
Lost Key Course
Lost Key Golf Club


About this course
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.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in FL
Quick facts
- Location
- Pensacola, FL, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1997
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Arnold Palmer
- Par
- 71
- Length
- 6,801 yards
- Difficulty
- 73.9/145
- Course Vaults score
- 7.3
Getting there
Most arrivals to Lost Key Golf Club touch down at Pensacola International Airport, a compact and efficient gateway just twenty minutes west along the Gulf Coast corridor. The drive traces the northern shore of Perdido Bay before crossing onto the barrier island, where the road narrows and the salt air thickens, signaling the transition from mainland Florida to the secluded realm of the resort. For those seeking discretion, private aircraft can arrange arrival at nearby regional facilities, though the final approach by car - past marshland and over the causeway - remains the same quiet ritual, ending at the gates of a club designed to feel worlds removed from the city left behind.

FAQ
Common questions about Lost Key
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Lost Key has a Course Vaults score of 7.3 out of 10 based on 33 logged golfers.
Lost Key was designed by Arnold Palmer.
Yes. Lost Key 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.





