Gulf shores Alabama golf in April

Unless a plague has hit down there that I'm unaware of there should be plenty of courses open in April, and every other month of the year.

We usually go down there at least once in January but didn't go this year.

I usually play at Glen Lakes or Soldiers Creek because they are free with the condo package we usually get but there are plenty of others. The State Park course even looks pretty good but I've never played it, and there are a couple of higher end (more than I like to pay) courses out on the peninsula.

I promise you, any of the courses in South Alabama that aren't out of business will be open in April.

Here's a link to the State park course.

http://www.alapark.com/GulfState/Golf/

Another list of the courses in the area.

http://www.anchorvacations.com/gulf-shores-area-guide/golf/

Kiva Dunes is awesome.

Peninsula is good

I would stay away from the state park.  No first-hand knowledge, but just what I hear.

Drive 8 miles into FL and play Lost Key.  My favorite course down this way.  Bring a lot of balls.  Tell them you are local and play for 1/2 price.  They don't check ID.

Drive 2 miles past Lost Key and play Perdido Bay.  Also a very fun course.

http://www.golf.gulfshores.com/play/

I agree, Lost Key is a great course.

Maybe we should ask the OP's skill level.  Lost Key is very penal.  They will let you play as a single though.  Plus, if driving from Gulf Shores, he can stop at the Bama after and check out the "scenery".  Should be spring break and all.

The problem with Kiva Dunes and Peninsula is that we have to stop in Foley and refinance our vehicle to have enough money to play.

Soldiers Creek is my kind of place anyway.

Within 15 mins of Gulf Shores -

Foley Golf Club - $26 for 18 w/ cart

Orange Beach Golf Center - $20 - 9 hole par 3 w/cart

Magnolia Springs Par 3 - $14.99 all day - kind of a weird place

No need to stop by the bank.

When we get a condo through Gulf Shores Rentals I get a free round every day at Glen Lakes or Soldiers creek, plus stuff like a free Dolphin Cruise, Deep Sea fishing, and the go-cart track. Not a bad deal since the condos seem to be about the same prices as the ones without all of that.

Ok....you are about 20 mins from Gulf Shores.  You will pass two courses on your way to where you are staying.  Peninsula and Gulf Shores Golf Club.  Both are about $50 after 3.  GSGC might be $50 after 12.  I have never played GSCG, so cannot give any advice.

Let me know if you need some eating recommendations.

Thanks.  I have never been right or given good advice on any message board before.

You are going to be a in a beautiful area, but not really close to anything.

There is a Tacky Jacks about 5 mins away.  I don't go that far down Ft Morgan road often.  All I can advise is the rest of Gulf Shores.  Everything will be close to the same, can't really go wrong with fried seafood.

The Oyster House - excellent

Shrimp Basket - I eat here about 1/wk.  Get out for $10 person

Mikee's - a nicer Shrimp Basket

LuLu's - owned by Jimmy buffet's sister, expect to pay a lot.  Folks at work & my wife like it.

Orange Beach - about 30 mins

Cobalt

JW Finz

Tin Top - also about 30 mins away.  Everyone raves about this place. Have not personally been though.

If your first time down, go to the Flora-Bama.  Not for food though.  Watch out for last weekend in April though.

@wigolfer ask at the desk at Kiva if they can get you a better rate / tee time at Peninsula. When we stay there, I play Kiva, Peninsula, and GSGC. For high handicappers, GSGC is by far the easiest of the 3. Then would come Peninsula, and Kiva is a pretty strong track. Bring plenty of golf balls and tee if forward for sure.

I also agree with @MexBurtReynolds food rec's. Tacky Jacks is the closest to you by far. If you go into Gulf Shores (20-25 mins away), be prepared to wait at most places. LuLu's is an overpriced tourist trap, but the food / beverages were decent. We waited about an hour for a table at peak times. We have generally given up going into Gulf Shores for dinner and started cooking more at the condo. There is a good seafood market just up the road if you want to go that route.

Have fun, Kiva is a cool place.

Thanks @foreleft - I will try Tacky Jacks. I am really excited. I am dying to golf especially since we played in PR two weeks ago. No one around here seems to understand why I am so stoked. Oh well - I love the game even if it beats the crap (imagine another word)  out of me most of the time.