Cypress Bend at Craft Farms is where the vision of a championship caliber golf experience first took root in Gulf Shores, Alabama, defining the region as a serious golf destination. Designed in the late 1980s, this Arnold Palmer creation is a distinctly American parkland course. Lined with mature pines and native hardwoods, Cypress Bend demands strategic play without favoring any particular shot shape. Gentle undulation is prevalent, but not disruptive, making for a fair test whether walking or riding. Palmer’s team carefully routed the course to emphasize the natural beauty of the coastal Alabama landscape. While not a regular stop on any major professional tour, Cypress Bend has hosted numerous regional and state championships, providing a stern but accessible challenge to aspiring golfers and seasoned amateurs alike. Cypress Bend’s unassuming clubhouse reflects the friendly, unpretentious nature of its membership. It is a popular place for casual rounds and weekly games, appreciated more for its playability and value than any particular notoriety. Known among locals as the go-to spot to bring out-of-towners for a relaxed, enjoyable round, its reputation is as a solid, no-frills golf experience.