Baytowne Golf Club Sandestin

Baytowne Golf Club Sandestin: Tom Jackson’s Beach-to-Bay Layout with Rare Florida Elevation

No other course on Florida’s Emerald Coast can claim what Baytowne Golf Club does: a routing that actually runs from the Gulf of Mexico to the Choctawhatchee Bay. Tom Jackson designed it in 1986 and came back in 2005 to renovate and tighten the layout. Golf Digest gave the post-renovation course 4.5 stars. The routing still holds up.

The front nine threads through pine corridors with heavy bunkering — Jackson put most of his bunkers on the front, making it a ball-striking test that penalizes anything off the short grass. The back nine is where the elevation changes arrive, which is notable for Northwest Florida, where most courses play pancake-flat. Views of the Sandestin beachfront hotels appear from elevated positions on the back half, giving the round a visual identity that’s hard to replicate elsewhere on the coast.

Water comes into play on 12 of the 18 holes. Hole 9 is the standout: a 90-degree dogleg-left par 5 that starts with water on both sides of the fairway, a bunker complex at the crook of the dogleg, and a finishing approach with water pinching in from the left and bunkers covering the bailout right. It plays differently at every skill level and rewards decisions, not just distance.

Five tee sets range from 3,002 yards to 6,804, with the junior/family tees at 3,002 making this an uncommon resort option for players still developing the game. Kids 12 and under play free with a paying adult on Monday through Sunday at 11:00 AM or later (one adult per child required; seasonal restrictions apply).

Guide to Emerald Coast Golf

Baytowne Golf Club Sandestin — Course Info

Membership at Baytowne Golf Club Sandestin

Baytowne is included in the Golf Club of Sandestin membership alongside Raven and The Links. Members play Baytowne with no greens fee, pay preferred cart fees ($22), receive special guest rates starting at $47, and get unlimited practice facility access, advance booking windows, and PGA instruction discounts. Initiation fee is $7,500; monthly dues are $163/single or $210/family for Sandestin owners and $175/single or $233/family for public members. Contact (850) 267-8208 or golf@sandestin.com.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baytowne Golf Club Sandestin

Is Baytowne Golf Club at Sandestin open to the public? Yes. Baytowne is open to public play and non-resort guests. Tee times can be booked up to 14 days in advance for the public and up to six months for Sandestin resort guests. Group bookings can be arranged up to 13 months out.

What makes Baytowne Golf Club unique among Sandestin courses? Baytowne is the only course on the Emerald Coast routed from the Gulf of Mexico to Choctawhatchee Bay. It also features more elevation changes than the other Sandestin layouts, and water comes into play on 12 of 18 holes.

What are the green fees at Baytowne Golf Club Sandestin? Peak rates run approximately $159, including cart and practice balls. Rates vary by season and tee time. Check current pricing at sandestin.com or call (850) 267-8155 for daily specials and package quotes.

Does Baytowne Golf Club have junior golf options? Yes. A fifth set of junior tees plays just 3,002 yards. Kids 12 and under play free with a paying adult Monday through Sunday at 11:00 AM or later, subject to seasonal availability.