My Golf Vacation

The Azalea Course at Lakewood Golf Club is one of the most historic and picturesque golf courses on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Located at the renowned Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, the course combines classic Southern scenery with championship-caliber golf, creating a memorable experience that has attracted golfers for generations. Originally designed by renowned architect Perry Maxwell and later renovated as part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, the Azalea Course blends historic character with modern playability.

Named for the colorful azalea blooms that enhance the property each spring, the course winds through majestic oak trees, pine-lined fairways, and scenic water features that showcase the natural beauty of Mobile Bay. The layout offers a traditional parkland-style experience, with strategically placed bunkers, doglegs, and well-protected greens that place a premium on accuracy and course management. While generous in some landing areas, the course steadily challenges golfers to think their way around the layout and execute precise approach shots.

Water comes into play on several holes and adds both beauty and risk throughout the round. One of the most memorable holes is the par-5 14th, a dramatic risk-reward hole featuring a peninsula-style green that tempts players to be aggressive while punishing errant shots. Large, undulating greens and subtle elevation changes further enhance the challenge, rewarding golfers who can control both distance and trajectory.

The Azalea Course is often considered the more demanding of Lakewood’s two championship layouts, offering a balanced test for players of all abilities thanks to multiple tee boxes. Combined with exceptional conditioning, stunning resort surroundings, and access to the amenities of the Grand Hotel, the Azalea Course delivers a classic Gulf Coast golf experience and remains a favorite destination for Alabama golf vacations and Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail golf packages.