The reviews from January and March don't take into account that this is a Gulf Coast island. Those are off-season months and the businesses DO close early or many are not open at all. That's the beauty of visiting this quiet little island in the winter. QUIET!! Now, in July, there are TWO restaurants, a pool & cabana bar, beach access, kayak rentals and a golf driving range. The place is rocking!! Parking is always free and there's usually live music every weekend, according to the regulars. DEFINITELY requires plans for late in the season to go again!!!
Takes you back in time. The course is closed but they do offer a driving range, a pool and a bar/restaurant. Just walking around the facility is worth the trip. Some of the best views of the dunes on the island. The classic retro building and pool reminded me of my childhood.
Just stopped in at the restaurant on a whim on our spring break vacation to the Island-- was a great find! Salad was excellent and very fresh. Jalapeño Cream Flounder and cheese grits, with an extra side of garlic red mashed potatoes. The potatoes were worth a second trip back next time we're in town. Looks like the golf course is still closed, but the ambience at the restaurant (very 60's) is amazing. The round structure looks straight out of a sci-fi movie and we had an incredible view of the sunset to boot! Looks like they also serve brunch on Sundays and Saturdays, which we will definitely be back for.
They have 9 holes open now! The folks here have tried very hard to reopen the course, if you're in the area, and play golf, give it a shot!
As you would expect, the fairways are sandy and sparse. There is little challenge other than finding grass on the fairways. I wouldn't bother bringing the clubs
I like "vintage"- the feeling of walking back in time and feeling the vibes of other eras in a place- The cabana certainly delivered this- along with some obvious disarray and shabbiness born of neglect over time..( the bathhouse really needs some attention)- Mainly, though, it was the lack of care- strewn chairs at the bar, trash here and there out back...and the BAD beach access( we had hoped to use it but did not bother- ) The pool was pretty nice as pools go- It was Saline instead of chlorine and I liked that...I had a pina colada from the bar- it was refreshing but mostly ice. The snack we shared was blackened fish from "Pirates Cove"- it was quite tasty..The obvious Mgr guy was kinda gruff and seemed oblivious to me as a customer- snappy with an employee..I would say this added to the charm but not really. The place has a washed -up slightly depressed energy- at least in the middle of a hot July day...It is probably much better at night with a band...oh yeah- and one of the young girls who took our money for admission in the parking lot GLARED at us- it was a bit disconcerting... Two hours was all we could muster ( and it cost $35 admission for the five of us) If i had it to do over, I would skip the old Golf club for sure..
Talk about a flash-back to Mad Men...this restaurant is 100% fifties...round building, pink and aqua, looks like original decor...loved it. Apparently they just opened and will continue refurbishing the building...upstairs, etc, but meals and drinks are available. Can't wait for their Sunday Brunch announcement. Seperately owned round pool/cabana next door and long white sand beach out front...connected to Sand Island. What a wonderful find!
So sad, talked to a couple of islanders who said the closing of the golf course has hurt the island tremendously. Snow birds are not coming back....wanted to let any of you know that golf so you won't be disappointed. Call to see if it has been reopened. It was in horrible shape, everything grown up. Will take major money to reopen no doubt. Very disappointing. The restaurant has opened...hoping that will help. But the hours there were very sporadic...
Seeing the building is worth the trip. The food at Pirates Pleasure was very good - excellent burger and fantastic wings. The service was good. The club house remains in all its glory, a round structure built of cindler blocks with a great pool area. The view looking out over the beach is unspoiled. Loved it.
The golf course is closed. But, the pool is open and there is live music. The restaurant is in the little building. We had a backed seafood patter which was excellent. Service very attentive. I think it's $3 to park and access the beach during the day.