After two days, 45 holes of golf, and a dramatically changed view of the state of Alabama, (prior to my trip all I could think was: well, at least it's not Arkansas), a couple of things were going through my mind: 1 - Will my lower back hold out for another round, and 2 - Why isn't Alabama on more guy's lists of golf vacation choices? So far every course played has been better than the one before it. There are no crowds. The weather is ideal. And the hospitality is five-star.

Today I played the 27-hole championship course at Peninsula Golf Club. Sitting alongside Mobile Bay, the three nine-hole courses have a ton of eyeball. Rolling hills, crystal lakes, marsh grass. Like standing in a postcard. The wide fairways, and wide-open feel, draw you in and make it less intimidating for high handicappers. But the holes are still challenging enough to keep die hards coming back. Besides all that, I shot my best round of the week here, instantly making it my new favorite course.

Tip: Bring bug spray. Lots of it. I thought there were badass, aggressive mosquitos in Florida, but these were wearing trucker hats and had rebel flag tattoos.

www.peninsulagolfclub.com
For travel arrangements contact www.golfgulfshores.com