Destin, Florida sits on the Emerald Coast, an area known for its clear green water and fine soft sand. For golfers, the region offers a surprising concentration of high-quality courses that range from resort-style layouts to daily-fee gems. Whether you are a local resident or a tourist planning a golf getaway, the Destin area provides a variety of public-access courses that earn strong ratings from players and critics alike. This guide covers the top-rated Destin Florida golf courses based on verified player reviews and official course information.
Why Golf in Destin Stands Out
The combination of coastal scenery, year-round mild weather, and well-maintained fairways makes Destin a popular destination for golfers. Many courses are carved through native pine forests and along the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay, offering scenic views alongside challenging designs. The average golfer rating for Destin area courses on GolfPass is 3.9 out of 5, based on more than 24,000 reviews. That consistency across a range of layouts means you can find a course that fits your skill level and budget. Most courses in Destin are open to the public, and several have earned national recognition from Golf Digest and other organizations.
Top-Rated Destin Florida Golf Courses by Player Ratings
To help you choose where to play, here are the top-ranked courses in the Destin area according to GolfPass user ratings. These scores reflect real experiences from thousands of rounds played.
| Course | GolfPass Rating | Location/Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Burnt Pine at Sandestin | 4.92 | Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort |
| Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club | 4.67 | Destin |
| Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club | 4.59 | Destin |
| Kelly Plantation Golf Club | 4.45 | Destin |
| Raven at Sandestin | 4.32 | Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort |
| Links at Sandestin | 4.26 | Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort |
| Rocky Bayou Country Club | 4.19 | Niceville |
| Emerald Bay Golf Club | 4.12 | Destin / South Walton |
| Pines at Ft. Walton Beach | 3.98 | Fort Walton Beach |
| Eglin AFB Falcon Course | 3.94 | Eglin Air Force Base |
While ratings give a snapshot, each course has distinct characteristics worth understanding before you book a tee time.
Detailed Look at the Best Destin Florida Golf Courses
Burnt Pine at Sandestin (Rating 4.92)
Burnt Pine consistently ranks as the highest-rated course in the Destin area on GolfPass, with a near-perfect 4.92 score. Located inside Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, this Rees Jones-designed layout is often described by Tripadvisor reviewers as a hidden gem on the Emerald Coast. The course weaves through towering pine trees and offers a mix of open and tight holes that challenge players of all levels. Because it is part of the Sandestin resort, guests have preferred access, but public tee times are sometimes available. If you can get on Burnt Pine, it is an experience that rivals the best Florida has to offer.
Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club (Rating 4.67)
Regatta Bay is an 18-hole public golf course in Destin designed by Robert C. Walker. It was voted an ICONIC golf club by BoardRoom Magazine in partnership with Forbes Travel Guide, a recognition that speaks to the quality of the facility and service. The course features wide fairways, large greens, and several water hazards that come into play on nearly every hole. Regatta Bay also offers a TrackMan 4 simulator studio, making it a great option for practice or when the weather does not cooperate. The clubhouse provides a full-service dining and event space, and the course is walkable for those who prefer to carry or use a push cart.
Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club (Rating 4.59)
Indian Bayou is a 27-hole facility with three distinct nines: the Seminole, the Choctaw, and the Biloxi. The course is known for its rolling terrain, mature trees, and strategic water features. It is a semi-private club but welcomes public play. Indian Bayou has a strong local following, and the variety among the nines means you can play a different combination each round. The practice area includes a double-ended driving range and a short-game facility. It is a solid choice for golfers who want a classic Florida parkland layout.
Kelly Plantation Golf Club (Rating 4.45)
Kelly Plantation Golf Club is consistently rated as one of the best golf courses in Destin, Florida, and is open to the public. The course was originally designed by Fred Couples and Gene Bates, and has been recently enhanced by Bill Bergin Golf Design. It spans over 7,000 yards from the back tees and holds a 4 1/2-star rating from Golf Digest. The layout takes full advantage of the natural terrain, with holes that meander through wetlands and along Choctawhatchee Bay. The clubhouse serves breakfast, lunch, Thursday night dinners, Sunday brunch, and Friday pub night, making it a full-day destination for golfers. Kelly Plantation is a must-play for serious golfers visiting Destin.
Raven at Sandestin (Rating 4.32)
The Raven is the second course at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., it is a links-style layout that features rolling fairways, pot bunkers, and several holes with water in play. The Raven is generally more forgiving than Burnt Pine, making it a good choice for mid-handicappers or groups with mixed abilities. The course is open to the public and resort guests. Because it is one of the four Sandestin courses, you can often book a combination package for multiple rounds.
Links at Sandestin (Rating 4.26)
As the name suggests, the Links at Sandestin is the resort’s original course and offers a traditional links feel with wide fairways, dunes, and strategic bunkering. It is a 27-hole facility with three nines: the Baytowne, the Burnt Pine, and the Ocean. The course is walkable and tends to be less crowded than the resort’s other options. It is a great value choice within the Sandestin complex.
Rocky Bayou Country Club (Rating 4.19)
Rocky Bayou is a private club with limited public access, but it sometimes allows outside play through reciprocal arrangements or special events. The course is set on the shores of Rocky Bayou and offers scenic views of the water on several holes. If you have a connection or are staying at a partner resort, it is worth trying to get a tee time here.
Emerald Bay Golf Club (Rating 4.12)
Emerald Bay is an exclusive golf course community located between Destin and the Beaches of South Walton on Choctawhatchee Bay. The course is private but occasionally opens to the public through stay-and-play packages at surrounding resorts. Designed by Robert C. Walker, the layout features tight fairways, forced carries over water, and undulating greens. The natural beauty of the bayfront setting makes Emerald Bay a memorable round if you can secure access.
Pines at Ft. Walton Beach (Rating 3.98) and Eglin AFB Falcon (3.94)
These two courses offer more affordable options for golfers willing to drive a short distance from Destin. The Pines at Ft. Walton Beach is a municipal-style course with a straightforward layout, while Eglin AFB Falcon is open to military personnel and their guests, requiring base access. Both are solid choices for a casual round when the top-tier courses are booked.
Other Notable Destin Golf Courses
In addition to the courses ranked above, the PGA lists several other facilities in Destin: Blackstone Golf Course, Edwin Watts Golf Destin (a retail store and practice range), National Golf Outlet, Sandpiper Cove Golf Course (a rental-resort course), and Seascape Golf & Racquet Club in nearby Miramar Beach. These courses cater to different budgets and skill levels. For the most current availability and rates, check directly with the course or use the official PGA course finder.
Planning Your Destin Golf Trip
Because Destin is a seasonal beach destination, the best time to play golf is typically in the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and crowds are thinner. Summer tee times can be harder to secure, especially at Burnt Pine and Regatta Bay. Most courses in the area offer online booking and many have stay-and-play packages with nearby hotels or rental condos. If you are staying at Sandestin Resort, you have four courses to choose from without needing a car. For those basing themselves in a rental house along 30A or in Destin proper, courses like Kelly Plantation, Indian Bayou, and Regatta Bay are all within a 15-minute drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the top Destin golf courses open to the public?
Yes, most of the highest-rated Destin Florida golf courses are open to the public. Kelly Plantation, Regatta Bay, and Indian Bayou all welcome daily-fee players. Burnt Pine at Sandestin primarily serves resort guests, but some public tee times may be available. Emerald Bay and Rocky Bayou are private but sometimes grant access through stay-and-play partnerships.
Which Destin golf course has the highest rating?
Burnt Pine at Sandestin holds the highest GolfPass user rating in the Destin area at 4.92 out of 5. Regatta Bay follows at 4.67, and Indian Bayou is close behind at 4.59. Kelly Plantation also earns strong marks with a 4.45 rating and a 4 1/2-star ranking from Golf Digest.
How long are the courses in Destin?
Course lengths vary, but Kelly Plantation spans over 7,000 yards from the back tees. Most other courses in the area range from 6,200 to 6,800 yards, with forward tees available for shorter hitters. All courses offer multiple tee boxes to accommodate different skill levels.
Can I book tee times online for Destin golf courses?
Yes, nearly all public-access courses in Destin allow online tee time booking through their own websites or through services like GolfNow. It is recommended to book ahead, especially during peak season (spring and fall), because popular tee times can sell out a week in advance.
With a strong selection of well-rated public courses, beautiful coastal scenery, and year-round playability, Destin Florida golf courses offer something for every golfer. Whether you choose the prestigious Burnt Pine, the acclaimed Kelly Plantation, or the versatile Indian Bayou, you will find a memorable round on the Emerald Coast.
