Top 5 Golf Courses Near Pensacola Beach Every Golfer Will Love

Is golf your kind of getaway?

No matter where you vacation in Florida, from popular cities to hidden Sunshine State gems, you're never far from a stellar course.

If you're planning a trip to Pensacola Beach, you're in for a treat!  

The town sits near golf courses showcasing beautiful rolling hills with stunning green fairways and roughs that harmoniously blend with the scenic backdrops of the Gulf Coast. Within a 15-mile radius of Pensacola city, for example, there are over ten reputable golf courses, some public and some private, catering to both recreational and serious golfers.

Below, I've rounded up a list of the top 5 golf courses near Pensacola Beach so you can find the perfect green to practice your skills, have fun, and soak in the delightful Florida atmosphere.


Here's a sneak peek just for you:

1.  A. C. Read Golf Course: Often called one of the prettiest courses in the Florida Panhandle. 

2.  Lost Key Golf Club: Beachside course featuring undulating greens and flat fairways lined with native flora.

3.  Perdido Bay Golf Club: A favorite among golf lovers, and a former championship venue for the Pensacola Open.

4.  Tiger Point Golf Club: A premier destination featuring classic Scottish links-style play.

5.  Marcus Pointe Golf Club: An engaging golf course designed by Earl Stone, suitable for golfers of all skill levels.

At Pensacola Beach Properties, we don't just offer a great selection of Pensacola Beach rentals; we've also got the kind of local tips that can seriously level up your trip.

As local experts, we're here to show you the best of what Pensacola Beach has to offer. For more insider ideas, check out our destination blog. We cover everything from top pet-friendly spots to the best places to eat, drink, and enjoy the local nightlife.

Are you ready to tee off with a round of golf as you feel the balmy breezes from the sea?

1. A. C. Read Golf Course

Often called one of the prettiest courses in the Florida Panhandle.

Tucked inside the Naval Air Station, A.C. Read Golf Course is open to the public and ready to impress. With massive old oaks and plenty of water features, it's often called one of the prettiest courses in the Florida Panhandle.

You'll find everything you need here. They offer rental gear, golf carts, a driving range, practice greens, lessons for all levels, club maintenance, and grip replacements. And if you get hungry, a refreshment cart stocked with snacks and sandwiches makes its rounds from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The tree-lined fairways add to the beauty of the course, and the training jets flying overhead are a fun reminder that you're in Pensacola.

2. Lost Key Golf Club

Beachside course featuring expansive, undulating greens and flat fairways lined with native flora.


Located in Perdido Key, just a half-hour drive from Pensacola Beach, this Arnold Palmer-designed beachside course showcases impeccable greens and holds the distinction of being the first in Florida to achieve certification as an Audubon International Silver Signature Sanctuary, an environmental accolade specifically designed for golf courses.

With its exceptional layout and pristine conditions, this place truly offers a distinctive golfing experience. It presents an enjoyable challenge even for the most adept players, featuring expansive, undulating greens and flat fairways lined with trees.

Heads up: due to the native flora, you might find yourself losing a few balls along the way, but the breathtaking surroundings more than compensate for it!

3. Perdido Bay Golf Club

A favorite among golf enthusiasts, and a former championship venue for the Pensacola Open.


Perdido Bay Golf Club served as the championship venue for the Pensacola Open for over a decade. Layers of rough line the fairways, and the greens are marked by significant undulations.

Both the greens and tees boast elevated positions. Besides the course itself, the club provides excellent practice amenities, including a spacious driving range, putting green, chipping area, and strategically placed bunkers around the greens and fairways.

Known for its picturesque yet challenging layout and stunning scenery, this course stands out as a favorite among golf enthusiasts who select Florida as their destination for a swing. 

4. Tiger Point Golf Club

A premier destination for sharpening your golf skills, featuring classic Scottish links-style play.

Nestled along the tranquil shores of the Santa Rosa Sound and offering breathtaking coastal panoramas, Tiger Point Golf Club welcomes both members and visitors alike.

Infused with elements reminiscent of traditional Scottish links golf, the course offers a harmonious blend of enjoyment and challenge. It skillfully integrates water features, boasting a par of 72 that intricately melds the timeless Scottish links style with aquatic challenges spanning 14 holes.

Enhancing the golfing experience, the club offers amenities like a driving range, dual putting greens, a dedicated chipping zone, and a specialized practice sand trap.

Combined with the range of individual classes they offer, Tiger Point stands out as a premier destination for refining your golfing skills, making it equally appealing for newcomers exploring the world of golf for the first time.

5. Marcus Pointe Golf Club

An engaging golf course designed by Earl Stone suitable for golfers of all skill levels.

Covering 600 acres of rolling terrain, Marcus Pointe Golf Club distinguishes itself amidst the predominantly flat landscape of the Panhandle region. Designed by Earl Stone, the layout embodies his signature approach to crafting engaging courses.

While water hazards are minimal, players encounter numerous sand bunkers, dense wooded areas, and subtle slopes and inclines. Overall, the course provides a comprehensive experience suitable for golfers of all skill levels.

The greens are meticulously maintained; the views are captivating, and the hospitality is outstanding. In essence, Marcus Pointe Golf Club offers a relaxed yet enjoyable setting for your round of golf, and all this at affordable rates.

Extra Tips to Elevate Your Golfing Experience near Pensacola Beach 

With great weather year-round, suitable terrain, and its captivating coastal allure, the Sunshine State truly stands out as a spot for a golfing experience like no other! But there are always ways you can make your golf journey even more enjoyable.

Let's explore some extra tips:

• Though Pensacola and the Gulf Coast generally boast favorable conditions, the summer heat and humidity can be intense. Always monitor weather updates online and dress accordingly. Also, don't forget to bring your sunscreen along to the green.
  
  

• During the summer months, there can be occasional rain showers, so it's a great idea not just to check the forecast regularly while on vacation but also to evaluate the drainage of the course.
  
  

• Sometimes the greens get busy, particularly during the high holiday season. It's always a good idea to call ahead and book to ensure your desired playing window in advance.
  
  

• Look up any regional regulations pertinent to the Gulf Coast courses you want to visit. Moreover, adhere to international golfing decorum when it comes to tasks like mending ball marks, tending to bunkers, and maintaining an efficient playing rhythm.
  
  

• There's abundant wildlife along the Gulf Coast, and this adds to the golfing experience here. However, always exercise caution around wild creatures, such as alligators near water features or birds visiting the fairways. Appreciate these wonderful creatures from a safe vantage point while honoring their natural habitat.
  
  

• Stay attuned to golf-related events and contests throughout the entire Gulf Coast by checking local event calendars.

Wondering where to stay while golfing along the Gulf Coast?

Here's an idea: to make the most of your stay in Pensacola Beach, why not book a beautiful vacation rental? That's the best way to stay like a local. There's nothing like experiencing this piece of paradise in Florida with all the privacy and comfort you need.

At Pensacola Beach Properties, we offer a wide selection of the best short-term rentals in Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach, including vacation rentals with pools and pet-friendly options.

Staying with us, all you have to do is kick back, relax, and soak in the Gulf Coast vibes to the fullest.