Kelly Plantation Golf Club: Playing Fred Couples’ Renovated Destin Masterpiece
Most 18-hole courses get a bunker refresh and call it a renovation. Kelly Plantation’s 2024 overhaul went further. Every tee box was laser-leveled and re-grassed with Platinum Paspalum, and every bunker received Capillary Flow drainage liners that keep sand conditions consistent regardless of how hard it rained the night before. The result is a course that plays close to its original championship intent rather than the softened version weather and age had produced.
The layout was already well-regarded. Fred Couples and Gene Bates designed it in 1998 on what was once a turpentine plantation along Choctawhatchee Bay, and the bones show — wide Bermuda fairways threading through magnolias and palmettos, 11 lakes, and a 7.5-acre water feature that wraps both the 9th and 18th greens. The renovation brought in Bill Bergin Golf Design to tighten the bunker shaping and restore tee precision without touching what made the routing work.
From the tips it plays 7,099 yards with a 74.2 rating and a 146 slope. Hole 4 delivers a genuine panoramic look at the bay. Hole 9 has one of the few greens in Florida rated a difficulty 5 by the Florida State Golf Association, which is a polite way of saying it will cost you strokes if you’re not paying attention. Forward tees make the course genuinely approachable for casual players, but the back nine in particular will expose weaknesses in ball-striking.
The clubhouse runs food service throughout the week, with Thursday night dinners, Friday Pub Night, and Sunday brunch covering most of a vacation itinerary. The pro shop is well-stocked, and the covered veranda overlooks both the 9th and 18th greens.
Quick Info For Kelly Plantation Golf Club
| Address | 307 Kelly Plantation Dr, Destin, FL 32541 |
| Phone | (850) 650-7600 |
| Website | kellyplantationgolf.com |
| Par / Yardage | Par 72 / 7,099 yards (back tees) |
| Course Rating / Slope | 74.2 / 146 |
| Green Fees | $100–$175 depending on season and tee time; twilight rates available |
| Membership | Available — contact pro shop for current tier details |
| Tee Times | Book online at kellyplantationgolf.com or call the pro shop |
| Dress Code | Collared shirt required |
Kelly Plantation Golf Club Membership
Kelly Plantation offers club memberships that include year-round golf and dining access. Membership tiers and pricing are not published publicly; contact the pro shop directly at (850) 650-7600 for current options. Members receive preferred tee times and access to all clubhouse dining events.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kelly Plantation Golf Club
Is Kelly Plantation Golf Club open to the public?
Yes. Kelly Plantation is a public-access course, though membership options are also available for frequent players. Tee times can be booked online or by phone.
What did the 2024 renovation change at Kelly Plantation?
All tee boxes were laser-leveled and re-grassed with Platinum Paspalum for better durability and surface consistency. Every bunker was fitted with Capillary Flow drainage liners, which improve year-round playability and maintain consistent sand conditions.
What are the current green fees at Kelly Plantation Golf Club?
Standard rates range from $100 to $175 depending on the season and time of day. Twilight rates offer reduced pricing for late afternoon tee times. Discounts are periodically available through booking platforms.
Who designed Kelly Plantation Golf Club?
Fred Couples and Gene Bates designed the original course, which opened in 1998. The 2024 renovation was led by Bill Bergin Golf Design, who updated the tees and bunkers while preserving the original routing.
