The Art of Golf Course Design - Cybergolf

The Art of Golf Course Design - Cybergolf: "The Gulf Shores gets lost sometimes in the attention focused on the Alabama Trail, the collection of Robert Trent Jones courses that ring the state, each one first-class, each one about two hours from the other, each one surprisingly inexpensive. The rack rate for the majority of them is $52 a round, including cart.

But the courses are difficult - as RTJ courses tend to be, long and often requiring balls that carry water and ravines and what have you. 'No forced carries if I can help it,' said Stone. 'I was once a single-digit player but I try to envision each hole the way an 18-handicapper would. Then I build a couple of tees back in the woods for the big boys.'

Peninsula is owned and operated by Honours Golf, as is Craft Farms and Rock Creek, all part of the Golf Gulf Shores group (www.golfgulfshores.com) that offers enticing play-and-stay packages. Bob Barrett, the CEO of Honours, a Birmingham-based company, said he has turned down many offers to purchase and operate courses, some willing to hand him the keys for nothing."