Kiva Dunes Golf Course in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Kiva Dunes Golf Course doesn't do anything typical. It's not your average resort golf course. Certainly not one you expect to see in Alabama. It's a seaside links-style design that's between both the Gulf of Mexico and Mobile Bay. It's located in the Alabama Gulf Shores, a coastline region with 32 miles of white sugar sand beaches.

Jerry Pate is the course architect behind Kiva Dunes, and he gives golfers a layout that maintains a great sense of nature even though you can see pricey beach homes from the course. The par 3s are memorable, particularly 17, which is a straight shot across a sparkling blue lake. The bunkers are huge and entertainingly shaped. The finishing stretch is something you're not going to forget.

Welcome to Kiva Dunes. One of the more relaxed golf escapes you'll ever find.