Pensacola Golf Courses: A Complete Guide to Pensacola & the Surrounding Area

by Stephanie Harrington

Pensacola, FL is famous for its beautiful beaches and rapidly growing downtown, but it’s also home to some fantastic golf courses. Golf enthusiasts, whether seasoned players or newcomers, can enjoy a variety of options right here where the world’s whitest beaches meet the emerald green waters. From exclusive country clubs to public courses, Pensacola has something for everyone. We’ve put together a list of the top golf courses in Pensacola so you can enjoy a relaxing day on the greens without ever leaving town.

Key Takeaways

Pensacola offers a diverse range of golf courses, from exclusive country clubs to publically accessible courses for everyone.
The Pensacola Country Club, established in 1902, is one of Florida’s oldest clubs.
Numerous courses, including Perdido Bay Golf Club and A.C. Read Golf Course, are open to the public, providing quality golfing experiences without the need for membership.
Many courses, such as Lost Key Golf Club and Tiger Point Golf Club, offer breathtaking views and scenic landscapes, enhancing the golfing experience in Pensacola.
With municipal courses like Osceola Golf Course and accessible facilities, Pensacola is perfect for beginners and families looking to enjoy a leisurely day on the greens.

Pensacola Country Club

One of the oldest country clubs in Florida, the Pensacola Country Club was established in 1902. This iconically beautiful course features 18 holes running along the mighty Pensacola Bay. To go along with its stunning backdrop, the course presents an equally challenging experience for golfers of any skill level. Local legend Jerry Pate was instrumental in redesigning the course to meticulously enhance its strategic layout and continue to challenge golfers in the area. The club also has tennis courts, delectable dining options, and doubles as a wedding and events venue.

Marcus Pointe Golf Club

Located in the northwest corner of Escambia County, Marcus Pointe Golf Club features 600 acres of lush, green woodlands. Created by Earl Stone, the course offers 18 holes with water hazards and sand bunkers that challenge golfers of all skill levels. The Grille at Marcus Pointe also offers a wide variety of food for hungry golfers to wind down after a game. Whether you’re booking a tee time with friends and practicing your swing, Marcus Pointe is one of the more accessible and affordable courses in Pensacola.

Scenic Hills Country Club

Known for its beautiful landscape and rolling elevation, Scenic Hills Country Club is a local favorite in the Pensacola area. Boasting a full 18-hole course on 6,730 yards of pine-lined greens, this award-winning facility offers top-rated conditions in the Florida panhandle for serious golfers. Similar to Pensacola Country Club, Jerry Pate was also instrumental here at Scenic Hills for their renovation, enhancing the greens and improving the experience for all of its golfers and visitors. To play at Scenic Hills Country Club is to say you’ve played on the same greens as the 1969 USGA Women’s Open, making it the only golf course in the entire state of Florida to host a U.S. Open. On-site dining and event space round out the amenities at Scenic Hills making it an all-inclusive country club experience.

Perdido Bay Golf Club

Nominated for “Best New Public Golf Course” by Golf Digest, the Perdido Bay Golf Club is open to the public seven days a week. Once the site of the Pensacola Open for 10 years, the Perdido Bay Golf Club boasts championship accommodations, hosting golf legends like Jack Nicklaus, Payne Stewart, Tom Kite, and Curtis Strange. The greens feature an expansive links-style layout with a stunning, picturesque scenery. On-site golf professionals are available to help you make critical adjustments to your game and take swings off your score. Paired with on-site dining and event space, Perdido Bay Golf Club is one of the finest public courses in the state.

A.C. Read Golf Course

Located on the Naval Air Station Pensacola, A.C. Read Golf Course is lined with historic live oaks along the beautiful Bayou Grande. This sought after course ranks among the best military courses and features 27 championship holes as well as a 9-hole executive course. Although it’s located on a military installation, the course is completely open to the public and has all of the amenities you expect, including cart rentals, driving range, practice greens, pro shop, and even lessons for beginners. This golf course is a local favorite for a good reason, so make sure you call ahead for tee times to reserve your spot before visiting!

Osceola Municipal Golf Course

Part of Florida’s Historic Golf Trail, Osceola Golf Course is Pensacola’s local municipal course. Featuring 18 holes that are just as challenging and exciting as the rest, Osceola represents the heart and soul of the local golf community in Pensacola. Being a city course, it’s always open to the public and offers a laid back, casual atmosphere for beginners and families to come enjoy the game. The course underwent complete renovations in 2011 and has since received several upgrades to enhance the experience for golfers, including an updated clubhouse and pro shop in 2017. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or are looking to take your first swing, you can’t go wrong with Osceola Golf Course.

The Club at Hidden Creek

Located in Navarre, The Club at Hidden Creek is a golfer's dream with its pristine course conditions and beautiful scenery. This 18-hole championship public golf course, designed by Ron Garl, stretches 6,823 yards from the back tees and offers an exciting challenge for golfers of all skill levels. Featuring rolling terrain and strategic water hazards, this course keeps the game engaging. Well-maintained greens and fairways reward skillful shots, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone.

Lost Key Golf Club

Located inside a gated, master planned golf community along the beautiful Perdido Key Drive, Lost Key Golf Club is a testament to the beauty of Florida golf. Masterfully redesigned by the Arnold Palmer Design Group in 2006, Lost Key Golf Club features 18 challenging holes of championship-level play for the most discerning golf enthusiasts. To further solidify the course’s unique natural beauty and dedication to preservation, the course was the first of its kind in the State of Florida to be certified as an Audubon International Silver Signature Sanctuary. Although the course maintains a level of service and experience akin to an exclusive, private club, the course is open to the public to enjoy!

Tiger Point Golf Club

Located to the south of Pensacola on the island of Gulf Breeze, Tiger Point Golf Club offers breathtaking waterside views of the Santa Rosa Sound. The course features a challenging 18 holes with a blend of traditional Scottish links-style play for varying skill levels. With its close proximity to Pensacola Beach, it’s the ideal course for visitors who are staying on the beach and looking for a quick tee time with friends and family for a break from the beach. Whether you’re a Pensacola local looking to switch things up away from the pines or in town for a visit, Tiger Point Golf Club is a can’t miss facility.

FAQ About Pensacola Golf Courses

Q: What are some recommended golf courses for beginners in Pensacola?

A: Osceola Municipal Golf Course is a great choice for beginners, offering a laid-back atmosphere and a challenging yet accessible 18-hole layout. A.C. Read Golf Course is also beginner-friendly, providing lessons and practice facilities.

Q: Are there any public golf courses in Pensacola?

A: Yes, several public courses are available, including Perdido Bay Golf Club, A.C. Read Golf Course, and Osceola Municipal Golf Course, allowing everyone to enjoy a round of golf without needing a membership.

Q: Can I play at the Pensacola Country Club without a membership?

A: The Pensacola Country Club primarily operates as a private club; however, they may offer guest access or special events. It's best to contact the club directly for information regarding tee times for non-members.

Final Thoughts on Pensacola Golf Courses

Pensacola might not be at the top of your list for golf destinations in Florida, but maybe it should be. Our diverse, picturesque landscape and access to public golf courses make it the perfect place for visitors to catch a tee time while on vacation in a beautiful setting, giving you even more opportunities to connect with the natural beauty of Pensacola.

About Engel & Völkers Pensacola

Engel & Völkers Pensacola is a real estate agency with an enhanced focus on luxury homes in Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Downtown Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Perdido Key, and beyond. We have expert advisors for every neighborhood in the area to help you unlock the luxury lifestyle of your dreams and pair you with the perfect home. If you're searching for a home in Pensacola, see our current listings and connect with one of our advisors today!