Destin Golfing

Table of Contents

1. Why Destin Is a Premier Golf Destination
2. The Best Golf Courses in Destin
   • Kelly Plantation Golf Club
   • Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club
   • Emerald Bay Golf Club
   • Indian Bayou Golf Club
3. Sandestin Golf: Four Courses, One Resort
   • Burnt Pine Golf Club
   • Raven Golf Club
   • Baytowne Golf Club
   • The Links Golf Club
4. More Courses Worth Playing Near Destin
5. Destin Golf Price Guide
6. Tips for Planning Your Destin Golf Trip
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. Final Thoughts

Why Destin Golfing Is a Premier Golf Destination

Destin, Florida calls itself the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” — but golfers have their own name for it. With more than 24 golf courses within 30 minutes of the city center, Destin sits at the heart of one of the densest concentrations of quality golf on the entire Gulf Coast.

The Emerald Coast, which stretches roughly from Pensacola to Panama City Beach, gets its name from the color of the Gulf of Mexico. The same sparkling water that draws millions of beach visitors each year also shapes the landscape where these courses are built. Choctawhatchee Bay — a broad, calm body of water that separates the Destin peninsula from the mainland — creates the waterfront backdrop for several of the area’s best courses, including Kelly Plantation, Regatta Bay, and the four courses at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.

What makes Destin stand out from other Emerald Coast golf destinations? A few things work together here. First, the course quality is high across the board. Several of the area’s most-played layouts were designed by names like Fred Couples, Robert Trent Jones Jr., Rees Jones, and Robert C. Walker — architects whose work appears on golf travel bucket lists around the country. Second, the scenery is legitimately stunning. Bay views, coastal wetlands, magnolias, and towering pines give Destin courses a visual character that flat, inland Florida simply cannot match. Third, the logistics are easy. Destin is a resort town built around visitors, which means the courses here are polished operations with welcoming staff, clean facilities, and strong stay-and-play packages.

Whether you are planning a dedicated golf trip, adding a round or two to a beach vacation, or organizing a group outing, Destin delivers. Here is a course-by-course breakdown of everything worth knowing before you book your tee times.

The Best Golf Courses in Destin

1. Kelly Plantation Golf Club {#kelly-plantation}

Type: Semi-private (open to public) Par: 72 | Yards: 7,099 | Rating: 74.2–74.6 | Slope: 137–146 Estimated Green Fee: ~$100–$175 (season and time of day) Address: 307 Kelly Plantation Drive, Destin, FL 32541

Kelly Plantation Golf Club is the flagship public golf experience in Destin — and most golfers who play it say it earns that title without argument.

Situated on the Choctawhatchee Bay in Destin, Kelly Plantation is built on the site of a former turpentine plantation. Designers Fred Couples and Gene Bates delivered on their goal to make it a playable course for higher handicaps, as there are hardly any forced carries from the forward tees. It’s a stout challenge from the tips, though, which play 7,100 yards and to a rating of just under 75. The waterfront holes offer some tremendous views of the bay.

The course earned a consistent 4.5-star rating from Golf Digest and has been recognized among North America’s top courses by Golf Magazine. Fred Couples himself reportedly said shortly after the course opened: “I think it’s an unbelievable golf course… my best yet.”

In 2024, Kelly Plantation completed a significant renovation by Bergin Golf Design. All tee boxes were laser-leveled and re-grassed with Platinum Paspalum, providing a smoother, more consistent surface and improved turf durability. Every bunker on the course was enhanced with the installation of Capillary Flow bunker liners, a cutting-edge drainage system that ensures year-round playability and consistent conditions.

The layout is rich with natural character. Look for drilled holes at the base of some of the old trees — remnants of the original turpentine operation that once worked this land. Eleven lakes dot the property, the largest stretching over 7.5 acres and surrounding holes 9 and 18. Magnolia and palmetto trees frame the fairways throughout, and the par-4 4th hole delivers a panoramic overlook of Choctawhatchee Bay where dolphins have been spotted from the tee box.

Six sets of tees — ranging from the Couples tees at 7,099 yards down to a forward set under 4,100 — make Kelly Plantation genuinely accessible at every skill level. The hole-9 green is one of the few greens in all of Florida rated a “5” in difficulty by the Florida State Golf Association.

Best for: Serious golfers who want the premium Destin experience, groups looking for a well-run semi-private course with full facilities, and anyone who wants to play the layout Fred Couples called his best.

2. Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club

Type: Semi-private (open to public) Par: 72 | Yards: 6,840–6,894 | Rating: 74.2 | Slope: 147 Estimated Green Fee: ~$100–$150 (peak); twilight from ~$80 Address: 465 Regatta Bay Blvd, Destin, FL 32541

Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club holds one of the most respected reputations in Destin golf — and it earned that reputation the right way, through consistently excellent conditions and a course design that rewards smart play.

Ever since it debuted in 2003 and started earning raves for being one of Northwest Florida’s premier courses, this semi-private layout is the star amenity of an 800-acre residential development that touches Choctawhatchee Bay. Robert C. Walker, formerly the lead architect of Arnold Palmer’s design company, laid out Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club amidst a nature preserve near the south shore of the bay.

Golf Digest has recognized Regatta Bay as one of the “Top 200 Places to Play in North America.” It is also a five-star Forbes Travel Guide facility — a designation that puts it in elite company among public-access courses in the Southeast.

The course design is built around a risk-reward philosophy. The game at Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club comes to a crescendo finish. On the tricky par-4 16th you must avoid the water on the left and the marsh that crosses the fairway. While the redesigned 17th may be a drivable par 4 for long hitters, for most players the primary task is executing a forced-carry tee shot over water. The finishing hole is a reachable par 5 that hooks around a large lake with the green tucked hard by the hazard.

Water comes into play throughout, but the layout is designed so that the hazards are more strategic than punishing for mid-handicappers. The course has a golf academy powered by TrackMan 4 dual-radar technology, making it one of the most technically equipped teaching facilities on the Panhandle. The lakefront restaurant is a favorite post-round stop for both locals and visitors.

Best for: Golfers who want a Forbes-rated course experience with strong teaching facilities, excellent conditions, and a dramatic closing stretch.

3. Emerald Bay Golf Club

Type: Semi-private (open to public) Par: 72 | Yards: 7,050 | Rating: 73.9 | Slope: 143 Estimated Green Fee: ~$79–$119 Address: 4781 Clubhouse Drive, Destin, FL 32541

Emerald Bay Golf Club is one of Destin’s best-kept secrets — or it was, until it started winning “Best Golf Course in Destin” honors and drawing comparisons to courses that cost twice as much to play.

Emerald Bay Golf Club is one of the finest and most popular layouts in Destin, Florida. When this full-service, championship-caliber Bob Cupp design opened in the early 1990s it earned honors from Golf Digest as one of the best new courses in the country. The course was redesigned by Bob Cupp in 2014, further sharpening a layout that was already well-regarded.

The course anchors a gated residential community along the Choctawhatchee Bay. A portion of the back nine plays right along Choctawhatchee Bay. Many a player has said the back nine at Emerald Bay Golf Club provides as scenic a stretch of golf as you’ll find in Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast region. Accuracy and smart course management are musts here. Water factors into play on 12 of the 18 holes, and the wind off the bay adds an unpredictable element to approach shots.

The par-3 12th and 16th holes on the back nine are considered signature holes. The 16th in particular — a shorter par-3 with a crowned green and the bay visible just off the right side — is one of the most photographed holes in the Destin area. The clubhouse was renovated and features The Grille restaurant, a full bar, and a covered outdoor porch with a fireplace.

Recent GolfPass reviews from fall 2025 describe the course as being in outstanding condition — fast greens, well-shaped fairways, and a friendly staff that earns repeat visitors.

Best for: Golfers looking for a bay-side course with top-tier back nine scenery at a mid-range price point. Excellent value compared to Kelly Plantation and Regatta Bay.

4. Indian Bayou Golf Club

Type: Semi-private (open to public) Par: 72 | Yards: 7,078 (from tips) | 27 holes (3 nine-hole loops) Estimated Green Fee: ~$45–$70 Address: 1 Country Club Drive East, Destin, FL 32541

Indian Bayou Golf Club bills itself as the biggest secret in Destin — and there is real truth in that. While visitors flock to Kelly Plantation and Regatta Bay, Indian Bayou offers 27 holes of solid championship golf tucked beneath towering pine trees at some of the most reasonable rates in town.

The club operates three distinct nine-hole courses — Seminole, Creek, and Choctaw — each with its own character and set of signature holes. Any combination creates a full 18-hole round, giving regulars meaningful variety without ever repeating the same layout. The par-72 combination from the tips plays 7,078 yards, making it a legitimate championship challenge.

The setting is what most golfers remember. The courses are carved through and around a canopy of tall pines that create a shaded, intimate feel unlike the open bayfront layouts nearby. The terrain is gently rolling, and each nine has its own personality — from more open landing areas on one loop to tighter, tree-framed corridors on another.

Indian Bayou is the best value for serious golfers in Destin who want a full championship test without the premium price. The practice facilities are reserved for members and daily fee players on the tee sheet — no range time sold separately, which keeps conditions consistently maintained.

Best for: Value-conscious golfers, repeat visitors who want course variety, and anyone who appreciates a woodsy, tree-framed layout as an alternative to bayfront golf.

Sandestin Golf: Four Courses, One Resort

No conversation about Destin-area golf is complete without Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Located in Miramar Beach just east of Destin, Sandestin is one of the largest golf resorts in the Southeast — a 2,400-acre property with four distinct championship courses, a 73-hole total, a private beach club, marina, and the Village of Baytowne Wharf right on property.

The four courses were designed by a trio of respected architects: Robert Trent Jones Jr. (Raven), Rees Jones (Burnt Pine), and Tom Jackson (Baytowne and The Links). The result is a range of golf personalities under one roof — from links-style risk-reward play to heavily wooded championship layouts with elevation changes. Taken together, these iconic course designers have left their mark—and considerable design talents—at Sandestin, resulting in an unrivaled experience for golfers who are as passionate about the sport as we are.

Resort guests staying at Sandestin can book tee times up to six months in advance. Non-staying guests and club members have up to 14 days. The Premium Golf Package includes a round on all four courses, saving up to 30% on accommodations and golf combined.

Burnt Pine Golf Club

Type: Semi-private (members + resort guests after 1 p.m.) Par: 72 | Yards: 4,268–7,001 | 7 sets of tees Estimated Green Fee: ~$200+ for resort guests; private club for members

When Golf Magazine calls you the “Crown Jewel of Florida Golf“, you tee up and take notice. Course architect Rees Jones proves in this 7,000-yard layout why he is one of the most respected architects in the world.

Burnt Pine is the most prestigious and exclusive of Sandestin’s four courses. It is technically a private club — Burnt Pine Country Club is a semi-private course only available to members and registered guests of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort; resort guest times are available after 1 p.m. every day.

The design moves through pine forests and wetlands on the front nine before opening up to breathtaking views along the Choctawhatchee Bay on the back. Rolling fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and seven sets of tees make it as playable as it is challenging. Burnt Pine neighbors the Raven course, which means Rees Jones and his father Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed adjacent courses — a rare father-son pairing on the same property.

Best for: Resort guests who want the marquee Sandestin experience. Book early — afternoon tee times fill fast.

Raven Golf Club

Type: Public (resort guests and daily fee) Par: 71 | Yards: ~6,900 | Rating: top tier Estimated Green Fee: ~$100–$150

The Raven is Robert Trent Jones Jr.’s contribution to the Sandestin portfolio — a par-71 layout he described as “a true modern traditional.” Golfweek Magazine named it one of the “Best Courses You Can Play” in Florida.

A unique and visually stunning par 71 layout masterfully carved through marshes, wetlands, and pines — a modern traditional and a must-play during your stay. The Raven features some of the only meaningful elevation changes of any golf course in the Destin area, which combined with the natural wetland terrain creates a course personality unlike anything else at Sandestin.

The Raven is fully public and books quickly during peak season. It shares a clubhouse with Baytowne Golf Club, making the two courses a natural pairing for a two-round day.

Best for: Golfers who want a Robert Trent Jones Jr. design at a resort price. The best publicly accessible layout at Sandestin.

Baytowne Golf Club

Type: Public Par: 71 | Yards: 3,002–6,804 | Slope: 127 Estimated Green Fee: ~$80–$130

The only course on Florida’s Emerald Coast that extends from the beach to the bay, from the emerald waters of the Gulf Coast to the Choctawhatchee Bay, Baytowne Golf Club is revered as one of the finest course creations by renowned designer Tom Jackson. Baytowne Golf Club features some of the only elevation changes of any golf course in the area and is as forgiving from the forward tees as it is challenging from the championship tees.

The front nine at Baytowne heads toward the Village of Baytowne Wharf — you can practically smell the restaurant before you finish the turn. The back nine moves toward the Gulf side of the resort with elevated tees and more undulating terrain. It’s the most versatile of the four Sandestin courses: a fifth set of tees makes it welcoming to beginners, yet the championship tees push 6,800 yards for players who want a genuine test.

Best for: Families, mixed groups of skill levels, and golfers who want a scenic resort round without the intensity of Burnt Pine or the Raven.

The Links Golf Club

Type: Public Par: 72 | Yards: ~6,710 | 5 holes on Choctawhatchee Bay Estimated Green Fee: ~$80–$130

The Links is Sandestin’s original course — a Tom Jackson design from 1973, making it one of the oldest layouts on the Emerald Coast. Despite being the resort’s oldest course, it remains one of its most distinctive thanks to five holes that play directly alongside the Choctawhatchee Bay.

The Links earns its name: the open, windswept feel of the bayfront holes and the risk-reward shot demands echo classic links-style design philosophy. It may not have the drama of Burnt Pine’s back nine or the challenge of the Raven’s elevation changes, but it delivers some of the most memorable bay-side golf moments on the property — especially in the late afternoon when the light off the water turns gold.

Best for: History buffs and golfers who appreciate a classic design. Great twilight rate option when the light is at its best.

More Courses Worth Playing Near Destin

The Destin area extends well beyond the city limits, and several excellent courses sit within easy driving distance.

Bluewater Bay Golf Club (Niceville, FL) — A 36-hole facility with a Bay Course and a Marsh Course, both following the unique terrain along Choctawhatchee Bay. Bluewater Bay is a residential community club that welcomes public play, and the 36-hole variety gives groups excellent multi-day options. Green fees are typically in the $50–$80 range.

Fort Walton Beach Golf Club (Fort Walton Beach) — Two 18-hole courses: the Pines, which plays through a casual open layout in a pine forest, and the Oaks, a more challenging track with significant water hazards. Both are affordable public options less than 15 minutes from Destin. Green fees generally run $40–$65.

Shalimar Pointe Golf & Country Club (Shalimar) — An 18-hole Dye-Finger design situated near Black Point along Choctawhatchee Bay. Well-maintained greens and a relaxed atmosphere make it a popular local round. Green fees are typically $40–$65.

Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club (Santa Rosa Beach) — Located along Scenic 30A east of Destin, Santa Rosa completed an extensive course renovation in October 2021, with updates by designer Bill Bergin that enhanced both the playability and visual appeal of the layout. For golfers combining a 30A beach trip with golf, this is the most convenient option.

The Golf Garden of Destin — Destin’s family-friendly option for lighter golf, featuring a 9-hole executive course, an 18-hole putting course, and a 10-acre driving range that is fully lit for night play during summer months. Green fees are under $25. A perfect option for families traveling with kids or casual golfers who want a low-stakes afternoon activity.

Destin Golf Price Guide

Green fees in Destin range from budget to premium, with the resort-area and designer-name courses commanding the highest rates. The table below reflects current estimated pricing based on available third-party data. Rates vary by season, time of day, and day of week. Always confirm current pricing with the course directly before booking — most offer online tee time booking with dynamic pricing that shifts frequently.

Seasonal tip: Fall and winter are the sweet spots for Destin golf. Temperatures drop into the comfortable 60s and 70s, the tourist crowds thin out considerably, and green fees often dip to their lowest rates of the year. Spring — especially March through May — sees peak pricing and tightest tee time availability as snowbirds, spring breakers, and dedicated golf travelers all converge on the area at once.

Tips for Planning Your Destin Golf Trip

Book Early for the Top Courses

Kelly Plantation and Regatta Bay are Destin’s most in-demand tee sheets. Weekend mornings from March through June can book out a week or more in advance during peak season. If those courses are on your list, lock in tee times as soon as your travel dates are confirmed. Weekday mornings are almost always easier to get at a lower rate.

Consider a Sandestin Stay-and-Play Package

If you plan to play more than two rounds, Sandestin’s stay-and-play packages offer the most efficient value in the area. The Premium Golf Package — which includes accommodation, four rounds across all four courses, cart fees, and practice balls — can save up to 30% compared to booking rooms and tee times separately. Resort guests also get first access to tee times up to six months out, which matters during peak season.

Mix Your Courses

One of the pleasures of a Destin golf trip is the variety. Do not fill your itinerary with the same style of course back to back. A good three-round itinerary might look like: Kelly Plantation for the premier bayfront experience, Emerald Bay for the back-nine bay views and better value, and Burnt Pine (if staying at Sandestin) for the “Crown Jewel” prestige round. That covers three distinct architects, three different price points, and three different aesthetic experiences.

Watch the Wind

Choctawhatchee Bay creates consistent Gulf breezes across most of the Destin-area courses. At Kelly Plantation, Regatta Bay, and the Sandestin bay-side holes, the wind can add one to two clubs of difference on approach shots — sometimes more on exposed par-3s. Morning tee times are generally calmer than afternoon rounds.

Pair Golf with the Beach

Destin’s beaches are some of the finest in the continental United States. The whitest quartz sand and the clearest emerald water you will find anywhere east of the Caribbean. Build your golf days around morning tee times and spend the afternoon at the beach — a two-for-one vacation structure that Destin is perfectly built for.

Where to Stay

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is the obvious choice for dedicated golf groups — four courses on property, beach club access, marina, dining, and entertainment within walking distance. Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village puts you close to downtown Destin and a short drive to every major course. Vacation rentals in Miramar Beach and along the 30A corridor offer the best rate-to-quality ratio and put you within 10 minutes of most courses on this list.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best golf course in Destin, Florida?

Kelly Plantation Golf Club is the most acclaimed public-access course in Destin — a Fred Couples and Gene Bates design with a 4.5-star Golf Digest rating, bay views, and a 2024 renovation that brought it to the best conditions in its history. For resort golf, Burnt Pine Golf Club at Sandestin is named the “Crown Jewel of Florida Golf” by Golf Magazine. For best overall value, Emerald Bay Golf Club consistently earns high marks at a lower price point.

How many golf courses are in Destin, Florida?

There are approximately 8 golf courses directly in the city of Destin and another 12 or more within 20 miles, giving visitors access to over 20 quality layouts within a short drive. Including the four courses at Sandestin alone, a golf trip to Destin could easily fill a full week without repeating a round.

How much does it cost to play golf in Destin?

Green fees in Destin range from under $25 at the Golf Garden executive course up to $175 at Kelly Plantation during peak hours. The most popular championship courses — Kelly Plantation, Regatta Bay, and Emerald Bay — generally run $79–$175 depending on season and time of day. Sandestin resort courses range from $80 to over $200 for Burnt Pine. Indian Bayou offers the best value for championship-length golf at $45–$70.

Can you play Burnt Pine Golf Club without staying at Sandestin?

Burnt Pine is a private club, but it is open to registered guests of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort after 1 p.m. daily. If you are not staying at the resort, you cannot book a Burnt Pine tee time — but the Raven, Baytowne, and Links courses at Sandestin are all open to the public with advance reservations.

Is Kelly Plantation open to the public?

Yes. Kelly Plantation Golf Club is a semi-private course open to the public every day. Tee times can be booked online through their website or by calling the pro shop. Peak weekend tee times in spring can book out a week or more in advance, so early booking is recommended.

What is the most affordable golf course in Destin?

Indian Bayou Golf Club offers 27 holes of championship-length golf at roughly $45–$70 per round — the best value for serious golfers in town. The Golf Garden of Destin is the most affordable option overall at under $25, though it is a 9-hole executive layout rather than a full championship course. Fort Walton Beach Golf Club and Shalimar Pointe are also excellent affordable options in the $40–$65 range, both within 15 minutes of Destin.

What is the best time of year to play golf in Destin?

Fall and winter — roughly October through February — offer the best combination of cooler temperatures, lower green fees, and easier tee time availability. Spring (March through May) is peak season with the highest prices and most crowded tee sheets, but the weather is ideal and many golfers consider it worth the premium. Summer is playable but hot; early morning tee times before 9 a.m. are strongly recommended from June through August.

Are there golf courses near Destin Beach for families?

The Golf Garden of Destin is the best family-friendly option, with a 9-hole executive course, an 18-hole putting course, and a fully lit driving range open for evening play in summer. For families where some members are serious golfers and others are beginners, Baytowne Golf Club at Sandestin has five tee box options that make it genuinely playable for golfers of all ages and skill levels.

Does Sandestin have its own golf courses?

Yes — Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort has four championship courses: Burnt Pine (Rees Jones, private/resort), Raven (Robert Trent Jones Jr., public), Baytowne (Tom Jackson, public), and The Links (Tom Jackson, public). Together they offer 73 holes of golf on one property, making Sandestin one of the largest golf resort complexes in the southeastern United States.

Final Thoughts

Destin punches well above its size as a golf destination. A city known primarily for its beaches quietly hosts one of the strongest collections of public and resort golf in Florida — with designer names, bay views, renovation-fresh conditions, and a range of price points that makes the area work for groups with different budgets and expectations.

The standout experiences are clear: Kelly Plantation for the prestige round, Regatta Bay for the Forbes-rated service and closing stretch drama, Emerald Bay for the best value among the premier courses, and Sandestin for a resort package that gives you four courses, a beach, and a full vacation infrastructure all in one place.

For golfers visiting the Emerald Coast, Destin is not just a detour — it is a destination in its own right. Lock in tee times early, build your rounds around the morning calm before the bay breezes pick up, and save a few afternoon hours for the beach. That combination is about as close to a perfect Florida golf trip as you are going to find anywhere on the Gulf Coast.

Green fees listed are estimates based on available data from GolfLink, Where2Golf, Local Green Fees, GolfNow, TeeOff, and Benchmark30A. Rates vary by season, time of day, and day of week. Always confirm current pricing directly with the course or resort before booking.