If you’re looking for the best golf courses near Pensacola, five standout options include Marcus Pointe, Lost Key, A.C. Read, Scenic Hills, and Perdido Bay.
Each offers a different mix of scenery, challenge, and amenities—so keep reading for a quick breakdown to find the right fit for your next round.
Marcus Pointe Golf Club: Reliable Value and Welcoming Atmosphere
Set just a short drive from Pensacola’s beaches, Marcus Pointe Golf Club delivers a laid-back, rewarding experience that’s well-suited for everyday golfers looking for a well-kept course without the pressure of a championship-level layout.
It’s one of those rare public-access spots where you get dependable course conditions, genuine Southern hospitality, and an overall inviting vibe at a fair price.
A Scenic and Forgiving Layout
Designed by Earl Stone, Marcus Pointe stretches across 600 acres of peaceful woodland terrain.
The course blends natural contours and mature trees with a layout that offers enough challenge to stay interesting but not so much that it becomes frustrating.
This makes it particularly welcoming for mid to high handicappers—players who want a solid round without needing to hit every fairway perfectly.
The greens and fairways are known for being in reliably good condition year-round.
Local players often comment on how consistent the maintenance is, with smooth greens and clearly defined fairways that make for an enjoyable round even after a stretch of bad weather.
The course plays fair—if you’re hitting decent shots, you won’t get punished unnecessarily.
What Golfers Are Saying
Feedback from regulars backs this up.
One golfer summed it up well: “Excellent course, very well maintained… challenging but enjoyable.”
That combination—playable and interesting—is exactly what keeps Marcus Pointe on repeat for locals and visiting players alike.
Pricing and Discounts
Affordability is another standout feature, especially compared to more tourist-heavy resort courses nearby.
Marcus Pointe offers value rates throughout the week, and there’s a special nod to those who serve: military members and first responders get discounted rates.
That kind of accessibility makes it an easy go-to option, whether you’re local or in town for a few days and looking for a stress-free tee time.
Club Amenities and Experience
Off the course, the experience stays just as easygoing.
The clubhouse has a well-stocked pro shop, and if you’re working on your game, lessons are available on site.
After your round, you can grab a bite at the casual dining area—nothing flashy, but a comfortable spot to relax, talk through the day’s best (and worst) shots, and enjoy the quiet surroundings.
For a weekend round, a laid-back game with friends, or even a solo practice day, Marcus Pointe makes a strong case.
It may not have the name recognition of some of Florida’s flashier courses, but if you're after consistent quality and good value near Pensacola, this is a course worth putting on your list.
Lost Key Golf Club: A Coastal Gem With a Strategic Edge
Tucked away on Perdido Key, just west of Pensacola, Lost Key Golf Club offers a unique blend of coastal beauty and thoughtful course design that makes every round feel deliberate.
Designed by the Arnold Palmer Design Group, this public resort course is best suited for players who appreciate visuals, strategy, and a bit of challenge with their game.
Coastal Design With Purpose
Lost Key isn’t just a scenic course—it’s a course with intent.
The design reflects the Palmer team's commitment to environmental stewardship, with native vegetation preserved throughout the layout and a routing plan that respects the natural contours of the land.
You’ll play through narrow pine-lined fairways, over and around water features, and within sight of the nearby Gulf—all while navigating a layout that demands accuracy over power.
Sightlines are clean, but forgiving tee shots are rare. If you’re a player who enjoys working the ball into position and planning two shots ahead, Lost Key will feel right in your wheelhouse.
If you're someone who tends to miss fairways, though, you’ll want to sharpen your shot selection before stepping onto the first tee.
What to Expect From the Round
Lost Key has a reputation locally as one of the best-conditioned courses in the area, and it largely lives up to that.
Greens are typically fast but true, and the fairways—though tight—are well-maintained.
This attention to detail elevates the playing experience, particularly for golfers who take pride in precision.
That said, water is in play on many holes, and not always in obvious ways.
Some hazards sneak up subtly with awkward angles or carry distances that punish aggressive lines.
Bringing extra balls is more than just a suggestion—it’s smart planning.
The course tends to play longer than the card might suggest due to coastal breezes and strategically placed bunkers that limit roll-out.
Club selection and wind reading become as important as swing mechanics, especially for mid-irons and approach shots.
Who Will Enjoy Lost Key the Most
This isn’t the best place for casual beginners or players still learning the basics.
The narrow landing areas and water-heavy design can become frustrating quickly without some experience under your belt.
But for intermediate to advanced golfers, especially those who enjoy analyzing a course as they play it, Lost Key offers a rewarding experience.
It’s also a top choice if visual appeal matters to you.
The tall pines, coastal marshes, and ocean-adjacent breeze make for a round that feels immersive, not just playable.
Many players note that even a tough round here still feels worth it, simply because of the setting.
A.C. Read Golf Course: Bayfront Views on Military Grounds
Located on the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, A.C. Read Golf Course delivers a surprisingly scenic and well-kept golf experience—often overlooked simply because of its military base setting.
With sweeping bayfront views, steady coastal breezes, and a price point that’s hard to beat, it’s earned a quiet reputation as one of Pensacola’s hidden gems.
Scenery and Setting Set It Apart
One of the first things you’ll notice at A.C. Read is the water.
Several holes offer direct views of Pensacola Bay or nearby bayous, and the setting alone elevates the playing experience.
There’s a calm, open-air feeling across the course that makes it especially enjoyable for those who value atmosphere as much as shotmaking.
Whether you’re here for a full round or just to sneak in nine holes late in the day, the sunsets over the water can be just as satisfying as a birdie putt.
This makes A.C. Read particularly attractive to casual or social golfers who want a scenic walk, as well as photographers looking to capture some coastal Florida charm without crowds or traffic.
Course Conditions and Playability
A.C. Read consistently delivers well-maintained turf—firm fairways, smooth greens, and neat tee boxes.
Even though it’s a public course, the conditioning rivals many private clubs in the area.
The course doesn’t try to overwhelm players with difficulty, but it’s far from dull.
The breeze off the bay adds natural challenge, especially on mid- to long-range approach shots, and the layout has enough variety to keep repeat rounds interesting.
At just $52 for 18 holes, it's one of the best value plays in the region, especially considering the quality of the course and the scenery that comes with it.
Access and Logistics: What You Need to Know
Because A.C. Read is located on NAS Pensacola, there are a few extra steps involved before you tee off.
Civilians can play, but you’ll need to go through the base access process—usually just a matter of showing a valid ID and allowing about 15 minutes at the gate for clearance.
Once you’re in, though, it’s smooth sailing.
The facilities are basic but functional: a small pro shop, driving range, and putting green are available, along with carts and club rentals.
Don’t expect a high-end resort feel—this is a functional, community-focused course with the simple essentials done right.
Locals Know It’s a Hidden Gem
Among regular Pensacola golfers and online communities like Reddit, A.C. Read often comes up as an underrated favorite.
One reviewer noted, “AC Read has the best views of any public course in Pensacola, and it’s in great shape… $52 for a round.”
That kind of word-of-mouth keeps it on the radar for value-conscious players looking for quality without crowds or high green fees.
Scenic Hills Country Club: Classic Challenge With Championship Cred
Scenic Hills offers a rare mix of tradition and thoughtful modern touches, making it one of the more refined golfing experiences in the Pensacola area.
Its championship history and strategic layout appeal to golfers who appreciate a course that rewards careful planning just as much as solid ball-striking.
A Course with Historical Weight and Smart Design
Originally laid out by Chic Adams in 1959 and later redesigned by U.S. Open champion Jerry Pate in 1992, Scenic Hills holds a unique distinction: it’s the only course in Florida to ever host the U.S. Women’s Open, which it did in 1969.
That fact alone gives it a certain legacy, but the real value is how that legacy is reflected in the way the course plays today.
The routing honors classic design principles—well-defined fairways, tree-lined doglegs, and subtle elevation changes that force you to think about club selection.
Despite its history, the layout has kept up with the times, offering multiple tee boxes that make it playable for beginners but still satisfying for experienced golfers who enjoy a tactical approach.
There’s enough length from the back tees to challenge low handicappers, while higher-handicap players can move forward and focus on navigating the course’s smart shot angles without feeling overmatched.
Playability Meets Southern Hospitality
Scenic Hills carries a semi-private status, which means it retains a polished, club-like atmosphere but still welcomes outside play.
This balance makes it attractive for both visiting players and locals who want a membership-style feel without a long-term commitment.
The clubhouse is a centerpiece of that atmosphere.
You’ll find a well-maintained facility with locker rooms, practice areas, and a casual-to-upscale dining space that hosts everything from post-round lunches to social events and family dinners.
The course regularly runs community-friendly programming—junior clinics, couples’ nights, and holiday events—giving it more of a club community feel than a simple golf stop.
Who Scenic Hills Is Best For
Golfers who value strategy over brute strength will enjoy Scenic Hills the most. It’s not built for bomb-and-gouge play; it rewards shaping shots and managing distance, especially on holes where placement off the tee matters more than distance.
Players who love golf’s deeper traditions—well-paced rounds, respectful quiet, refined amenities—will feel right at home here.
At the same time, it’s versatile enough to welcome less experienced players who just want to enjoy a clean, relaxing round on a well-groomed course.
With the multiple tees and user-friendly design elements, it doesn’t intimidate—it invites.
Perdido Bay Golf Club: Resort Play Meets PGA Pedigree
Perdido Bay Golf Club offers a resort-style golf experience without the exclusivity barrier, making it an appealing option for both traveling players and locals.
With PGA Tour history and on-site lodging, it’s particularly attractive for golfers looking to combine a quality course with the convenience of staying close to the action.
PGA Roots with Everyday Access
Designed by Bill Amick, Perdido Bay once served as the host venue for the Pensacola Open, a PGA Tour event that gave the course its championship pedigree.
That heritage still shows in the layout today—elevated greens, well-protected pin positions, and long, flowing fairways that require precision just as much as distance.
While it's open to the public, the course doesn’t play like your average municipal track.
The strategic design and tournament history give it a polished feel, but it remains accessible in terms of both cost and player experience.
Regulars appreciate that they can enjoy a pro-level course without the pressure of membership or premium green fees.
Stay-and-Play Convenience
What really sets Perdido Bay apart is the stay-and-play setup.
With suites and private cottages available on-site, it’s a strong choice for golf groups, couples' getaways, or anyone planning a weekend built around the game.
You can roll out of bed, grab breakfast, and be on the first tee in minutes—no car rides, no time wasted.
The on-site lodging isn’t overly luxurious, but it’s clean, comfortable, and designed with golfers in mind.
For anyone organizing a multi-round trip or a casual tournament with friends, this setup reduces the logistics and increases the fun.
Who It’s Best For
Perdido Bay is ideal for players who want to mix recreation with a touch of competition.
Its layout offers challenges that keep low handicappers interested, especially from the back tees, but it remains playable for less experienced golfers who don’t mind working through a few tough spots.
It also serves as a middle ground between laid-back public courses and high-end resorts.
You get the professional design and scenic setting without resort-level prices or crowds.
That mix appeals to both visiting vacationers and local regulars who want something a little more elevated than a typical daily-fee course.
Resort Feel Without the Fuss
The surrounding area of Perdido Key adds to the overall appeal.
You're close to the beach, and there's a slower pace here that fits the golf-first, relaxation-second mentality.
While amenities like dining or spa services aren’t the focus, the golf experience remains central and well-executed.
For those building a golf trip itinerary or even just looking for a day-long escape with the option to stay over, Perdido Bay is built to deliver.
It balances convenience, playability, and prestige in a way few other public courses in the region can match.
Choosing the Right Course for Your Next Round
With five strong contenders in the Pensacola area, the best course really depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.
Each course offers something distinct—whether it's unbeatable value, coastal views, historic significance, or full weekend convenience.
So instead of asking which course is objectively “best,” it’s more useful to ask which one suits your priorities.
How to Match a Course to Your Style of Play
Start with what matters most to you—scenery, difficulty, price, or overall atmosphere—and narrow it down from there.
Here's a quick breakdown of how each course aligns with different player preferences:
- If you're after value and consistent conditions:
Marcus Pointe Golf Club is your go-to. It’s affordable, friendly, and playable without being boring—perfect for mid to high handicappers who want a dependable local round. - If you want coastal aesthetics and don’t mind a challenge:
Lost Key Golf Club brings beautiful pine-lined holes, water features, and strong design—but it’s not forgiving. This one rewards shotmakers who appreciate precision and aren’t intimidated by hazards. - If scenery and peaceful surroundings top your list:
A.C. Read Golf Course is hard to beat. You’ll get bayfront views, a coastal breeze, and surprisingly good turf conditions at one of the most budget-friendly rates around. Just plan for a short base access process. - If you prefer classic design with a championship feel:
Scenic Hills Country Club hits the mark. Its history as a U.S. Women’s Open venue combined with a traditional Southern-style course layout makes it a great fit for strategic players and those who enjoy a club-like atmosphere. - If you’re planning a weekend golf trip or group outing:
Perdido Bay Golf Club stands out with its on-site lodging and tour-tested layout. It's the most convenient for longer stays and ideal if you want everything—golf, rest, and repeat—all in one place.
What to Know Before You Book
- A.C. Read requires a little planning due to its location on NAS Pensacola. Civilians can access the course, but should allow 10–15 minutes for base entry and bring a valid photo ID.
- Perdido Bay offers stay-and-play packages that can be booked directly through the course or partnering lodging providers. Great option for those coming from out of town or planning multiple rounds.
- Lost Key is popular and can book up fast, especially during peak tourist months. Booking in advance—sometimes a week or more—is recommended if you’re aiming for a weekend tee time.
- Marcus Pointe and Scenic Hills usually have better day-of availability, but it’s still smart to reserve in advance, especially if you’re heading out in the morning or playing with a group.
Conclusion
Pensacola offers a diverse lineup of golf courses, each with its own strengths—whether you're after value, scenery, strategy, or convenience.
From championship-caliber layouts to laid-back coastal rounds, there's something for every type of player.
Choose the course that fits your goals, and you're set for a satisfying day on the fairways.
