Like the saying goes, they save the best for last.

The final course we played this week was Kiva Dunes. Rated the #1 golf course in Alabama, and consistently ranked among the finest courses in the country, Kiva lies directly on the Gulf of Mexico, and, with it's signature dunes, winding lakes and wildlife areas, is one of the most beautiful courses I've seen. Notice I didn't say "played". That's because I didn't technically get to play Kiva dunes. While the other guys on the trip got to enjoy nine holes the day before, I had to head back to the house and take care of a work emergency. (Someone miscalculates a deadline, and I have to miss my tee time? Heads are rolling as I type this.)

We were set to play a full 18 yesterday, and a freak thunderstorm ripped through the entire state of Alabama. (I must have pissed off the Golf Gods at some point this week. Could be my swing. I'm not sure.)

Die-hards that we are, we got permission to tee off anyway. We jumped in the carts. With winds whipping off the Gulf. And a light rain stinging our faces. And it was still good.

At least the two-and-a-half holes I got to play were. I was on the par-3 third, looking for my ball in the reeds by a post and rail fence lining the lake, (My ball was still dry. I swear.) when the skies opened up and we took off for shelter.

Most everyone who got to play nine the day before said it was among the best they've played. And when a dozen or so top golf writers tell you a course is incredible, you listen.

For more info on Kiva Dunes head to www.kivadunes.com

And, as I've been telling you all week, to book a great golf trip to the Gulf Coast of Alabama head over to www.golfgulfshores.com. And if you talk to Doug, tell him BG told you.

Tip: When your trip is all about golf, do it right. Get the guys together and rent a house on the beach. Not a hotel room. A house. Hotel rooms are for business trips and nooners. A house is where guys gather after a full day on the links, have a beer, talk golf, play poker, and bust each other's balls. Like the gods intended.

We had 12 golf writers in a beach-front house all week and it would have been a completely different trip if we were all in separate hotel rooms. I felt like I was back in the frat house again. (Except there weren't sorority girls passed out in the corner. And the toilets worked.)

To arrange for your Alabama beach-front house contact Kaiser Realty at www.kaiserrealty.com