Destin Golf Courses: Top 8 Places to Play a Round

Destin, Florida — one of the state’s hot spots for golf — offers proximity to dozens of courses located along the Emerald Coast. Featuring a variety of holes and challenges, these Destin golf courses welcome players to drive and putt their way through the greens. No matter if it’s the first time or looking for a new place to play, visit these top courses. See which ones made the list.

Top Destin Golf Courses to Play a Round

Blackstone Golf Course

One of the most popular courses located on the Emerald Coast, Blackstone offers 18 holes through rolling terrain and slanted fairways. The course was designed by William W. Amick, an established golf architect who has designed more than 75 courses. Visitors can play their way through this semi-private course, or practice on the driving range and putting greens.

Emerald Bay Golf Club

Located between Destin and the South Walton beaches, players test their skills at Emerald Bay Golf Club. The 18-hole course, designed by Bob Cupp, includes water features and bay views, and is located inside the Emerald Bay gated community. This course also completed a renovation, which added a pro shop and on-site restaurant that offers indoor and outdoor seating.

The Golf Garden of Destin

Take the family to Golf Garden of Destin for nine or 18 holes of golf. This public course also houses a 10-acre driving range and 18-hole putt-putt course, providing a fun activity for every member of the family. Those who need private instruction can also take lessons from licensed PGA professionals.

Indian Bayou Golf and Country Club

Another must-see among Destin golf courses is Indian Bayou Golf Club. This club features three different nine-hole courses: Seminole, Choctaw and Creek. Guests can play their way through one or all of the courses, which feature pine trees, lakes and wide fairways. Indian Bayou has also completed renovations and has a bar and grill for those looking to recharge.

Kelly Plantation Golf Club

The semi-private Kelly Plantation Golf Club sits along Choctawhatchee Bay. Golfers enjoy panoramic views of the bay, 11 lakes, and magnolia and palmetto trees. Designed by Fred Couples and Gene Bates, this 18-hole course has more than 7,000 yards of greens, perfect for a day of fun with friends and family. After a round, visit The Grille, which opens to the public for lunch every day and dinner on Thursdays.

Regatta Bay Golf and Yacht Club

Featuring 18 holes and situated on a protected nature preserve, Regatta Bay course offers nearly 7,000 yards and scenic views. Golfers of all skill levels are welcome to try this award-winning course, which has been named a top among Golf Digest, Florida Golf News and Emerald Coast magazine. In addition, guests enjoy on-site dining at the clubhouse, which serves all meals including Sunday brunch.

Sandestin Golf Resort

Award-winning Sandestin Golf Resort houses four golf courses, all offering their own challenges and designs. The Links Golf Club has five bayside holes and plays around 4,800 to 6,710 yards.

Beginners, families and experts alike can test their skills at Baytowne, which has some of the only elevation changes in the area. The course plays 3,000 to 6,800 yards and has a fifth set of U.S. kids junior tees.

Designed by Robert Trent Jones, the Raven course features a variety of landscapes, and plays 5,000 to 6,900 yards, with lakes, trees and natural areas surrounding the course.

Last but not least, Burnt Pine features 7,000 yards, with bay views, pine forests and wetlands. This course was designed by Rees Jones and is the only place in the world where Rees and Robert Trent Jones Jr. courses meet.

Windswept Dunes

For a more remote spot, visit Windswept Dunes, located 30 minutes from Destin. Situated on 750 acres, the 18-hole course features white sand dunes and rolling fairways. Windswept Dunes is not only among the top-rated Destin golf courses, but it also prides itself on its off-the-beaten-path location and tranquil atmosphere. Guests can also practice on the driving range and browse the pro shop for all their golf needs.

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