Emerald Coast Golf Vacation Guide
The Emerald Coast of Florida is one of the most sought-after golf destinations in the southeastern United States. With sugar-white sand beaches, calm emerald waters, and a collection of championship courses designed by legends of the game, this region offers a complete vacation experience for golfers of all skill levels. Whether you prefer a resort where you can walk from your room to the first tee or a quiet rental near the coast, the Emerald Coast delivers variety, challenge, and relaxation. This guide covers the top courses, resort options, and practical advice to help you build a memorable trip.
The Championship Courses You Should Know
The Emerald Coast is home to several standout courses, many of which are located within resort communities. Below is a look at the most notable layouts, including their designers, key stats, and access details as reported by local sources.
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort Four Courses
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort offers four championship courses: Raven, Baytowne, The Links, and Burnt Pine. Raven Golf Club was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and has a rating of 74.1 with a slope of 131. Baytowne Golf Club, by Tom Jackson, blends coastal views with inland holes. The Links Golf Club is a traditional links-style course that provides panoramic bay views. Burnt Pine Golf Club, designed by Rees Jones, is exclusive to resort guests and members. It carries a rating of 72.6 and a slope of 139, making it one of the more demanding layouts at the resort.
Kelly Plantation Golf Club
Located in Destin, Kelly Plantation Golf Club was co-designed by Fred Couples and Gene Bates. The course stretches 7,100 yards and has a rating just under 75 from the back tees. This challenging track is popular among locals and visitors who appreciate a modern design with generous fairways and well-placed hazards.
Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club
Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club was designed by Robert C. Walker. The course underwent a $2.25 million renovation in 2019, updating bunkers, greens, and overall playing conditions. It remains a favorite for those who value a well-maintained layout with a mix of water and mature tree-lined holes.
Emerald Bay Golf Club
Emerald Bay Golf Club, designed by Bob Cupp, was renovated in 2014. The renovation included larger greens, new bunkers, and additional water features. The course offers a balanced challenge that appeals to mid-handicap players and better golfers alike.
Shark’s Tooth Golf Club
Shark’s Tooth Golf Club is part of WaterSound Club and was designed by Greg Norman. It carries a rating of 73.4 and a slope of 139, indicating a difficult layout. The course is primarily for members but is open to WaterSound Club guests. If you are staying within that community, it is well worth playing.
Camp Creek Golf Club
Camp Creek Golf Club, designed by Tom Fazio, has a course rating of 74.7 and a slope of 138. Fazio is known for blending natural terrain with strategic shot-making, and Camp Creek exemplifies that philosophy. It is located near the beach and offers a links-like feel with native scrub and dunes.
Bay Point Resort Golf Club
Bay Point Resort Golf Club was designed by Jack Nicklaus. The course features narrow tree-lined fairways and multiple forced carries over water. It demands accuracy off the tee and solid iron play, making it a true test for accomplished golfers.
Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club
Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club sits directly along Scenic Highway 30A in South Walton. It offers picturesque golf settings with coastal views and a relaxed atmosphere. The course is a good option for travelers staying along the 30A corridor who want a convenient round without leaving the scenic route.
How to Choose Where to Stay
Your choice of accommodation can shape your entire golf vacation. The Emerald Coast offers several distinct areas to base yourself, each with its own advantages. According to a local activity guide, Destin, 30A (which includes Seaside and Grayton Beach), and the Sandestin and Miramar Beach area are recommended for golf weekends. The following table shows how the top-rated golf resorts compare based on Tripadvisor data.
| Resort Name | Tripadvisor Rank | Rating (Reviews) | Price From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort | #1 Best Value | 4.2 (3,668 reviews) | $174 |
| Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection | #2 Best Value | 4.6 (1,146 reviews) | $290 |
| Ariel Dunes by Seascape Resort | #3 Best Value | 3.8 (283 reviews) | Not listed |
| The Villas at Seascape Resort | #4 Best Value | 2.9 (82 reviews) | Not listed |
Note that the prices listed are for the hotel room only and may not include golf packages. Travelers should contact each resort directly for combined stay-and-play deals.
Destin and Miramar Beach
Destin is the most well-known tourist hub on the Emerald Coast. It offers abundant dining, shopping, and family-friendly activities beyond golf. Courses such as Kelly Plantation and Regatta Bay are nearby. Miramar Beach sits just east of Destin and provides quick access to Sandestin resort. This area works well for groups that want a central location with plenty of off-course entertainment.
30A Communities
The 30A corridor includes Seaside, Grayton Beach, and WaterSound. These towns have a quieter, more laid-back feel with bike paths, boutique shops, and beachfront restaurants. Golfers staying here can play Shark’s Tooth (if eligible), Camp Creek, and Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club. The scenic drive along 30A is itself a reason to choose this area.
Sandestin Resort
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is a self-contained village with its own restaurants, pools, marina, and four golf courses. If convenience is your priority, staying on property eliminates the need to travel far for your rounds. The resort also provides direct beach access and family-friendly amenities, making it ideal for groups with non-golfers.
What to Expect in Terms of Difficulty
The Emerald Coast has courses suited to every skill level, but some layouts are notably tough. Based on slope ratings from the research, Burnt Pine (slope 139), Shark’s Tooth (slope 139), Camp Creek (slope 138), and Raven (slope 131) all present serious challenges. Higher slope numbers indicate greater difficulty for a bogey golfer. If you are a mid-handicapper, consider starting with a course like Baytowne or Emerald Bay before tackling the longer, tighter layouts.
Other Activities to Fill Your Days
A golf vacation on the Emerald Coast does not have to be all about the fairways. The region offers family-friendly activities, water sports, and charming towns like Seaside that are worth exploring. Many courses are located within minutes of the beach, so a morning round can be followed by an afternoon on the sand or a sunset cruise. According to a local cruise operator, the area offers award-winning golf and plenty of water-based recreation.
Practical Planning Tips
Several courses on the Emerald Coast are semi-private or exclusive to resort guests. Burnt Pine and Shark’s Tooth, for example, restrict access to members or guests of their respective communities. Before booking, verify whether a course is open to the public or requires a resort stay. Also, green fees for individual rounds are not always published online; calling the pro shop directly can provide accurate, current rates. Early booking during peak season (spring and fall) is recommended because tee times fill quickly, especially at the most popular courses like Camp Creek and Regatta Bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year for an Emerald Coast golf vacation?
The most comfortable weather for golf on the Emerald Coast occurs from October through May, when temperatures are milder and humidity is lower. Summer months are hot and humid, but morning tee times remain playable. Spring and fall also see fewer crowds than the peak summer tourist season.
Are the Emerald Coast golf courses open to the public?
Some courses are fully open to the public, while others require a resort stay or membership. Kelly Plantation, Regatta Bay, and Emerald Bay are generally accessible. Burnt Pine and Shark’s Tooth have restricted access. Always check with the course or resort before making plans.
Can I walk the courses, or is a cart required?
Most Emerald Coast courses require or strongly recommend a golf cart due to the distances between holes and the warm climate. A few layouts may allow walking, but it is best to confirm with the course in advance. Many resorts include carts in their green fees.
Which area is best for a non-golfer traveling with a golfer?
Destin and Sandestin offer the most non-golf activities, including shopping, dining, water parks, and fishing charters. The 30A area is quieter but has beautiful beaches and bike rentals. Sandestin Resort also has a large pool complex and a marina with boat rentals.
