This year marks a milestone we’re incredibly proud of—30 years of Kiva Dunes. Since opening in 1995, Kiva has grown into more than just a golf resort or beach destination. It’s become a place where families gather, friendships form, and time slows down just enough to soak it all in.
To mark this anniversary, we’re reflecting on the story of how Kiva Dunes came to be, how it’s evolved, and what’s made it such a beloved part of Alabama’s Gulf Coast.
A Vision Carved Into the Dunes
Kiva Dunes began as a dream—a vision brought to life by Jim “Scrappy” Edgemon. Scrappy saw something special in this stretch of coastline, something worth protecting and sharing.
He teamed up with longtime friend, Larry Drummond and U.S. Open Champion Jerry Pate to design a golf course unlike anything else in the region. Together, they created a course that worked with the land—not against it—respecting the rolling dunes, coastal winds, and native habitats that make this corner of the world so unique.
What followed was a course that’s not just beautiful, but bold. Kiva Dunes quickly gained recognition as one of the best public golf courses in the country, drawing players from near and far.
But Scrappy’s vision was always bigger than golf—it was about creating a place that felt like home.
More Than a Course
In the years since, Kiva Dunes has grown into a full coastal resort—offering not just golf, but beachside escapes, family vacations, and second homes for those who fall in love with the place. With a mix of vacation homes, condos, pools, tennis courts, on-site dining, and private beach access, Kiva has become a destination where guests can truly unplug and unwind.
Generations of families have made memories here—learning to swing a club for the first time, walking barefoot to the beach at sunset, or simply enjoying coffee on the porch as the gulf breeze drifts in. It’s that quiet magic that keeps people coming back year after year.
People Make the Place
Kiva wouldn’t be what it is today without the people behind the scenes. Over the years, we’ve been lucky to have a team that believes in what this place stands for.
Two team members who’ve been with us since year one are Angie Palmer and Mark Stilling.
Angie, our longtime restaurant manager, brings warmth and hospitality to every guest interaction—whether she’s greeting diners or organizing events that bring the community together. Her presence has helped shape the welcoming, fun spirit of the Kiva experience.
Mark, our Director of Golf, has helped players grow their love for the game while maintaining the high standards Kiva is known for. His calm leadership, golf knowledge, and dedication to the course have been instrumental to our success over the last three decades.
Their loyalty and care reflect what makes Kiva Dunes special: people who love this place and treat it like home.
Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
Thirty years is a long time—but here at Kiva Dunes, it still feels like the beginning. We’ve evolved, adapted, and grown, but our core mission remains the same: to offer a peaceful, high-quality coastal experience rooted in natural beauty, great golf, and genuine hospitality.
We’re deeply grateful to everyone who’s been part of this journey—our founders, staff, homeowners, visitors, and friends who’ve helped build something truly unique on the Gulf Coast.
Here’s to the next 30 years of fairways, friendships, and fresh sea breezes.
Thank you for being a part of the Kiva Dunes story.
Plan Your Visit and Celebrate With Us
Whether you’ve been part of the Kiva family for decades or are discovering us for the first time, we’d love for you to join us in celebrating 30 years of Kiva Dunes.
Explore our vacation rentals, book a tee time, or simply come down and experience the beauty of Alabama’s Gulf Coast for yourself.
