courtyard Marriott Gulf Shores at Craft Farms
(251) 968-1113 Toll Free: (800) 360-9375
Website: www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pnsgs-courtyard-gulf-shores-craft-farms/
Located at the gateway of Alabama's Gulf Coast and is nestled on the edge of Craft Farms…A Coastal Golf Resort.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott
(251) 543-4444
Website: www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pnsob-fairfield-inn-and-suites-orange-beach/
Located just across the street from the beach. Amenities include: shuttle to beach, refrigerator, microwave, suites, in-room coffee maker, iron and ironing board.

Foremost Properties
(251) 968-7532 Toll Free: (888) 219-1841
Website: www.foremostmanagement.com
Two and three bedroom luxury condominiums located link side on the Arnold Palmer Cypress Bend Course.

Island House Hotel
26650 Perdido Beach Boulevard - Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 981-6100 Toll Free: (800) 264-2642
Website: www.islandhousehotel.com
Enjoy sugar white beaches and emerald green waters. First-class amenities with a view of the Gulf from every room.

Kaiser Realty, Inc.
1557 Gulf Shores Pkwy - Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 968-6868 Toll Free: (800) 225-4853
Website: www.kaiserrealty.com
In business since 1980, Kaiser has hundreds of the coast’s finest properties. Offering one to six bedrooms, beachfront condos, and vacation homes that sleep up to 30 people.

Kiva Dunes Properties
815 Plantation Drive - Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 540-7100 Toll Free: (866) 540-7100
Website: www.kivadunes.com
Offering meeting facilities, two, three and four bedroom condominiums, rental houses up to seven bedrooms with panoramic views of Kiva Dunes Golf Course, the Gulf of Mexico, and Mobile Bay.

Spectrum Resorts
26302 Perdido Beach Blvd. - Orange Beach, AL 36561
Toll Free: (877) 553-7415
Website: www.spectrumresorts.com
Spectrum Resorts is the leader in luxury vacation resorts along the Alabama Gulf Coast and includes accommodations at The Beach Club in Gulf Shores and Turquoise Place and Caribe The Resort in Orange Beach.

Staybridge Suites Hotel
3947 Gulf Shores Parkway - Gulf Shores, AL 36542-
(251) 975-1030
Website: www.ichotelsgroup.com/staybridge/hotels/us/en/gulf-shores/pnssb/hoteldetail
At Staybridge Suites every room is a full suite equipped with a kitchen and living room with a full breakfast buffet included. This is also a pet friendly hotel with an onsite pet park.

Sugar Sands Realty
22991 Perdido Beach Blvd - Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 974-1672 Toll Free: (800) 824-6462
Website: www.sugsands.com
Rentals available at 30 different complexes. From luxury to economy, suited for every budget.

Young's Suncoast Vacation Rentals
3639 Gulf Shores Parkway, Ste 1 - Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 968-7158 Toll Free: (800) 826-1213
Website: www.youngssuncoast.com
With 500-plus vacation rentals in Gulf Shores & Orange Beach, Young's Suncoast can find your perfect vacation place, in the middle of the action or a quiet, secluded setting.

Gulf Shores/Orange Beach – “Stay-N-Play Golf Package” Dining:

After a great round of golf with friends or family, the avid golfer will be in search for “just the right place to dine.” The Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area is a haven for just about every kind of cuisine you could want. With the world’s best fishing hole at their backdoor, you have the choice of succulent, fresh-off-the-boat seafood…a different delicacy every day and come back for seconds. And, for atmosphere, choose from seaside family hangouts where sandy feet are welcome, white-linen candlelit romantic dining for two, or downright dives that serve up some of the finest food and fun to be found.

The “Stay-N-Play Golf Package” includes the following nine (there’s plenty more) restaurants for your choosing. They are listed in alphabetical order as follows:

(Photo below courtesy of Gulf shore & Orange Beach Tourism.)

Cobalt the Restaurant
28099 Perdido Beach Blvd - Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 923-5300
Website: www.cobaltrestaurant.net
Nestled just under the Perdido Pass Bridge, Cobalt offers a dining experience like no other.

Cosmo's Restaurant
25753 Canal Road - Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 948-9663
Website: www.cosmosrestaurantandbar.com
Open seven days. 11:00 a.m.-9:30 p.m. weekdays and 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. weekends. Serving a wide variety to satisfy every taste. Sushi bar open 3:30 p.m.-till and all day Sunday. Moderately priced, casual dining.

Live Bait Food & Spirits and Live Bait Too!
24281 Perdido Beach Blvd - Orange Beach, AL 36561
(251) 974-1612
Website: www.livebaitrestaurant.com
Food and liquor served at medium price range. Here you’ll find a unique dining experience. Serving the area for over 13 years. "Dead Food, Live Music."

LuLu's at Homeport Marina
200 East 25th Avenue - Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 967-LULU (5858)
Website: www.lulubuffett.com
LuLu's is known for great food, great music and good times. Arrive by land or water. Come and enjoy the sunset from the outdoor deck.

Original Oyster House
701 Gulf Shores Parkway - Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 948-2445
Website: www.originaloysterhouse.com
The place for local seafood for 28 years. Specialty seafood platters and salad bar. Dine on the bayou. Great place for families! Open daily. Kids playground. Gift shop.

Ribs and Reds Restaurant & Catering Service
128 E. First Avenue - Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 948-7337
Website: www.ribsandredsrestaurant.com
Casual dining featuring local seafood, sizzling steaks, and a variety of foods and desserts that will satisfy the entire family.

Tacky Jack's - Orange Beach
27206 Safe Harbor Drive - Orange Beach, AL 36561-
(251) 981-4144
Website: www.tackyjacks.com
Tacky Jacks is a tradition and local favorite serving the Gulf Coast over 30 years. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner every day. Best view on island.

Tacky Jack's 2 - Fort Morgan
1577 Hwy 180 West - Gulf Shores, AL 36542-
(251) 968.8341
Website: www.tackyjacks.com
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner on Mobile Bay. Visit Historic Fort Morgan then come stop in for a beautiful sunset. Come by land or by sea.

Tacky Jack's Gulf Shores
2513 East 2nd Street - Gulf Shores, AL 36542
(251) 948-8881
Website: www.tackyjacks.com
Tacky Jacks is a tradition and local favorite serving the Gulf Coast over 30 years. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner every day. One of the best views on the Island.

Area Information “Stay-N-Play Golf Package”…Beyond the Golf Course:

The Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area offers 32 miles of the "world's whitest beaches," a glimpse at some of Mother Nature’s pristine best and the opportunity to catch a trophy fish. Other family adventures include the Gulf Coast Zoo, Waterville USA, a family amusement/waterpark, historic Fort Morgan or just relaxing in the tranquility of this unique location.

The beautiful beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama are some of the best in the World. Waterville USA, a family amusement and waterpark offers lots for families.
 Don't miss a visit to historic Fort Morgan as part of your visit to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL.
(Photos courtesy of Gulf shore & Orange Beach Tourism.)


For the golf outing, family vacation or corporate outing, the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach area should be on your list of “must play and see.” The Southern hospitality is some of the finest you will find. GoGolfandTravel.com rates this area with high marks for friendliness and quality of service and vacation activities…especially golf.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
“Stay-N-Play Golf Packages”
Gulf Shores Golf Association
P.O. Box 5797
Gulf Shores, AL 36547
Via Fax: (251) 968-5237
Toll-Free (888) 815-1902
Website: www.golf.gulfshores.com
Via Email: teetimes@golfgulfshores.com

General Information
Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Tourism
3150 Gulf Shores Parkway (Hwy. 59 south)
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Phone: 251-968-7511 or 1-800-745-SAND (7263)
Website: www.gulfshores.com

Orange Beach Welcome Center & Administrative Offices
23685 Perdido Beach Blvd. (Hwy. 182)
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Phone: 251-974-1510 or 800-982-8562
Website: Website: www.gulfshores.com