Gulf Shores (AL) Now Serviced by New Airlines

Gulf Shores - the 32 mile stretch of sugar sand beaches and home to nine signature golf courses - is now being serviced by Southwest Airlines and Southern Airways Express featuring daily non-stop flights.

Southwest Airlines will begin flights directly to Gulf Shores via Pensacola International Airport (PNS) later this year. The flight schedule will include nonstop service and represent a 22% increase in seat capacity over the existing service.

The number of one-stop destinations served will increase to 65 including Washington, D.C., Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, Orlando, Fla. Tampa, Fla. and Charlotte, N.C. Bags fly free on Southwest and there are no fees to change flight reservations.

Gulf Shores will also now be serviced by Memphis-based Southern Airways Express, which is slated to start flying out of Jack Edwards Airport in late May. The airline will feature daily non-stop flights to and from Memphis, Tenn., New Orleans and Birmingham, Ala.

The airline offers numerous perks including no baggage or parking fees and no TSA security hassles. Passengers will be able to arrive 15 minutes prior to departure. The airline will offer complimentary iPads with preloaded movies available to passengers during the flight and fares will range from $129 to $249. Visit www.iFlySouthern.com for more information.

"These flights are opening up more opportunities for visitors to come to Gulf Shores and experience the many activities the destination offers," said Gulf Shores Golf Association Executive Director Duncan Millar. "With short flights, cheaper airfare and no baggage fees, this is a perfect option for golfers to spend a weekend away playing a few rounds on our pristine courses."

The Gulf Shores Golf Association is the collection of nine highly acclaimed golf courses located within a 45-minute ride of each other. The area also provides a variety of non-golf, outdoor activities including ziplining, kayaking and deep sea fishing.

Below is a sampling of "starting-at," family-friendly, stay-and-play rates, good from Aug. 5- Dec. 1. Prices include taxes and fees and are based on four nights and three rounds of golf at three pre-determined courses. An Unlimited Golf option is available at a nominal fee with any package:

Two-Bedroom Gulf Oriented Condominium
Rate: $71.91 per person, per night for golf and room
Description: Quad occupancy in a two bedroom gulf oriented condominium with one queen bed, two twin beds and a sleeper sofa.

Double Queen Gulf Front Resort Hotel
Rate: $97.75 per person, per night for golf and room
Description: Double occupancy in a gulf front hotel room with two queen beds.

For a customized quote for groups of all sizes call 1.888.815.1902 or visit www.golfgulfshores.com.

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About Golf Gulf Shores
Golf Gulf Shores is the moniker for the Gulf Shores Golf Association, the partnership that promotes the destination and its custom golf packages built by its partners, for golf groups, families and corporate outings. The destination features nine golf courses, countless lodging options and a wealth of outdoor activity on its 32-mile waterfront destination.

Course highlights:

Cotton Creek at Craft Farms - Arnold Palmer Signature Design with generous fairways lined by Southern Hardwoods, undulating greens and a championship test from 7,028 yards, and owned and operated by Honours Golf.

Cypress Bend at Craft Farms - The sister Honours Golf property to Cotton Creek, the Arnold Palmer Signature Design meanders through cord-grass accented lakes which come into play on nearly every hole.

Glenlakes Golf Club - Scottish-style links course designed by Von Hagge and known for its extensive bunkering and postage-stamp greens.

Kiva Dunes - A "Top 100 Course in America" by Golf Digest, the Jerry Pate design is the only beachfront resort course in Gulf Shores. Golfweek ranked Kiva Dunes the No. 1 public-access course in Alabama in 2012.

Lost Key - The stunning course, redesigned by the Arnold Palmer Design Group in 2006, rewards accuracy off the tee and with approaches as it winds through woods and wetlands. It also boasts a new state-of-the-art clubhouse.

Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club - Owned and operated by Honours Golf, the 27-hole facility offers chilled apples on the tee. The 830-acre park includes 30 lakes and fairways surrounded by Bon Secour Wildlife Preserve.

Rock Creek Golf Club - Also owned by Honours Golf and boasting rolling terrain and fairways lined by pines, the Earl Stone design overlooks freshwater wetlands and the Rock Creek basin.

TimberCreek Golf Club - This 27-hole design was crafted by Earl Stone and feels like an inland Carolina course with fairways lined by loblolly pines, dogwoods and magnolias.

Gulf Shores Golf Club - Formerly known as The Golf Club of the Wharf, this was the Gulf Shores' first course. Opened it 1960, it was redesigned by Jay and Carter Morrish in 2005.

For more information: www.golfgulfshores.com, 888.815.1902.