Lakewood Golf Club: Southern Charm & World-Class Golf

by | Oct 30, 2024 | Where to Play

Lakewood Golf Club is a jewel in the crown of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, located on the Gulf Coast in Point Clear, Alabama. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and challenging courses, Lakewood offers an unforgettable golfing experience that attracts players worldwide.

Located on the tranquil shores of Mobile Bay, its rich history, stunning landscapes, and world-class golf make it a standout destination for golf enthusiasts. More than just a scenic spot, Lakewood boasts a legacy that blends Southern charm with modern excellence.

Lakewood Golf Club: A Historical Legacy

Lakewood Golf Club, part of the esteemed Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa Autograph Collection, was established in 1947. Initially designed by Perry Maxwell, the course underwent a complete transformation in 2004 when architect Bobby Vaughan renovated it as part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail project. The redesign aimed to preserve the charm and history of the original layout while incorporating modern features to meet the expectations of today’s golfers.

The club is one of the few on the RTJGT that predates the trail, offering a unique historical depth. The Grand Hotel, which has stood since 1847, became a beloved retreat for wealthy Southerners after the Civil War, and its golf course was an essential part of this allure. Over the decades, it has hosted numerous regional and national tournaments, drawing golfers from far and wide. This blend of tradition and world-class design offers players an unforgettable golfing experience.

A Tale of Two Courses: Azalea and Dogwood

Lakewood features two 18-hole courses, Azalea and Dogwood, each offering distinct challenges. While both courses have been modernized, Vaughan maintained their original charm. One can still feel the echoes of history—of players who walked these fairways decades ago under the Southern sun.

The Dogwood Course at Lakewood Golf Club is a showcase of both natural beauty and challenging design. This par-72 course stretches over 7,104 yards and is set amidst a landscape of towering pines, magnolias, and ancient live oaks. Initially designed by Perry Maxwell, the course features a series of par-3 holes that test precision and control, with the 17th hole being particularly noteworthy. This hole has a green surrounded by water on three sides, demanding accuracy and nerve from golfers. The 2018 renovation brought the course up to modern standards, with TifEagle Ultradwarf greens and Bermuda fairways ensuring excellent year-round playing conditions. And in fact, the course hosted the 59th U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur in 2021.

On the other hand, the Azalea Course is equally captivating, offering a different yet complementary golfing experience. This par-72 course spans 4,539 to 7,202 yards and is renowned for its breathtaking scenery. The course weaves through spring-fed lakes, lush fairways, and stately 200-year-old magnolia and oak trees. One of the standout features is the 14th hole, a par-five with a giant island-green surrounded by a four-acre lake, presenting a dramatic challenge and stunning visuals. The Azalea Course underwent significant renovations, reopening in November 2019, and now boasts enhanced playability and aesthetics.

Both courses contribute to Lakewood Golf Club’s reputation as a premier golfing destination in Alabama. The club’s commitment to maintaining top-tier conditions and preserving the natural beauty of its surroundings ensures that every round of golf here is memorable. The combination of history, challenging layouts, and picturesque settings make the Dogwood and Azalea courses must-play for any golfer visiting Point Clear. Each course offers a unique experience, with the Dogwood Course’s tighter, more strategic play contrasting with the expansive, visually striking holes of the Azalea Course.

Golfers often speak of Lakewood’s sense of serenity. The natural beauty, from the pristine fairways to the shimmering waters of Mobile Bay, creates an experience that’s as much about relaxation as it is about sport. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, Lakewood’s courses are designed to challenge and delight.

More than Just a Golf Course

Beyond the fairways, Lakewood is part of the larger Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, one of the South’s most prestigious and historic resorts. The resort’s amenities, from its luxurious spa to its fine dining options, offer golfers the ultimate retreat experience. Whether playing 18 holes or just taking in the breathtaking views of Mobile Bay, the resort’s atmosphere of timeless elegance is undeniable.

Dining at the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa blends Southern hospitality with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The Grand Hotel offers several dining options, each offering a unique take on regional cuisine. Views of Mobile Bay and the lush landscapes surrounding the golf courses complement the dining experience.

Lakewood Golf Club

Southern Roots: Picturesque ambiance, exceptional service, and Chef-driven menus focused on high-quality, locally sourced, and estate-grown farm-to-table fare.

Southern Roots, the resort’s signature restaurant, combines a picturesque ambiance, exceptional service, and a chef-driven menu. Inspired by Southern traditions, from fresh Gulf seafood to perfectly seasoned steaks, it focuses on high-quality, locally sourced, and estate-grown farm-to-table fare to create a chic yet casual experience. The menu changes with the season, ensuring fresh, vibrant flavors.

For a more casual setting, The Bayside Grill serves a variety of comfort food, where you can enjoy mouth-watering local fare with ingredients sourced from local farms and the Estate Garden, including shareable appetizers, burgers & sandwiches, salads, woodstone pizzas, pasta, fresh local seafood, or a perfectly cooked steak. Dine inside or on the outdoor patio while the kids play on the activities lawn. The focus is relaxed dining overlooking the beautiful bay.

1847 Bar highlights the art of drinks, offering Grand Garden-to-glass crafted cocktails, local libations, and select wines by the glass. It’s an ideal spot to savor house-made beverages, partake in intimate conversations, or connect with new friends. It’s also a perfect place to relax and recount the day’s game while enjoying a laid-back atmosphere in the heart of the resort.

Lakewood Golf Club: A Place of Timeless Appeal

Lakewood Golf Club is a shining testament to Alabama’s rich golf heritage. As part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, it allows golfers to experience history, nature, and top-tier design all in one place. Its historical significance, modern design, and Southern charm make it a must-visit destination for any golfer exploring Alabama.

From its deep historical roots to its modern-day prestige, Lakewood remains a treasured part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, a true golfer’s paradise on the Gulf Coast.

lakewoodatthegrand.com

Photos courtesy of Lakewood Golf Club and The Grand Hotel Resort

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About the Author

<a href="https://golfonemedia.com/author/alan_darty/" target="_self">Alan Darty</a>

Alan Darty

Alan is the founder and publisher of Golf One Media and the former publisher of eSouthernGOLF—a second-generation Florida native who loves all things Florida. You can usually find him with his wife, watching their two daughters coaching volleyball at Oviedo (FL) High School or Mississippi State University when he's not golfing, hunting, or fishing.