Here’s a sampling of what was seen. No need to mention what
was heard because low scores were few and far between.
KIVA DUNES – It’s hard to forget a round of golf played at Kiva
Dunes if you’ve been fortunate enough to find it, tucked away just off
Fort Morgan Road on a strip of sandy land sandwiched between the
Gulf of Mexico and Mobile Bay. It earned its reputation of baring its
teeth to its unsuspecting guests. While well-acclaimed among those
who rate courses, it remained harder than Chinese arithmetic, often
confusing golfers with its sight lines.
Those days of wondering where to aim are over thanks to a $3.5
million enhancement that has, among other things, solved the puzzles
that were golfers’ tee shots.
Golfer-friendly Tiff-Eagle has replaced the champion turf grass
on the greens. Bunkers were rebuilt and reshaped. The majority of
scrub was removed, and the national transitions between grasses and
the indigenous beach landscape were improved and widened.
The ambitious project began in July and was completed in early
November under the watchful eye of former U.S. Open champion
Jerry Pate, the original architect. The end result is visually delightful
and much more playable although Kiva retains its numerous
challenges that once made it the No. 1 golf course in Alabama.
TIMBERCREEK – If it’s elevation changes you