When you think of the Florida Panhandle, the city of Navarre probably isn’t on your list of vacation destinations. It’s a sleepy bedroom community, consisting primarily of U.S. military personnel, defense contractors, federal civil servants, and retirees; it’s located about 25 miles east of Pensacola and about 15 miles west of Fort Walton Beach.
Within the city limits is an upscale neighborhood located in the Holley By the Sea subdivision, called Hidden Creek Estates. The centerpiece of the community is The Club at Hidden Creek, an 18-hole championship golf course designed by renowned golf course architect Ron Garl. The community features custom-built executive homes that have breathtaking views of the golf course.
The Club at Hidden Creek is a semi-private golf course and is considered by local golfers and visitors alike to be one of Northwest Florida’s most treasured courses. The Club is known for its excellent conditioning, lush landscape, rolling terrain, and well-manicured greens.
The Club at Hidden Creek once hosted the US Open Qualifying Rounds. Golf Advisor ranked The Club #18 on its 2015 list of Top Courses in Florida. Hidden Creek offers golfers five sets of tees that can be played from 4,831 yards (Red Tees) to 6,823 yards (Black Tees). I found that the Gold Tees at 6,309 yards offered a fair challenge, allowing me to leave with a little dignity…