Kiva Dunes Golf Course

This Jerry Pate design is always among the rankings of top public and best courses in Alabama lists. Though not situated on the ocean, its proximity to it is close enough for the wind to wreak havoc. This was my first visit to Kiva Dunes, and I thought it was blowing pretty good. The starter said the wind was actually down today. I can't imagine the teeth this track bears on "windy" days.

The first thing you should consider is which tees to play. The tips (gold) play 7,122 yards (73.6/134). The Blues play 6,505 yards (70.8/128); Whites play 5,878yards (68.7/119); Greens play 5,495 yards (67.1/115); and Reds play 5,006 yards (69.5/115). I was torn between the blues and whites. I generally prefer to play between 6,200 and 6,500 yards so I asked the starter if the course plays to the yardage, longer or shorter. He advised that the course plays longer due to the wind. I chose the whites and enjoyed it very much. I found that half the holes played into the wind and half played downwind. I didn't encounter any cross winds so I think although the sub 6,000-yard tees appeared short, it probably payed more like 6,200.

Pate did a nice job varying the tee shots required. From the whites I was able to use a variety of clubs off the tee, including several long irons. There are some very generous landing zones on several holes, while the scrub trees choke the fairways on others. Placement is more important than length, which leads me to my first piece of constructive criticism: the pro shop does not sell a yardage guide and the carts are not equipped with GPS, so as an unaccompanied single getting his first look at the golf course it was rather challenging. They do provide a diagram of the holes in the cart, but it would be helpful to know how far it is to carry fairway bunkers or avoid hazards off the tee.

The TifEagle Bermuda greens were very smooth, but were not as fast as I would've expected. The starter said they were a bit slower this time of year in an effort to keep them healthy. I was also surprised to find that there was no grain in them. They are some dramatic slopes in many of the greens. Lag putting will be another premium here, since it can take a few holes or nine to realize that the greens are extremely firm and roll out immensely, particularly downwind. I would suggest using a club less. Approaches into the wind held pretty well on the target.

Bunkers were in excellent shape and were extremely consistent.

My other constructive criticism is that although I know the starter meant well, he informed myself and others on the range that he didn't adhere to tee times and he sent players off as they were ready. I hesitate to be too critical of this A) because I really liked him and he was very helpful in preparing me on what to expect and B) because It could be advantageous if you are in a hurry and want to slip out a little early. However, I felt rushed. I was supposed to go off with a twosome, but instead was sent off as a single 20 minutes early and ahead of a twosome that was waiting on the tee for their scheduled tee time, which was a bit uncomfortable. Once on the course, I played through a twosome and encountered a single who was playing behind a threesome and another foursome. Two-thirds of the round was extremely slow, with extended wait times between shots, so maybe adhering to proper tee times and not sending singles out amidst threesomes and foursomes would improve pace of play.

In summary, this is a tough play the first time around unless you have someone playing with you to guide you. However, provided you play the right tees it is a very enjoyable, yet demanding course. Clubbing in the wind and crafty lag putting will lend you an advantage. I look forward to playing it again to utilize what I learned.

Great track with very nice laid out holes. Greens in very good condition and putt true. Gotta Play This One!

Kiva Dunes was a fun course to play. The staff was friendly and.very helpful
The course was in good shape, but not fully out of winter dormant stage. Greens were rolling true and with good speed. I recommend this course to all my GN friends.

First time playing this course and it’s a first class operation. The check in was quick and easy, bag drop convenient too. Starter was helpful with tips for someone not playin here before. The pace was right at four hours. The course was in good shape with true roll on the greens. Only suggestion I would make is to have the beverage cart people go backwards against the flow of golfers. You get to see them more often as we saw them twice yesterday.

For the price to play Kiva Dunes we were surprised their golf carts did not have gps.

Holes were too close together, we felt like we were dodging golf balls. Could do a better job identifying holes

First time playing course and we were not disappointed!
Our game was off but only because it was cold and windy
that happens with spring Golf...Staff was fantastic and very knowledgeable with tips to navigate the course effectively well done to all team members as we enjoyed our experience at Kiva Dunes

Steve and Marnie...Washington State

Booked at the last minute while vacationing in Orange Beach. Had great weather, staff was super friendly, course was in great shape. The cost was definitely worth it compared to the course we played the day before @ Craft Farms. The Cypress Bend course looked like a distressed Muni in comparision.
Would certianly recommend.

I love the course but warm up is important to me and their range was not ready. I get hitting off of mats this time of year, but the mats were not out nor were the balls. I had about 5 minutes to hit balls before my tee time!

The PRO shop staff were extremely friendly and helpful. They even got us off 45 minutes before our scheduled tee off time. We were going to grab a quick bite to eat in the dining room. That was a mistake! The waitress had an attitude and it took them 30 minutes to prepare a hot dog which was their special. In addition to that the hot dog was over cooked and not good. 2 hot dogs, 2 cokes were $28+ dollars. We ate dinner for less than that. I would recommend the course but not the dining!