Kiva Dunes

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.

Greens were fast and smooth and very fun to putt on. The course is pretty flat but with plenty of water, sand and hazards. The fairways were also cut real short but in great shape especially for this time of year.

Very friendly and helpful staff.

Entire course is in great shape. Friendly staff. A must play

The course was in excellent condition. The greens were running fast and true. Very impressed!

Luv this course. Great layout. Always challenging. Sand in bunkers is top notch and you will play out of One or Two or Several. If it’s windy don’t expect to go low. Greens were in great shape.

Fairways and greens were in great shape, greens do run fast, quite a challenge! Good job to green keepers

The course has a good layout. The greens are in great shape. I had a very enjoyable day. I highly recommend this course.

This course is a must play if you are in the Gulf Shores area. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Keep it in the fairway, because it is tough out of the trees. :)

Challenging course keep it in the fairway to do good. Greens are tricky.

Beautiful course! Greens rolled fast and true! Layout is great! Makes you think your way around!

Great golf course, but today greens were lighting fast and all pins were nearly impossible to put!

Nice track. One of the best in the area. Steelwood in Loxley and this course on my two favorites.

In town for work and I currently live in Hawaii so I play some very nice courses. Was looking forward to playing with a great friend of mine who lives in Irvington. I drove over 2 hours from Destin where I was staying to play the course so I was hoping it was all it was cracked up to be; it was. Needless to say, we both had an awesome time even though we both didn't play too well.

The young men who took our bags were attentive and courteous. The pro shop attendant was very nice and the starter was awesome. He gave us some pointers on some holes and even drove around later and asked us how we liked the course.

This particular day, the weather was extremely windy which made the course exponentially harder. The greens are super fast and very firm...but fair.

I'm a 6 handicap and my short game is my strength and I finished with 33 putts and shot an 89. In fairness, I didn't strike my irons as well as I normally do but I didn't get the speed of the greens down until maybe the 5th hole or so.

Nevertheless, the course is excellent and if I lived in the area I'd play it quite often. It's a must play!!