Golf News’ travel reporter Graham McKenzie takes in the natural beauty of The Peninsula Golf Club in the ‘Cotton State’ of Alabama
The Peninsula Golf Club on the Gulf shores of Alabama is a fine example of what, when designed and maintained properly, nature and Golf can do together.
The combination of good course design that considers the rich flora and fauna that surrounds it makes for a fabulous experience. In a state that is recognised nationally as a golf gem it seems a pity that internationally it appears to get little attention given the beauty, quality and value one can enjoy.
The Peninsula is about 10 miles from the popular vacation destination of Orange Beach which in itself offers a multitude of attractions, accommodation, including large self-catering beach houses , plus an enormous array of restaurants.
The course itself is divided into three separate nine holes courses which allows you to mix and match as you desire but having played all twenty-seven there is not much to choose between them in terms of distance or difficulty. The Marsh, Lakes and Cypress courses are however distinct and the beauty of having twenty-seven holes, given that most players opt for eighteen, is that they can be rotated so each is in tip top condition.
Designed by a man synonymous with ‘Southern ‘golf course architecture Earl Stone it offers 7,000 yards from any combination of championship tees (Number One tees) but delivers a playable and enjoyable layout for golfers with less ambition.
Bermuda grass greens which were running at about nine on the stimpmeter after a week of heavy rain proved demanding enough. The real secret of the setup is however the integration with nature. The peninsula is located directly next to the Bon Secour Wildlife Preserve and winds through over 800 acres of stunning scenery.
The architect has made the most of utilising the water inlets from Mobile Bay that are ideal for alligators, Cypress trees that house an array of birdlife such as Bald Eagles and wooded groves that are home to a variety of small mammals.
Normal service with regard to on course drinks and snacks can be expected as well as a proper southern hospitality welcome in the clubhouse.
The Peninsula is just one of over fifteen courses within a good drive and a wedge and as such, when combined with the rest of the areas attractions, makes for an ideal golfing holiday location.
Visit peninsulagolfclub.com
Follow Graham on instagram @SilverMacTravels