August marks National Golf Month, but for many along the Gulf Coast, it’s also the start of the most enjoyable time of year to hit the links.
As summer’s relentless heat begins to ease, fall brings cooler mornings and fewer afternoon thunderstorms — the perfect days for golfers to hit the greens. With the humidity dropping, the rounds become less about endurance and more about enjoyment.
While courses stay busy throughout spring and summer, local golfers all over tend to circle September and October as their prime season. The fairways are in peak condition after summer maintenance, and the scenes of fall create perfect days on the links.
Baldwin County offers no shortage of scenic and challenging options with over 15 courses to choose from, but these courses stand out as must-plays when fall arrives.
BEST OF BALDWIN 2025 WINNER — Kiva Dunes Golf Course (Gulf Shores) – The dunes are consistently rated among the top public courses in the area. Created by Jim Edgemon, a friend of U.S. Open champion Jerry Pate, Kiva Dunes is surrounded by the Gulf and the Bon Secour Bay. The course can be challenging for beginners, but the scenery and secluded vibes are what makes the dunes what they are hyped up to be.
Steelwood (Loxley) – Designed by 1976 U.S. Open champion Jerry Pate, Steelwood is a private club in Loxley that is rated by Golf Digest as one of the best courses in Alabama. The course is over 1,500 acres, surrounded by a residential neighborhood tucked away behind the trees. It also hosts the Steelwood Collegiate Invitational, one of the largest junior tournaments in the world.
Craft Farms Golf Resort (Gulf Shores) – The two Arnold Palmer-designed courses at Craft Farms bring rolling fairways and a true Southern feeling surrounded by trees. The championship-level courses have challenging water hazards, but who wouldn’t want to play on Palmer-designed greens?
Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club (Gulf Shores) – Peninsula has three different nines, Marsh, Lakes and Cypress, all designed by Earl Stone. The course is designed to keep everyday golfers challenged and provides great scenery for sunrise and sunset sessions.
Rock Creek Golf Club (Fairhope) – Also designed by Earl Stone, Rock Creek is undoubtedly the top course on the Eastern Shore. A full-service golf club and award-winning restaurant gives the course a unique feel, encouraging tourists to stop by and play a few rounds.
Whether a scratch golfer or a beginner, fall is the season to check out Baldwin County courses. National Golf Month is almost at a close, but the leaves are going to start falling off the trees soon for more enjoyable mornings on the greens.
