Raven Golf Club Sandestin

Raven Golf Club Sandestin: Robert Trent Jones Jr.’s Modern Traditional in the Pines

Robert Trent Jones Jr. called it “a true modern traditional,” which is designer-speak for a course that respects the land it’s built on while asking serious questions of the golfer playing it. The Raven at Sandestin opened in 2000 and was immediately voted Best New Course in Florida by Florida Golf News. Golf Digest gave it 4.5 stars. GOLF Magazine ranked it 39th among the best tour courses open to the public. Golfweek agreed. The accolades stacked up early, and the course hasn’t softened.

It plays 5,060 to 6,931 yards across four tee sets, par 71, masterfully carved through marshes, wetlands, and pine forest in the northern end of the Sandestin resort between Baytowne and Burnt Pine. Jones built the course around dogleg designs — nearly every hole turns, and few give you a straight run at the green. Fairways are lined with forest on one side and a hazard on the other, and the bunkers at the apex of each dogleg punish anything less than a committed shot shape. Multi-level greens and rolling fairways reward players who think ahead of where they’re standing.

Hole 18 earned a specific distinction: it was rated the toughest hole on the 2006 PGA Champions Tour during the Boeing Championship at Sandestin. That’s not marketing copy — the hole played to stroke average over par against professionals.

The Raven is the most accessible of Sandestin’s four courses for outside play. Non-resort guests can book up to 14 days in advance; resort guests get a six-month window. Rates include greens fee, cart, and practice balls. Club rentals run $60. Standalone practice facility access is $20.

Guide to Emerald Coast Golf

Raven Golf Club Sandestin — Course Info

Membership at Raven Golf Club Sandestin

The Raven is included in the Golf Club of Sandestin membership, which covers Raven, Baytowne, and The Links. Members pay a $10 greens fee at Raven (vs. full public rates), plus preferred cart fees, special guest rates, unlimited practice facility access, advance reservation privileges, PGA instruction discounts, and charge privileges at all resort courses. Initiation fee is $7,500 for both Sandestin owners and public members. Monthly dues are $163/single or $210/family for owners; $175/single or $233/family for non-owners. Contact membership sales at (850) 267-8208 or golf@sandestin.com.

Frequently Asked Questions About Raven Golf Club Sandestin

Is Raven Golf Club at Sandestin open to the public? Yes. The Raven is open to public play and to non-resort guests. Tee times can be booked up to 14 days in advance by the public and up to six months in advance by Sandestin resort guests.

Who designed Raven Golf Club at Sandestin? Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed the Raven, which opened in 2000. Jones described the layout as “a true modern traditional,” blending strategic design with the natural pine, marsh, and wetland environment of the Sandestin property.

What are the green fees at Raven Golf Club Sandestin? Rates are seasonal and vary by tee time. All rates include greens fee, cart, and practice balls prior to the round. For current pricing, book online at sandestin.com or call (850) 267-8155.

What awards has Raven Golf Club Sandestin received? The Raven earned Best New Course in Florida (Florida Golf News, 2000), 4.5 stars from Golf Digest, a top-39 ranking from GOLF Magazine among tour courses open to the public, and hosted the PGA Champions Tour Boeing Championship in 2006 and 2007.