6. Kiva Dunes Golf Course

Kiva Dunes Golf Course

4.6782941176 4.7 stars from 5 (126)
  • Holes: 18
  • Par: 72
  • Length: 7092 yards
  • Slope: 132
  • Rating: 73.9
  • Layout
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Location
  • 815 Plantation Rd, Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542, Baldwin County
  • (888) 833-5482, (251) 540-7000
  • (251) 540-7003
  • kivadunes.com
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Year built: 1995
Architect(s): Jerry Pate
Type: Resort
Style: Links
Greens: Tiff-Eagle
Golf Season: Year round

Rentals/Services

Carts: Yes - included in green fees
Clubs: Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving range: Yes
Pitching/chipping area: Yes
Putting green: Yes
Practice bunker: Yes
Teaching pro: Yes

Policies

Metal spikes allowed: No
Credit cards accepted: VISA, MasterCard, Amex, Discover Accepted

Tees | Layout | Full Scorecard

Tee Par Length Rating Slope
Gold 72 7092 yards 73.9 132
Blue 72 6464 yards 70.8 129
White 72 5849 yards 67.8 119
Red (W) 72 5006 yards 68.5 115

Accolades

Rating Snapshot

GA Rating Index 4.7 stars from 5
Off-Course Amenities: 4.4 stars from 5
Value: 4.4 stars from 5
Pace of Play: 4.4 stars from 5
Staff Friendliness: 4.6 stars from 5
Course Layout: 4.7 stars from 5
Course Conditions: 4.7 stars from 5
Rating Breakdown 126 Reviews
5 stars:
101
4 stars:
22
3 stars:
2
2 stars:
0
1 stars:
1
98.7%

recommend this course

124 out of 126 reviews

What Golfers Are Saying

Great for a weekend splurge advanced golfers group getaways   Challenges include bunkers  
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Reviewer Photos

Reviews

Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
FEATURED REVIEW

"Visiting Texan"

dwt101's avatar
Skill:  Intermediate
Plays:  Once a week
5 5.0 stars from 5 Played on 05/22/2018
Previously played Verified Purchaser

Reviewed on

Marshall and starters are some of the nicest people ever. I play this course at least once every two years or once a year for the last 21 years. We live 600 miles away and come to this area every year for one or two weeks a year. I used golf now for the first time and I felt the shop staff acted as if we were just cheap discount golfers. Kiva Dunes is the best public course in Alabama and it shows, awesome greens, fairways, and design. It might have been my imagination, but felt a little comfortable in the pro shop. I love the course and it is one of my highlights of my trip every year. If you have not played, give yourself a treat and go play it!!!!

Pace of Play: Excellent

Course Layout: Excellent

Course Conditions: Excellent

Staff Friendliness: Average

Value for the Money: Good

I recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW
Proton11's avatar
Skill:  Intermediate
Plays:  Once a week
5 5.0 stars from 5 Played on 05/11/2018
Previously played Verified Purchaser

Reviewed on

Pace of Play: Excellent

Course Layout: Excellent

Course Conditions: Excellent

Staff Friendliness: Excellent

Value for the Money: Good

I recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW

"Not sure there’s a better course in Alabama"

u9696888's avatar
Skill:  Intermediate
Plays:  Once a week
5 5.0 stars from 5 Played on 05/05/2018
Previously played Verified Purchaser

Reviewed on

Greens were perfect. Beautiful course and not too crowded. Great value.

Pace of Play: Excellent

Course Layout: Excellent

Course Conditions: Excellent

Staff Friendliness: Excellent

Value for the Money: Excellent

Off-Course Amenities: Excellent

I recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW

"Great value"

Petedye2's avatar
Skill:  Intermediate
Plays:  Once a month
Handicap:  15-19
5 5.0 stars from 5 Played on 05/04/2018
First time playing Walked Perfect weather Verified Purchaser

Reviewed on

Compared to most resort courses, this is a fantastic value. The course is difficult, but not "tricked up"'.

Staff was extremely friendly and accommodating without "overdoing it".

Pace of Play: Average

Course Layout: Excellent

Course Conditions: Good

Staff Friendliness: Excellent

Value for the Money: Excellent

Off-Course Amenities: Good

Course Difficulty:  Extremely Challenging

I recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW

"....better bring your A game :)"

u1419064's avatar
Skill:  Intermediate
Plays:  Once a month
Handicap:  5-9
5 5.0 stars from 5 Played on 05/03/2018
Previously played Used cart Perfect weather Verified Purchaser

Reviewed on

...great golf course, but not for the beginner.

You are either in the fairway, or your ball is “gone”,....so bring plenty!

I had a blast!

Pace of Play: Excellent

Course Layout: Excellent

Course Conditions: Excellent

Staff Friendliness: Excellent

Value for the Money: Good

Off-Course Amenities: Good

Course Difficulty:  Extremely Challenging

I recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW

"A must play golf course"

uQRVY6483QR's avatar
Skill:  Intermediate
Plays:  Few times a week
Handicap:  15-19
5 5.0 stars from 5 Played on 04/29/2018
Previously played Used cart Perfect weather Verified Purchaser

Reviewed on

Well maintained fairways, bunkers, and greens. I would play this golf course again and again.

Pace of Play: Excellent

Course Layout: Excellent

Course Conditions: Excellent

Staff Friendliness: Excellent

Value for the Money: Excellent

Off-Course Amenities: Excellent

Course Difficulty:  Somewhat Challenging

I recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW

"Great golf course."

u000007007462's avatar
Skill:  Intermediate
Plays:  Once a week
4 4.0 stars from 5 Played on 04/26/2018
First time playing Verified Purchaser

Reviewed on

The golf course was in great shape! No complaints at all. Bunkers were in fantastic shape. Fast smooth greens with some challenging slopes. Wide landing areas for tee shots but approach shots had to be dialed in. Only let down was the locker room or lack of.

Pace of Play: Good

Course Layout: Good

Course Conditions: Good

Staff Friendliness: Good

Value for the Money: Excellent

Off-Course Amenities: Fair

I recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW

"Nice course"

BrentHuser's avatar
Skill:  Intermediate
Plays:  Once a week
Handicap:  15-19
5 5.0 stars from 5 Played on 04/21/2018
First time playing Verified Purchaser

Reviewed on

Great layout, great condition, greens were fast, staff friendly, only worth mentioning is they only had one cart person and we only saw her late and the 10 hole doesn't go back to the clubhouse and our group was starving, pack snacks or a sandwich, maybe they were just short handed that day?

Pace of Play: Good

Course Layout: Excellent

Course Conditions: Excellent

Staff Friendliness: Excellent

Value for the Money: Good

Off-Course Amenities: Average

I recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW

"Great Experience"

dennismboone's avatar
Skill:  Intermediate
Plays:  Few times a week
5 5.0 stars from 5 Played on 04/17/2018
First time playing Verified Purchaser

Reviewed on

Course was well manicured. Greens were amazing. As an average golfer I found the course just slightly challenging. Full price green fees are ridiculous but many specials are available. Would play again on my next visit.

Pace of Play: Excellent

Course Layout: Good

Course Conditions: Excellent

Staff Friendliness: Excellent

Value for the Money: Good

Off-Course Amenities: Good

I recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW

"Fancy"

u000007135612's avatar
Skill:  Intermediate
Plays:  Few times a week
5 5.0 stars from 5 Played on 04/11/2018
First time playing Verified Purchaser

Reviewed on

A little above my class but once in a while I treat myself. To me, this course was very classy. I enjoyed my round.

Pace of Play: Excellent

Course Layout: Excellent

Course Conditions: Excellent

Staff Friendliness: Excellent

Value for the Money: Good

Off-Course Amenities: Excellent

I recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW

"Kiva Dunes"

wilkiegolf's avatar
Age:  45-54
Skill:  Advanced
Plays:  Few times a week
Handicap:  5-9
5 5.0 stars from 5 Played on 04/08/2018
Previously played Used cart Perfect weather

Reviewed on

Kiva is a hidden gem! Its a course you could play everyday and it never gets old! Challenging but birdies are out there for the taking. Conditioning is superb with firm fast greens and lush fairways. You can hear the Gulf as you play the back nine. Kiva is a must while in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach!!

Pace of Play: Excellent

Course Layout: Excellent

Course Conditions: Excellent

Staff Friendliness: Excellent

Value for the Money: Excellent

Off-Course Amenities: Excellent

Course Difficulty:  Somewhat Challenging

I recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW

"Return trip"

BILCMVP's avatar
Age:  55-64
Skill:  Advanced
Plays:  Once a week
Handicap:  5-9
5 5.0 stars from 5 Played on 04/07/2018
Previously played Used cart Windy weather

Reviewed on

Returned to Kiva Dunes for an annual buddies trip. The course was even better than before with improved sand traps and greens. The new Beach Club is an excellent addition for evening food & drinks. Great staff & accommodations. Highly recommend.

Pace of Play: Excellent

Course Layout: Excellent

Course Conditions: Excellent

Staff Friendliness: Excellent

Value for the Money: Excellent

Off-Course Amenities: Excellent

Course Difficulty:  Somewhat Challenging

I recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW

"The course is in incredible rain condition!"

u308860830's avatar
Age:  55-64
Skill:  Intermediate
Plays:  Once a week
5 5.0 stars from 5 Played on 04/07/2018
Previously played

Reviewed on

The employees are super friendly and the course is very enjoyable for all skill levels!

Pace of Play: Excellent

Course Layout: Excellent

Course Conditions: Excellent

Staff Friendliness: Excellent

Value for the Money: Excellent

Off-Course Amenities: Excellent

I recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW
Bamachuck's avatar
Age:  55-64
5 5.0 stars from 5 Played on 04/06/2018
Previously played

Reviewed on

Pace of Play: Excellent

Course Layout: Excellent

Course Conditions: Excellent

Staff Friendliness: Excellent

Value for the Money: Excellent

Off-Course Amenities: Excellent

I recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW

"Premier course"

TBgolfiii's avatar
Age:  45-54
Skill:  Intermediate
Plays:  Once a week
Handicap:  10-14
5 5.0 stars from 5 Played on 04/05/2018
Previously played Used cart Perfect weather

Reviewed on

I have played Kiva before and after the remdodel of the bunkers. It made a great course even better. The turf, greens, layout and hosipitality are unmatched.

Pace of Play: Excellent

Course Layout: Excellent

Course Conditions: Excellent

Staff Friendliness: Excellent

Value for the Money: Excellent

Off-Course Amenities: Excellent

Course Difficulty:  Somewhat Challenging

I recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW

"Brother in Law Cup"

badgator3's avatar
Age:  55-64
Skill:  Advanced
Plays:  Once a week
Handicap:  5-9
5 5.0 stars from 5 Played on 04/04/2018
Previously played Used cart Perfect weather

Reviewed on

For 9 years we have been coming to Kiva Dunes, staying in the Village, and playing golf on the best course in Alabama. The greens are perfect and the fairways are lush even in early April. The wind direction can make the course play differently, and it is a great links layout. The amenities are terrific, and the Kiva Beach Club is a great place to eat and enjoy the sunset. Amazing staff as well, hospitality abounds.

Pace of Play: Excellent

Course Layout: Excellent

Course Conditions: Excellent

Staff Friendliness: Excellent

Value for the Money: Excellent

Off-Course Amenities: Excellent

Course Difficulty:  Somewhat Challenging

I recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW

"Guys golf trip"

RollTide1111's avatar
Age:  45-54
Skill:  Advanced
Plays:  Few times a week
5 5.0 stars from 5 Played on 04/04/2018
Previously played

Reviewed on

We went to Kiva on a guys golf trip and it was fantastic. Kiva Dunes is an awesome golf course. It was in outstanding condition. The greens were perfect. The golf course staff was friendly and helpful. I would recommend Kiva Dunes to anyone looking to play golf near the Gulf of Mexico. It is hands down the best course on the Alabama/Northwest Florida Gulf Coast.

Pace of Play: Excellent

Course Layout: Excellent

Course Conditions: Excellent

Staff Friendliness: Excellent

Value for the Money: Excellent

Off-Course Amenities: Excellent

I recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW

"Great Day"

u683484871's avatar
Skill:  Intermediate
Plays:  Once a week
5 5.0 stars from 5 Played on 04/03/2018
First time playing Verified Purchaser

Reviewed on

Had a great time playing. We were a 2 some paired with another 2 some. The problem was the shop paired only singles and 2 somes behind us. We probably let 6 2 some play thru. Next time, I will ask for a 2 some.

Pace of Play: Average

Course Layout: Excellent

Course Conditions: Excellent

Staff Friendliness: Excellent

Value for the Money: Good

Off-Course Amenities: Excellent

I recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW

"Another Perfect Day of "Spring Break" Golf"

ECrockett1964's avatar
Age:  45-54
Gender:  Male
Skill:  Intermediate
Plays:  Once a week
Handicap:  15-19
5 5.0 stars from 5 Played on 04/02/2018
First time playing Used cart Perfect weather Verified Purchaser

Reviewed on

Again, while in Gulf Shores for "spring break" with the family, I was able to get out for a 2nd day of golf on an absolutely perfect day!

This day, I played Kiva Dunes. I have to admit, I was really shocked at the price to play this course, especially since the course that I played the day prior cost almost a hundred buck less. Nonetheless, I booked it and journeyed over for my round.

The course is without a doubt, one of the nicest, yet challenging courses I've ever played. First, let me address the staff. The staff was top notch! From the two gentlemen who greeted me at my car, to the staff in the pro-shop, and even the started (who offered great tips), and the nice lady who drove the refreshment cart; all of them were very friendly and professional.

Next, as a prepped for my round, I took to the range. The range was your typical range, and the balls were included in the cost of the round (I was really pleased about that, and that is a definite plus!). I have been to some courses where there was no range at all, or, where you had to pay 5 to 10 bucks for range balls, on top of the cost for the round.

The course, which is sitting pretty near the gulf, was in excellent shape! The fairways are well kept; the bunkers provided some of the finest sand that I have ever had the "misfortune" to hit out of (lol), and the greens were fast, but very true.

The ONLY negative that I can report is the pace of play. It was really a slow wind and grind, but that was surely due to the number of folks who were on the course that day. Again, the weather was perfect, it was spring break, and this was one of the finest courses in all of Alabama, I'd say.

So, even though I scored them a "1" on pace of play, and even though I was reluctant to pay $127.00 for a round of golf, I still give them an overall 5 star review, and after the fact, I am glad that I decided to try Kiva Dunes. This place, the staff, and the course were all, in a word, excellent!

Pace of Play: Poor

Course Layout: Excellent

Course Conditions: Excellent

Staff Friendliness: Excellent

Value for the Money: Excellent

Off-Course Amenities: Excellent

Course Difficulty:  Somewhat Challenging

I recommend this course

FEATURED REVIEW

"Risk reward"

u5102530's avatar
Age:  25-34
Skill:  Intermediate
Plays:  Once a week
5 5.0 stars from 5 Played on 04/01/2018

Reviewed on

Kiva is always impeccably manicured and the staff is extra friendly. The course is challenging but in a very fair fashion. Good/risky shots are rewarded and good scores can be had. I’ve played all of the courses in the area multiple times and Kiva offers the most true greens around. Bring your “A” game and enjoy the best the Alabama gulf coast has to offer.

Pace of Play: Excellent

Course Layout: Excellent

Course Conditions: Excellent

Staff Friendliness: Excellent

Value for the Money: Excellent

Off-Course Amenities: Excellent

I recommend this course

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