LOST KEY GOLF CLUB
🇺🇸 Pensacola, FL, USA
Designed by Arnold Palmer


Lost Key Golf Club occupies a narrow barrier island along the northern Gulf Coast near Pensacola, Florida. Designed by Arnold Palmer and opened in 2005, the course sits on a slender strip of land bordered by Perdido Bay to the north and the Intracoastal Waterway to the south. The routing takes advantage of this constrained geography, with holes threading through coastal wetlands, tidal marshes, and patches of native vegetation. The flat terrain and exposure to prevailing winds make club selection and ball flight management central to scoring, particularly on the long par fours that stretch along the water's edge.
The layout features several holes that play directly beside or over wetland areas, creating both visual drama and strategic challenge. Water comes into play on more than half the holes, often in the form of tidal creeks and marsh fingers that define landing areas and green complexes. The par threes vary in length and character, with some playing across open water to greens framed by sand and marsh grasses. The course's setting provides views across the bay and toward the mainland, though the primary focus remains on navigating the narrow corridors and managing the wind.
Lost Key operates as a private club and serves as the centerpiece of a residential community on the island. The facility includes practice areas and a clubhouse that overlooks the water, typical of Palmer's resort-influenced designs from this period in the Florida Panhandle.
Reviews
Layout while interesting is lack luster. Average condition.
Back in the 90’s instead of Lost Key, we called it Lost Ball
Fun course, is not set up for a golfer who can’t keep a driver low and in play. Every hole had tight fairways and typically hazards on both sides. I love this course, a lot of people hate it. Very difficult course.
Seems like the general impression of Lost Key (or in my case Lost Ball) is that you either love it or hate it. We have played it on three or four different occasions and I have grown to appreciate it especially after playing most of the other courses in the area. It is a good value, has some fun holes, good layout and views. If I was really good and could hit it straight then I would likely rate it much higher. My recommendation is that if you happen to be a golfer that struggles to hit fairways then you need bring about two dozen extra balls.
FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Lost Key at Lost Key Golf Club has a Course Vaults score of 7.4 out of 10 based on 20 explicit golfer ratings.
Lost Key was designed by Arnold Palmer.
Yes. Lost Key at Lost Key Golf Club is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Lost Key is 71.
Lost Key plays 6,801 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Lost Key is 145.