Destin Golf: Paradise Awaits

Destin, Florida is a spectacular location to play great golf courses and totally unwind from the hectic pace of everyday life. The seaside locale has some of the most beautiful and challenging golf properties on the Gulf Coast. The sparkling blue waters, pristine beaches, and tasty seafood make it a Destin-ation that must be included on your short list of places to visit.

Let’s take a look at the golf courses in the area.

Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort

Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort is home to 72 holes of spectacular golf that are sure to meet and exceed your expectations.

The Links Golf Club is the resort’s original layout. Golfers are met with beautiful views and risk-reward challenges. The layout is set against the backdrop of the Baytowne Marina and the Choctawhatchee Bay. Course Designer Tom Jackson created a shot-makers course, which rewards accuracy over power. Five holes run along the bay and offer some of the most amazing views on the Emerald Coast.

Baytown Golf Club features more elevation changes than most courses in the area. Multiple teeing options are available to accommodate golfers of all abilities. The natural setting and immaculate course conditions make Baytown a fun and challenging experience for all players.

Raven Golf Club is known for placing a demand on each tee shot. Robert Trent Jones, Jr carved the layout through the pines and marshes to create one of the most spectacular designs in the region. The large, undulating greens place demands on club selection, ball striking, and rolling great putts.

Burnt Pine Golf Club is known for its rolling fairways and wide variety of holes, especially on the approach shots. Players are challenged by the pines and wetlands on the demanding front nine. The back nine offers amazing views of Choctawhatchee Bay.

Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort offers the best of everything: golf, beaches, dining, shopping, watersports, marinas, and deluxe accommodations…the list goes on.

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive luxury getaway, then Sandestin Beach & Golf Resort is hard to beat.

Visit sandestin.com for course rates and package information or call 800-622-1038 to speak with a representative about the numerous options available.

Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club

Regatta Bay offers consistent challenges and rewards throughout its 18 holes. Robert C. Walker, former lead architect for Arnold Palmer, crafted the layout, which winds through a natural and peaceful setting.

A number of risk-reward opportunities will be presented throughout the round, although the fairways are generally accommodating. Each hole offers a unique challenge.

The par-5 finishing hole is the ultimate risk-reward second shot, giving players with a well-struck drive the opportunity to reach the green in two and end the day with an eagle!

Course conditions are consistently excellent.

Winter Guests should inquire about the Winter VIP Cardholder program. Cardholders receive a special rate of $69.00, which is good all day. The card is just $50 if purchased before 1/1/2023 and $100 after. Other discounts are promotions are included.

18 Rate With Cart: $69 – $151.00

regattabay.com

Kelly Plantation

Course Designers Fred Couples and Gene Bates created in masterpiece with Kelly Plantation. You’ll be treated to immaculate conditions and stunning scenery throughout the round.

Enjoy the views of Choctawhatchee Bay as you take on the generous fairways, avoid the strategically placed hazards, and roll for birdies on the smooth-rolling greens.

Make sure to fine-tune your putting on the 10,000 square foot putting green. Chilled apples are always available on the 10th tee box!

18 Rate With Cart: $99 – $155.00

kellyplantation.com

Indian Bayou Golf Club

Located in the heart of Destin, Indian Bayou is a traditional layout designed by Earl Stone. The course originally opened in 1978. Relatively generous tree-lined fairways allow for the big stick to be used for much of the day, but water will force bigger hitters to lay up on occasion.

Indian Bayou is known for its lush fairways and large, undulating, smooth-rolling greens.

If you are looking for golf instruction, make sure to check out The Bayou Golf Academy headed by Jacob Hill.

18 Rate With Cart: $99 – $145.00

indianbayougolf.com

Acclaimed course architect Bobb Cupp designed Emerald Bay Golf Club, which opened in 1991. Cupp returned in 2014 to oversee a major renovation. The course, set in a gated community, features numerous water hazards and views of the Choctawhatchee Bay.

The ample fairways are lined by bunkers, lateral penalty areas, and tall pines, and lead to smooth-rolling TifEagle Bermuda greens.

“There is no signature hole; it is – instead – a signature golf course.” – Bob Cupp on Emerald Bay.

Groups should ask about availability in the Guest House, which can accommodate up to sixteen. Golf and other discounts are available to guests.

18 Rate With Cart: $89-$129

emeraldbaygolfclub.com

The golf course at Seascape Resort is a Joe Lee design, measuring just over 6,100 from the championship tees and playing to a par of 70. Players are tested by a series of water features which come into play on fifteen holes. Views of the Gulf of Mexico are abundant throughout the round.

Guests of the resort receive complimentary beach service, as well as discounts on golf, bike rentals, watersports rentals, and dining. Resort guests also receive discounted pricing at Emerald Bay Golf Club.

18 Rate With Cart: $39

seascape-resort.com

Fort Walton Beach Golf Club is owned and operated by the City of Fort Walton Beach. Players have their choice of taking on the 6,700 yard Pines Course, or The Oaks which plays to 6,400 yards.

The Pines has wider fairways which run through, you guessed it, a forest of pine trees. The Oaks is known for its tighter fairways which are flanked by oaks and water hazards.

Both courses offer a nice value, with 18 holes and cart for generally under $50.00.

fwb.org/parksrec/page/golf-club

After your round, make sure to treat yourself to some of the wonderful restaurants in the area.

Harborwalk Village is a favorite spot and includes Harry T’s Lighthouse, known for its award-winning gumbo, and Rhumcay Island Grille, specializing in “Floribbean” food and a wide array of craft beer selections.

Harbor Docks has been a Destin mainstay since 1979. If fresh, local seafood and top-notch service are to your liking, then Harbor Docks must be on your list.
If you’d rather prepare your own meal, Harbor Docks Wholesale Seafood Market is your go-to location.

Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House, located on beautiful Destin Harbor, offers some of the most mouth-watering selections you can imagine in a comfortable and casual atmosphere. You’ll find the food, the views, and the service all to your liking.

AJ’s offers a great combination of food, fun, and music. AJ’s has been excelling at all three since 1984.

Destin is an absolute “can’t miss” spot for great golf, scrumptious seafood, crystal-blue water, and sandy-white beaches. I’m ready to head that way right now. How about you?

A visit to destinfwb.com will provide a great deal of useful information that will help in planning your visit to the Destin area.