Destin FL Golf Courses (Public & Private With Details) – GolfCourser
Destin is the most popular destination for tourists on the Emerald Coast. And it’s no wonder why.
The city with its many Gulf of Mexico beaches dotting the shoreline is also home to a large number of golf courses.
Along with the neighboring cities, the area accounts for one of the highest per capita golf courses in the state.
Destin, with an area of just 7.69 sq mi, has got 5 golf courses within its city boundaries.
The city has a warm and temperate climate, typical of the region, making it a year-round golfing destination.
There are 4 semi-private courses in Destin and 1 public course.
So, if you happen to find yourself in Destin for business or leisure, check out these courses and you won’t be disappointed.
Destin Florida Golf Courses
The 4 courses of Emerald Bay Golf Club, Indian Bayou Gold Club, Kelly Plantation Golf Club, and Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club are semi-private clubs.
Kelly Plantation Golf Club Destin
Kelly Plantation Golf Club (Semi-Private)
Kelly Plantation Golf Club is one of the most prestigious golf courses in the region.
Built in 1998 and designed by Fred Couples and Gene Bates, the site sits on a former turpentine plantation.
It’s an 18-hole par 72 course with a slope of 137 and a USGA rating of 74.6.
The course has stunning panoramic views of the Choctawhatchee Bay and is impeccably maintained.
Lined with trees native to the region such as Magnolias and Palmettos, the course has a serene and placid vibe to it.
To add charm to these already pristine surroundings are 11 lakes that dot the fairways with the largest one encircling holes 9 and 18.
The course measures 7099 yards from the back tees.
There are several tees that you can play from depending on your handicap with the forward ones aiding the novice golfer and the 7099-yard back tee testing the true skills of a long hitter.
The course also has notched up several accolades from prestigious golf publications including the Top 25 course in the US several times as well as featuring in the Top Florida courses too.
The course has a driving range with a chipping area and a 10,000 sq ft putting green.
The clubhouse has an extensive menu with casual dining options with stunning views of the course.
The tee times start at 7:17 a.m. with the last one at 5.55 p.m.
The green fees start at $165 for an 18-hole morning tee-off to $89 for an afternoon round.
Website
Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club Destin
Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club (Semi-Private)
Another golf course that’s known as one of the best in Destin, and also has won accolades as one of the best in Florida is the Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club.
This course was built in 1996 and was designed by Robert Walker, who was the former architect for Arnold Palmer and underwent a $2.25 million course enhancement by the same designer.
The course is also rated amongst one of the best in Florida by major golf publications.
It’s an 18-hole par 72 course that measures 6800 yards from the back tees with a slope of 138 and rating of 73.2.
The course has a nice layout and is situated right along the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay with gorgeous emerald green views to play for, and amidst a nature preserve.
This also means that you can expect to see water at play throughout.
The golf academy has a driving range with 1200 sq ft of covered area with the only golf simulation studio in Destin.
The facility also has a clubhouse with a full-service restaurant.
Tee times start at 6:54 a.m. with rates of $156 and taper down to $74 for an afternoon tee-off, for 18 holes. You can also opt for a 9-hole short game in the afternoon if you are short of time.
There are 3 types of membership options available – Golf, Social, and Corporate.
Website
Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club – Destin
Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club (Semi-Private)
Indian Bayou Golf course was built in 1978 and was designed by Earl Stone. It calls itself the ‘hidden gem of Destin.’
This is an 18-hole par 72 course with a slope of 132 and a rating of 74.6 for the gold tee.
The course measures 7070 yards from the back tees making it a long hitter’s dream.
The front 9 are forgiving with wide fairways and have water coming into play on 4 holes.
The back 9 has only two par 3’s. And this is where long hitters can shine provided there is good control of the ball as there are strategic hazard placements that can derail the shot if not played accurately.
The greens and fairways are well-maintained but the back nine can be wet sometimes.
The course has been rated as one of the top 25 golf courses in the US in the past and has also been featured in the list of top Florida golf courses.
The rates start at $129 for an 18-hole morning tee time and then tapers down to $79 for an afternoon tee-off.
Annual membership options are available for ‘Single’ as well as for ‘Family.’
The course also has practice facilities such as a driving range, putting green with short game pitching and chipping area too.
Website
Destin Florida Golf Course Communities
Emerald Bay Golf Club is the only community golf facility in Destin.
Emerald Bay Golf Club (Semi-Private)
Emerald Bay Gold Club is part of the Emerald Bay golf course community.
The course was designed by architect Bob Cupp in 1991 and then underwent a multi-million dollar renovation in 2014 that resulted in bigger greens and tee boxes and a whole host of other improvements.
The course is located along the shores of the picturesque Choctawhatchee Bay with water features coming into play at 12 of the 18 holes.
This is an 18 hole par 72 course with a slope of 143 and a rating of 73.9.
At 7050 yards from the back tees and with 4 sets of tees, this is a challenging course for both the novice as well as experienced long hitters.
The fairways and greens are well maintained, dotted with pines throughout and affording stunning views of the bay from the back nines.
The course has practice facilities with a driving range, putting green, and pitching and chipping areas for your short game.
The facility also provides on-site accommodation with guest houses available for group golfers that can accommodate up to 16 people.
Yearly membership plans are available for Single Full membership with unlimited benefits as well as Family membership. Various other flexible options are also available.
Golf attire is required.
Website
Public Golf Courses In Destin
The Golf Garden of Destin is the only fully public golf course in Destin.
The Golf Garden Of Destin
The Golf Garden Of Destin (Par 3 Course With Night Golf)
This golf course is a 9-hole par 29 executive type course with 2 par 4 holes.
With water on 7 of the 9 holes, the course can be challenging to play even for the experienced golfer.
There’s a lot of fun to be had in the facility for families too.
For those looking for a game of putt-putt golf, there is an 18-hole par 62 putting course.
The practice area includes a 10-acre driving range with 5 practice greens for chipping and putting.
Tee times start at 7:30 a.m. The rates start at $25 for 9 holes and $34 for 18, walking.
The rates remain the same throughout the day with no drop in the afternoon with separate junior and senior rates.
There is a PGA professional available if you require any instruction or training, no matter what your skills levels are at.
It’s also the only course in Destin that has a night golf option and is available from June to August.
Website
Golf Courses Near Destin, FL
The area in and around Destin, also referred to as the Emerald Coast has one of the highest per capita golf courses in the country. A lot of them are acclaimed top-notch facilities too.
Check out the below articles for nearby courses.
Miramar Beach Golf Courses
Niceville Fl Golf Courses
Fort Walton Beach Golf Courses
Panama City Beach Golf Courses