For more than a half century, Gulf Shores Golf Club has been enjoyed by both locals and visitors, offering a blend of natural beauty and championship-caliber golf. Now, with new ownership under Tim Dunlap and Regent Golf Partners, the club is poised for an exciting new chapter.
Dunlap, a seasoned golf industry veteran and founder of Regent Golf Partners, recently completed the purchase of the course, clubhouse, and surrounding real estate from the family of the late Larry Tomlinson, Jr. of Fairhope, Alabama. With an impressive background managing and operating top-tier golf destinations – including The Carolina Country Club in Spartanburg, South Carolina – Dunlap brings both passion and expertise to Gulf Shores Golf Club.
A Legacy of Excellence
“This is a wonderful place, and Gulf Shores Golf Club offers a tremendous opportunity to serve golfers in this region,” Dunlap said. “Everyone recognizes Gulf Shores as one of the best places to live and one of the friendliest and prettiest vacation destinations in America. Owning and operating what I consider to be the best course in the area is an honor and a responsibility I take seriously. We expect to provide the best golf experience and the best value.”
Originally opened in 1964 as Gulf Shores Country Club, the course quickly became a favorite for its challenging design and stunning landscape. A major redesign in 2005 by the renowned father-son duo Jay and Carter Morrish expanded the layout, adding bunkers, water features, and stretching the par-71 course by an additional 300 yards. Since then, Gulf Shores Golf Club has remained a favorite on the Alabama Gulf Coast.
A Vision for the Future
Dunlap’s deep-rooted connection to the game and extensive experience in the industry make him the ideal steward for Gulf Shores Golf Club. A former standout player at Long Beach State, he has been at the helm of prestigious courses across the country, including PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and PGA Tour Champions venues. His leadership at Sequoia Golf saw him overseeing more than 40 courses nationwide before founding Regent Golf Partners, where he has consulted for some of the country’s top golf and resort properties.
Under Dunlap’s ownership, the vision for Gulf Shores Golf Club is clear: preserve its storied past while enhancing its future.
“There is no reason that Gulf Shores Golf Club cannot host high-level amateur and even some professional events,” Dunlap said. “It’s a hidden gem.”
Honoring Tradition While Looking Ahead
Following Mr. Tomlinson’s passing in 2021, his family sought a buyer who would uphold his legacy of quality golf in a family-friendly atmosphere. With Dunlap at the helm, that legacy is in good hands.
“We plan to lean into the history,” Dunlap said. “Gulf Shores Golf Club is the OG, the original course in town. Not only is it challenging and fun, but we think people want to play the oldest club in the area. Golf is a game of history and tradition. Arnold Palmer won the Masters a few weeks before this course opened for business. That’s cool. We believe people will lean into that.”
As Gulf Shores Golf Club enters this exciting new era, one thing is certain: its reputation as a premier coastal golfing destination is only set to grow. Whether you’re a longtime member or a first-time visitor, the club’s rich history and bright future make it a must-play for any golf enthusiast.
For more information, or to book your tee time, visit gulfshoresgolfclub.com.
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