Let’s face it. Pretty much everything in our world changed with the threat of this virus. We’ve all been faced with more and more, and yes, even more time at home with our family. Some days this is a wonderful thing as we bond and appreciate each other more. But other days, well, on those days you find yourself looking for any means of escape. Like an escape to the golf course.
From the early days of the virus, here in Alabama our golf courses were allowed to stay open for play. Given the ability to maintain distance between groups and to limit group sizes, golf is the ideal way to enjoy some outdoor time either with your family or without.
Now that you are planning your summer or fall getaway to the Alabama Gulf Coast, golf is still here to provide that needed escape. Bring your family along and let them spend the day soaking up the sun on our area beaches while you enjoy some time away at Craft Farms and Peninsula. Get back together at the end of the day to have a family meal. Please be patience with local restaurants as they adapt to the distancing guidelines. Your wait may be longer than normal. Consider take-out as an option to enjoy at your condo or beach house.
Or if you are still treasuring time with your crew, bring them along. At both Craft Farms and Peninsula, kids play free and receive free rental sets during the summer. This makes for a fun family experience that is budget friendly.
Planning your fall guys trip? Both courses are conveniently located in Gulf Shores, giving you more time playing the game you love and less time on the road.
Craft Farms Course, Courtesy of Honours Golf
Craft Farms Golf Resort. Once on one of the courses you’ll experience some of the very best in public golf in the South. The peaceful environment might lull you in with a false sense of golfing ease. Don’t be fooled, these courses are designed (by Arnold Palmer) to challenge at every turn. Cotton Creek delivers a championship test with more than 7,000 yards to cover from the tips. With five staggered tee boxes, the challenge can be adapted for golfers at any skill level.
On the Cypress Bend course you can tee off with a coastal feel as you play past a system of cord-grass accented lakes. These lakes come into play on most every hole. The large landing areas provide a boost for your confidence to balance out the experience.
Peninsula Course, Courtesy of Honours Golf
Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club. From the heart of Gulf Shores, take the short drive along the Fort Morgan peninsula to reach one of Alabama’s most stunning golf resorts. Designer Earl Stone captures the beautiful Mobile Bay scenery on a 27-hole course that provides a championship 7,026 yards to conquer. The course takes full advantage of more than 800 acres of live oaks, cypress trees and other natural vegetation. The birdies here include majestic eagles and you may share your game with an occasional alligator.
You’ll know for certain you’ve reached the signature hole at Lakes #7 when you struggle to focus on the game because of the amazing views of Mobile Bay. Don’t let all the beauty mislead you. This is still a challenging course with wetlands and hazards to avoid.
Craft Farms and Peninsula are managed by Honours Golf, a division of Troon Golf. To learn more, visit craftfarms.com and peninsulagolfclub.com.