Best Golf Courses in Destin, Florida

Although Destin, Florida is primarily known for its sugar-white sand and emerald green waters, our coastal community is also a golfer’s haven. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just a casual enthusiast, Destin offers a variety of golf courses that cater to all skill levels. With beautiful views, challenging layouts, and world-class amenities, these courses make Destin a top destination for golf lovers. Here’s a roundup of the best golf courses in Destin, Florida. Get ready to make your trip a hole in one!

Kelly Plantation Golf Club

Kelly Plantation Golf Club is situated along the Choctawhatchee Bay and features a beautiful mix of coastal and woodland landscapes. With its lush greens, scenic water hazards, and strategically placed bunkers, Kelly Plantation offers a captivating golf experience. The club’s world-class amenities include a fully equipped driving range, a short game area, and a luxurious clubhouse, where you can relax after a round with a delicious meal and view of the course.

Regatta Bay
Golf & Yacht Club

Located just minutes from Destin’s famous beaches, Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club is often considered one of the area’s finest courses. This 18-hole, par-72 championship course combines breathtaking natural beauty with a challenging layout. Water features come into play on several holes, while the towering pines and majestic oaks lining the fairways create a gorgeous setting.

Overlooking Lake Regatta, the clubhouse offers excellent facilities, including a driving range, practice greens, and a fully stocked pro shop, making it a complete golf experience. With its stunning views and impressive layout, it’s no wonder Regatta Bay is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Emerald Bay Golf Club

Emerald Bay Golf Club is another gem in the region. Designed by renowned golf course architect Bob Cupp, this 18-hole, par-72 course winds through wetlands, towering pine trees, and along the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay. Emerald Bay is known for its excellent course conditions and well-maintained greens, offering a fun yet challenging experience for golfers of all abilities. The club also features a pro shop, driving range, and a charming clubhouse for golfers to relax and enjoy post-round refreshments.

Indian Bayou Golf Club

Indian Bayou Golf Club in Destin, Florida, is a beautiful 18-hole golf course that offers golfers of all skill levels an enjoyable yet demanding round. Indian Bayou is renowned for its laid-back, friendly atmosphere, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors. The course also provides an excellent practice facility, including a driving range and putting green, as well as a clubhouse with amenities for golfers to relax before or after their rounds.

Sandestin
Golf and Beach Resort

Located just east of Destin, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort boasts four championship courses. From beach to bay, each course has its own unique challenges, rewards and characteristics.

• The Links is the original course in Sandestin and offers a winding layout against the backdrop of the Baytowne Marina and the Choctawhatchee Bay.
• Baytowne Golf Club is the only course on the Emerald Coast that extends from the beach to the bay. It also features some of the only elevation changes of any golf course in the area and is as forgiving from the forward tees as it is challenging from the championship tees. The fifth set of tees makes this course a great option for beginners just learning the game or a casual round before having dinner at The Village of Baytowne Wharf.
• Raven Golf Club is masterfully carved through the marshes and pine trees of Sandestin. Experience dramatic changes in color and texture throughout the course, such as large, undulating greens that make club selection an essential part of each round.
• Burnt Pine has been called the “Crown Jewel of Florida Golf” by Golf Magazine. The back nine features breathtaking views along the Choctawhatchee Bay and the front nine meanders through pine forests and wetlands.

Santa Rosa
Golf & Beach Club

Just a short drive from Destin, Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club offers a unique and picturesque golfing experience on the western end of 30A. This 18-hole, par-72 course is the only course in the area with two holes that back up to the Gulf of Mexico. It also offers a 6-hole short course called The Loop, which is situated on the driving range for more practice and training opportunities. Make sure you check out the Club’s award-winning restaurant, Vue on 30a. It offers Gulf views and delicious cuisine.

As you can see, Destin is more than just a beach getaway—it’s a golfer’s dream. With a range of courses that suit every skill level and preference, this coastal paradise offers something for everyone. Whether you’re teeing off at a world-class championship course or enjoying a more casual round, Destin’s golf courses promise to provide a memorable experience amid stunning natural beauty. So, pack your clubs and get ready to play some of the best golf in Florida!

*All photos were taken at Indian Bayou Golf Course