Best Golf Courses in Destin

Warm Florida weather, cool gulf breezes, lush vegetation and unmatched scenic views add up to a perfect day of golf on the Emerald Coast.  Whether teeing off with a view of the sugar-white sand beaches or wandering through a grove of live oak and tropical vegetation, you’ll have a great time golfing at one of Destin’s championship golf courses and country clubs. Here are our top picks for the best golf courses in Destin: 

Kelly Plantation Golf Club. This semi-private golf club features 18 captivating holes built on the former site of a turpentine plantation owned by Mattie and Coleman Kelly. Set along the Choctawhatchee Bay, Kelly Plantation Golf Course boasts over 7,000 yards of large contoured greens, wide manicured fairways, an array of strategically placed hazards and picturesque bay views. www.kellyplantationgolf.com (850) 650-7600

Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club. Nestled among breathtaking nature preserves along the Choctawhatchee Bay, Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club is a true escape into golfer's paradise. The 6,894-yard, par-72 course was designed by Robert C. Walker, former lead architect for Arnold Palmer. Amenities include a state-of-the-art GPS system on all carts, fully-stocked pro shop, on course beverage carts, ice towels, chilled apples on the first and tenth tees as well as a full service restaurant/bar and patio that overlooks the 18^th green. www.regattabay.com (850) 337-8080

Emerald Bay Golf Club. Designed by famed course architect, Bob Cupp, the course includes multiple water features and views of the bay as it winds through the exclusive gated community of Emerald Bay. The recently completed extensive redesign of the course positions Emerald Bay at the very pinnacle of the Destin area golfing options. www.emeraldbaygolfclub.com (850) 837-5197 or (888) 465-3229

Indian Bayou Golf Club. Indian Bayou offers three nine-hole courses. Recently renovated and updated, Indian Bayou’s 27 holes feature wide, forgiving fairways with beautiful lush, undulating greens, majestic pines and sparkling lakes and water features.  www.indianbayougolf.com (850) 837-6191

Newman-Dailey guests receive discounts at Regatta Golf & Yacht Club, Emerald Bay Golf Club and Indian Bayou Golf Club. Proof of stay must be presented upon check-in at the course.

Still need to book your Destin vacation rental? Spring and summer are filling up fast. View our gulf-front Destin condos and beach homes online or call one of our friendly vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652.

Make your next Destin vacation a hole in one!

Published by Tracy Louthain
Thursday, March 19, 2015