The barrier island of Perdido Key may be home to rolling, white-sand dunes and a haven for a myriad of wildlife species, but did you also know that it is home to a golfing paradise known as Lost Key Golf Club?
Named after the Spanish word for “lost island,” Perdido Key offers the perfect location for a championship-style golf course, and Lost Key provides players of all skill levels a unique challenge with spectacular surrounding landscapes.
Arnold Palmer’s Unique Design Features
Whether you are aspiring to reach the PGA Tour, or simply enjoy the relaxation of hitting the links on the weekend, Lost Key epitomizes everything there is to love about golf on the Gulf Coast. Redesigned by the Arnold Palmer Design Group in 2006, Lost Key is a par 71 course that prides itself on the distinctive design features and immaculate condition all year round.
Lost Key’s undulating greens are perhaps the most challenging aspect of the course. They will certainly separate those comfortable on fast surfaces from those who suffer anxiety over short-range putts.
Lost Key’s Sustainable Resource Management Practices
Another of Lost Key’s benefits is the desire to preserve the surrounding natural environment. While every course on the Gulf Coast is making a real effort to focus on protecting natural habitats for the various species of wildlife, Lost Key has been given special recognition in the State of Florida as being certified as an Audubon International Silver Signature Sanctuary.
Through sustainable resource management practices, Lost Key truly embraces the natural landscape of Perdido Key. It focuses every effort in ensuring the plethora of wildlife are protected while golfers meander their way along the fairways.
Overcome a Challenging Start
A near 600-yard opening hole is a challenge for every golfer, followed by a par 3 second that is over 200 yards and a 60+ yard putting surface. If you can overcome these opening holes, golfers will enjoy a stretch of holes that may make or break a scorecard.
The 4th hole is one of the highlights as a true “risk/reward” par 4 that is reachable from the tee, yet with water surrounding both sides of the fairway and behind the green, it is a challenging approach that you will want to consider your club selection before hitting your tee shot.
The 7th at Lost Key is frequently renowned as the equivalent to the 12th at Augusta, with a swirling wind from the Gulf of Mexico that causes havoc with club selection. If you hit the middle of the green and walk away with a par, it will certainly make it feel more like a shot gained.
Lost Key has several iconic holes, but the signature hole is the par 3 13th, primarily because of both the aesthetic appearance and the undulating putting surface that creates treacherous pin placements all over the green. If you make your way through the first 13 or 14 holes with your scorecard unscathed, you can look forward to a closing stretch that will give you birdie opportunities, none more so than the par 5 18th, which is reachable in two if you find the fairway with your drive.
Enjoy Golfing Retail Therapy and Fine Dining
For those heading to the Gulf Coast looking to find a gift for a golf lover, head over to the Lost Key Golf Shop to peruse a vast collection of apparel by Cutter & Buck, FootJoy, Travis Matthew, and more. If you are looking for the latest clubs, why not browse the latest equipment available from Callaway and Titleist.
After a little retail therapy, if you need a bite to eat before your round, head to the onsite restaurant to refuel while admiring the breathtaking panoramic views of the championship golf course.
5 Tips for Visiting Lost Key Golf Club
- Be sure to adhere to standard golfing etiquette and local environmental signs to ensure the local wildlife can continue to thrive in their natural habitat.
- Take advantage of the par 5 holes at Lost Key to improve your scorecard, as the par 3 holes can quickly lead to high numbers.
- Hit your approach shots to the middle of the greens rather than directly at the flags, as you can quickly find surrounding bunkers or water hazards – it may sound simple, but you may find it challenging to resist on some holes.
- Embrace the Arnold Palmer inspired design by taking advantage of the risk/reward holes…follow the King’s advice of “high risk, high reward,” which helped him win seven majors!
- Indulge in local seafood or other delectable cuisines at the onsite restaurant, and don’t forget to admire the panoramic views overlooking Perdido Key.
Learn about more Gulf Coast golf courses here.
