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When most people think about Port Aransas, they think about beaches, fishing, dolphin spotting, and seafood. Playing golf in Port Aransas isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind.
But here’s the thing a lot of visitors are pleasantly surprised to discover: Yes, you can absolutely play golf in Port Aransas.
In fact, the island has its own scenic coastal course, and there are several additional golf courses within a short drive if you want to turn your beach trip into a full golf weekend. If you’re visiting Mustang Island and thinking about squeezing in a round, here’s what you should know.
Golf on Mustang Island: Palmilla Beach Golf Club
The place to play golf in Port Aransas is Palmilla Beach Golf Club, the only golf course on Mustang Island. And it’s not just any course. It’s a coastal links-style course originally designed by Arnold Palmer, which means it was intentionally designed to work with the natural landscape of the island.
Instead of dense trees and narrow fairways, you’ll see:
- rolling dunes
- coastal grasses
- wide fairways
- Gulf views
- plenty of open sky
It feels a little more like a traditional Scottish-style links course than a typical Texas golf course. And the wind? Well, that’s part of the challenge.
If you’re planning to play a round while you’re here, it’s worth bringing a few basics with you—especially if you’re flying in or packing light in the car. A soft-sided golf travel bag makes it much easier to bring your clubs without worrying about damage, and a simple cooling towel can make a big difference once the coastal humidity kicks in. Don’t forget extra golf gloves as well.
The Course Layout
The current layout is a 9-hole course that plays as a par 32, stretching about 2,400 yards from the back tees.
But there’s a twist. You can actually play the course in several different formats:
- 9 holes for a quick round
- 12 holes by adding the short “Loop” course
- 21 holes if you add everything together
- 18 holes by playing the main course twice
This flexibility makes it a great option whether you want a quick morning round or a longer afternoon game.
Another nice bonus: golf carts are included with tee times, and there’s a driving range and practice green if you want to warm up first.
What it’s like playing golf here
One thing you notice quickly when playing at Palmilla Beach Golf Club is how much the course leans into the island landscape.
Some holes offer views of the Gulf and beach, and others wind through natural dunes and coastal vegetation. But the biggest factor? The breeze.
On calm mornings, the course can feel relaxed and approachable. By afternoon, the coastal wind can turn simple shots into a bit of an adventure. Locals know the secret: tee off early if you want calmer conditions.
What to bring for a round in Port Aransas
The biggest thing you’ll notice out here is the breeze. It’s part of the fun, but it also means you’ll want to be prepared. A lightweight golf hat that stays put in the wind and a good pair of polarized sunglasses (my top pick: Goodr) go a long way toward keeping you comfortable during your round.
If you’re squeezing in a round during your trip, here are a few things that make beachfront golf experience a lot more comfortable:
- A cooler-friendly golf bag or small cooler (great for water and drinks)
- A magnetic rangefinder if you like dialing in distances (helpful with the wind)
- Extra golf balls — the coastal terrain can be forgiving, but not always
- A portable phone stand if you’re tracking your game or checking scores
Nothing over the top — just a few things that make a casual round on the island a little easier.
The Palmilla Beach Resort Community
The course is part of the larger Palmilla Beach Resort, a planned beachfront community with vacation rentals, resort pools, and dining. Even if you’re not staying at the resort, the area feels polished and relaxed — perfect for a golf morning followed by lunch or drinks.
It’s one of the more upscale areas of Port Aransas, but still very much in keeping with the island’s laid-back vibe.
You’ll see:
- vacation homes and condos
- golf carts cruising around
- families biking between the beach and pools
- And of course, plenty of golfers heading to their tee times
Dining After Your Round
One of the best parts about playing at Palmilla Beach Golf Club is that you don’t have to go far once your round is finished. The on-site restaurant, Black Marlin Bar & Grill, sits overlooking the course and offers both indoor and outdoor seating.
It’s a great place to wind down after a round with:
- seafood dishes
- burgers and sandwiches
- cold drinks and views across the resort
If you want to explore more dining options nearby, you’re only a few minutes from some Port Aransas favorites, including:
- La Playa Mexican Grille for seafood and coastal Mexican dishes
- Coffee Waves for coffee or dessert
- Fins Grill & Icehouse for casual seafood and live music
Which means a golf morning can easily turn into a full afternoon of island exploring. Find more of my top restaurant picks around town in my free Port Aransas Restaurant Guide (+ printable dining guide).
Places to Stay Near the Golf Course
If you’re planning golf as part of your Port Aransas trip, staying close to the course can make things especially convenient.
The closest option is inside the resort itself: Palmilla Beach Resort & Golf Community. Here you’ll find vacation homes and condos that range from cozy beach cottages to larger family properties. Many rentals include access to:
- resort pools
- golf cart rentals
- walking paths around the community
- easy beach access via boardwalk
Other nearby places to stay include: Cinnamon Shore. A beautiful coastal neighborhood with vacation rentals, pools, and beach access that’s popular with families and groups.
If you’re staying nearby, it’s also nice to have a simple gear tote or beach wagon to move everything between your rental, the course, and the beach without multiple trips.
And if you want to stay closer to the center of town, many rentals and hotels are only about a 5–10 minute drive from the golf course. Learn more about how to find the best area of town here: Where to Stay in Port Aransas (From Someone Who Spends a Lot of Time Here).
When is the Best Time to Golf in Port Aransas?
One of the nice things about the Texas coast is that golf is possible year-round. But some seasons are definitely better than others. Here’s how to play your best golf for each season…
Spring (March – May)
Probably the best overall weather for golf — mild temperatures and steady breezes.
Summer (June – August)
Play early in the morning if you can. Afternoon heat and humidity can be intense on the course.
Fall (October – November)
Another excellent time to play a round with comfortable temperatures and fewer summer crowds.
Winter (December – February)
Still very playable most days, especially compared to other parts of the country.
TIP: Check my updated list of annual events, festivals, fishing tournaments, and seasonal happenings around Port Aransas before you plan your golf trip: Port Aransas Annual Events Calendar.
More Golf Courses near Port Aransas
If you’re planning a longer golf trip or want to try multiple golf courses in the area, there are several additional options within about 30–40 minutes of the city. Here are a few popular nearby courses…
NorthShore Country Club (Portland)
Located just across the bridge from Corpus Christi, this private club sometimes allows guest play depending on availability. The course is known for tree-lined fairways, challenging greens, and scenic views along the bay. It’s one of the more established golf courses in the area.
Lozano Golf Center (Corpus Christi)
This large municipal golf facility has two 18-hole courses, making it one of the most accessible public golf options near Port Aransas. Golfers like it because it offers affordable greens fees, multiple course layouts, and practice facilities. It’s about a 35–40 minute drive from Port Aransas.
Oso Beach Municipal Golf Course (Corpus Christi)
Another public option in Corpus Christi, this course sits along Oso Bay and offers scenic waterfront holes. It’s a relaxed, affordable course that’s great for casual rounds during a coastal vacation.
A Perfect Port Aransas Golf Day
You may find the ideal golf day on the island looks something like this:
- Morning round at Palmilla Beach Golf Club
- Lunch at Black Marlin Bar & Grill
- Afternoon beach walk or dolphin spotting
- Seafood dinner somewhere in town, like Tortuga’s Saltwater Grill or Bluewater Cowboy
A lot of visitors end up doing a mix of golf and beach time in the same day, so it helps to have a few crossover items — like a cooler backpack or quick-dry towel — that work just as well on the course as they do on the sand.
Golf, beach time, and great food all in the same day. That’s a pretty solid Port Aransas golf itinerary.
Now to plan your trip…
Here’s a few helpful links to get you started with your trip planning:
