Alabama and Mississippi are among the best-value golf destinations in the American South. Alabama has a long-standing tradition of high-quality public golf spread across the state, while the Gulf Coast offers resort golf near beaches and casinos. With mild winters and a long season, both states are worth considering for a golf trip.
Alabama
- North Alabama: hilly courses around Huntsville and the Tennessee River valley.
- Birmingham: public and private courses among wooded hills.
- Central Alabama: lakes, rolling hills and resort courses.
- Mobile and the Gulf Coast: coastal courses, seafood and beaches around Mobile and Gulf Shores.
Alabama is known for multi-course public golf facilities designed for travelling golfers, often available as packages.
Mississippi
- The Gulf Coast: Biloxi and Gulfport have resort courses linked to coastal hotels and casinos.
- Inland: courses near Jackson, Oxford and Tupelo offer quiet, good-value golf.
When to go
| Season | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | Ideal temperatures and green courses |
| Summer (June to August) | Hot and humid; afternoon storms |
| Autumn (September to November) | Excellent conditions |
| Winter | Mild on the coast; some cool spells inland |
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November. Read golf travel insurance.
Playing tips
- Bermuda grass and grain on many greens. Read how to read greens.
- Water hazards on coastal courses. Read penalty areas and out of bounds.
- Wildlife: alligators near coastal water. Read golf courses and wildlife.
- Heat: read hot weather golf.
Costs and booking
- Excellent value: green fees are often low.
- Packages combine multiple rounds and accommodation. Read stay-and-play packages explained.
- Road trips work well across Alabama. Read golf road trips.
Sample itineraries
| Trip | Length | Outline |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama golf trail | 7–10 days | Drive between several of the state's public golf complexes, playing a different course each day |
| Gulf Coast escape | 4–5 days | Golf on the Alabama and Mississippi coast, with beaches and seafood |
| Mississippi river towns | 5–6 days | Golf around Jackson, then historic river towns such as Natchez and Vicksburg |
| Two-state road trip | 8–10 days | Birmingham and northern Alabama, then south to the Gulf and west into Mississippi |
Read golf road trips.
The public golf trail
Alabama is known for a network of public golf complexes spread across the state, many with multiple courses at a single site. They were designed to offer high-quality public golf at reasonable prices, and many golfers plan whole trips around them. Multi-round packages and stay-and-play deals are common. Read stay-and-play packages explained.
The Gulf Coast
The coastal areas around Mobile, Gulf Shores and the Mississippi coast near Biloxi and Gulfport combine golf with white-sand beaches, seafood and, in some places, casinos and entertainment. Expect flat, often water-lined courses, with sea breezes and warm-season grasses.
Weather and timing
- Spring (March to May): warm, green and pleasant; one of the best times to visit.
- Summer: hot and humid, with afternoon storms. Tee off early. Read hot-weather golf.
- Autumn: mild and often dry, though hurricane season runs until the end of November.
- Winter: mild days are common, especially near the coast, making it a good winter-escape option.
Playing tips
- Bermuda grass: expect grainy greens and sticky rough. Read golf grass types.
- Water: many coastal holes feature lakes and marsh. Read penalty areas and out of bounds.
- Wildlife: alligators, snakes and birds are common on southern courses. Keep your distance from water edges.
- Hills in the north: northern Alabama has rolling, wooded terrain with elevation changes.
Costs
Both states offer some of the best-value golf in the US. Green fees are moderate, weekday and twilight rates are low, and accommodation is affordable outside peak beach weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Is Alabama good for golf?
Yes. It has many high-quality public courses at good prices.
When is the best time for golf on the Gulf Coast?
Spring and autumn, avoiding the peak of summer heat and hurricane season.
Is golf in Mississippi expensive?
Generally not; many courses offer good value.
Can I combine golf with the beach?
Yes, on the Gulf Coast around Gulf Shores and Biloxi.
Is the Alabama public golf trail open to everyone?
Yes. The courses are public, and visitors can book individual rounds or multi-round packages.
What's the best base for a Gulf Coast golf trip?
Gulf Shores, Mobile and the Biloxi area all work well, depending on whether you prefer beaches, a city or entertainment.
The bottom line
Alabama and Mississippi offer excellent-value southern golf, from statewide public courses to Gulf Coast resorts. Travel in spring or autumn and consider a road trip. For more southern golf, read golf in Tennessee and golf in Florida.