By Fred Altvater
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach on the Gulf Coast of Alabama have been providing the perfect beach and golf resort for travelers for over 30 years.
Gulf Shores was a one-course, sleepy retirement village in the early 1980’s. In 1985, a local sod farmer, Robert Craft was searching for ways to increase his business. He came up with a plan to build a golf course, which to attract more vacationers to the area. Hopefully the warm gulf breezes, white sandy beaches and relaxing atmosphere would entice a few of them to stick around, build a new home and buy his sod for their new lawn. 
Making a long story short, he contracted Arnold Palmer to build two 18-hole courses at Craft Farms that provided the impetus to change Gulf Shores into the vibrant vacation hotspot and community it is today.
(Read the full story on Robert Craft, Arnold Palmer and Craft Farms in the November 2016 Ohio Golf Journal: http://nwo.back9mediagroup.com/2016/November/files/assets/basic-html/page-10.html)
Now Gulf Shores annually welcomes millions of visitors. Fantastic golf is available, not only at Craft Farms, but also at Golf Shores Golf Club, Kiva Dunes and Peninsula Golf Club, which are all highly-ranked and are must-play for golfers visiting Coastal Alabama.
The two 18-hole Arnold Palmer Signature courses at Craft Farms, Cotton Creek and Cypress Bend will challenge all golfers and provide a serene environment with the natural Alabama landscape. The rambling clubhouse is perfect for a quick bite between rounds, or a leisurely repast.
Gulf Shores Golf Club is the oldest golf course in the area and open to the public. It’s southern charm and plantation-style clubhouse welcomes golfers and the course is a treat to play. The course layout is suitable for any skill level and especially welcoming to juniors and women. From the back tees it is a true test for the low handicapper, as well.
Golf at Kiva Dunes, one of Alabama’s highest-ranked course, is only one reason to visit. Located on a peninsula, it has over a mile of sugar-white private beachfront, plus the new Kiva Beach Club is a full restaurant with breathtaking views of the Gulf. Plus, you never have to leave your beach umbrella. Kiva Dunes is the only coastal resort offering food and drink service on the beach.
Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club offers a memorable round of golf and has been rated 4 ½ stars by Golf Digest. Earl Stone designed the 27 hole layout at Peninsula and maintained a close connection to the local wildlife at nearby Bon Secour Wildlife Preserve.
In addition to the challenging golf, gorgeous live Oaks and Cypress trees, plus alligators, cranes and eagles create a delightful distraction from your golf.
Off the golf course and beach, every type of dining experience awaits. The Hangout or The Gulf are perfect of a casual lunch. Fin & Fork will cook up anything you may catch on a fishing trip. The Lodge at Gulf Shores State Park, The Zoo and the Peninsula Club offer exquisite menus for more serious dining options.
Don’t forget to save room for dessert at The Yard. Their quart-size milk shakes come in a variety of flavors and you will want to try all of them, before you leave Gulf Shores.
Coastal Alabama and Gulf Shores has great golf, beautiful beaches, fantastic dining, as well as, many other activities to please any family member.
Find out more at: https://www.gulfshores.com/.
