Welcome to a Golfers Paradise on The Emerald Coast – A Guide to World-Class Golfing Experience (Par Excellence). Updated 2025
With so many options for golfers, check out this ultimate golfer’s guide to the Emerald Coast. The Emerald Coast and 30A in Florida are home to world-class golfing, offering, dare we say, “par excellence experience while on vacation.” The Emerald Coast in South Walton County is renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life.
However, it’s not just 100 miles of sugar-white quartz sandy paradise for beachgoers and sun-seekers; it’s also a haven for golf enthusiasts. With its lush green fairways, 50-plus challenging courses, and breathtaking coastal views, Golfing on the Emerald Coast offers a unique and unforgettable experience. It’s a golfer’s dream come true for a vacation.
A Brief History and Backdrop of the Emerald Coast
- Best Beaches in America: World-class beach rankings often spotlight the Emerald Coast for its powdery sands and crystal-clear waters.
- Top Rated Golf Courses: Renowned for its championship golf courses, the region is a must-visit for any avid golfer seeking a challenge against spectacular backdrops.
- Best Family-Friendly Beaches: With leisurely activities and natural wonders, families find endless adventures in this coastal paradise.
- A Buddies Trip to remember with Destin and Sandestin championship courses and vacation rentals to handle large golfing parties. See our LARGE PARTY stay options of 20 or more.
People want to know why people call Emerald Coast Beaches ‘Sugar-White Sand?’ Find out right now! Sand that is so fine and white that it actually squeaks under your feet. Hint it is also why the shimmering waters of the Gulf of America are, literally reflecting the sun too Backlight the Floor of the Ocean floor sand (Crushed Quartz from the Appalachians) into the crystal clear waters, and tada… You have a Jeweled Emerald Green that can’t be duplicated anywhere!
“This soft powder is actually rock—nearly 100% quartz mixed with finely ground seashells. Together they form a seabed that stretches miles out into the Gulf of America. Wave action on the Gulf slowly develops submerged sandbars that run along the length of the coastline. In the shallows, the water appears to glow as though lit from within—the effect of refracted sunlight reflecting off the seafloor.” -Destination Spotlight -Emererald Coasts White Sand
Golfing Along 30A The “Crown Jewel of Florida Golf”
Explore the Emerald Coast along Highway 30A, called the “Crown Jewel of Florida Golf.” Check out the Comprehensive Ultimate Guide to your Florida Vacation.
Where to Golf on 30A and The Emerald Coast?
These are our Sweet 16 Golfers Paradise Guide golf courses along the Emerald Coast. The highest golf course ratings, scenic views, and difficulty rank us. Each course will have a separate page describing the courses and all the available amenities, tee times, and clubhouse info. Read up and play them all while on vacation. People come back and back again. Enjoy!
#1 Best Resort Golf Courses The Club at Sandestin
The Club at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
Coming in with four amazing, unique on-site golf courses, The Club at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort – Raven, Baytowne, The Links, and Burnt Pine, scoop four positions in our sweet 16 golfers guide to the Emerald Coast on 2400 acres.
#1 Burnt Pine Golf Club
Highest Rating: Rees Jones designed the award-winning Burnt Pine Golf Club, offering a stimulating and engaging golf experience. The course was named the “Crown Jewel of Florida Golf” by Golf Magazine. Fitting for the Emerald Coasts Beach Vacation, don’t you think?
Scenic Views: Burnt Pine Golf Club extends through picturesque wetlands, lush forests, and immaculate fairways, providing a pristine natural backdrop and an enjoyable round of golf.
Difficulty: With a course rating of 72.6 and a slope rating of 139, coming in at Par 72, players will encounter various challenges that test their skills, from cleverly placed bunkers to lightning-fast greens. (Sandestin: Burnt Pine Memberships For Resort Guests Only).
How to Stay and Play Burnt Pine: with Sandestin’s Premium Golf Package will find yourself playing all four courses, Sandestin’s award-winning golf courses – Links, Baytowne, Raven, and Burnt Pine with savings up to 30% off accommodations and golf. Each has its own unique challenges, rewards, and characteristics thanks to Robert Trent Jones, Jr., Rees Jones, and Tom Jackson.
#2 The Raven Golf Club
Highest Rating: Florida Golf News rated the Raven Golf Club as the number one course in Northwest Florida. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., it presents an intriguing mix of marshes, wetlands, and pine forests—a golfing vacation paradise!
Scenic Views: The hilly layout adds to the visual interest and varied landscape, surrounded by stunning natural Florida scenery along 30A’s Emerald Coast communities, including expansive bay views.
Difficulty: This challenging course has a rating of 74.1 and a slope rating of 131, with a Par 71 demanding precision and strategy from golfers of all skill levels. (Sandestin: Raven Golf Club Tee Times)
How to Stay and Play Raven: with Sandestin’s Premium Golf Package will find yourself playing all four courses, Sandestin’s award-winning golf courses – Links, Baytowne, Raven, and Burnt Pine with savings up to 30% off accommodations and golf. Each has its own unique challenges, rewards, and characteristics thanks to Robert Trent Jones, Jr., Rees Jones, and Tom Jackson.
#3 Kelly Plantation Golf Club
Highest Rating: Rated as one of the premier golf courses on the Emerald Coast, Kelly Plantation Golf Club boasts a well-maintained and challenging course. Fred Couples and Gene Bates designed the course, focusing on excellent shot-making diversity and incredible playability.
Scenic Views: Nestled among lush vegetation and natural wetlands, this course offers spectacular views of Choctawhatchee Bay, providing an unforgettable golfing experience.
Difficulty: With a course rating of 73.1 and a slope rating of 133, at a Par 72, golfers will find the challenge and intricacy they seek while playing Kelly Plantation. (Destin: Kelly Plantation Golf Club Tee Times)
How to Stay and Play: Discover Destin and all that Okaloosa County has to offer with beachfront resorts, hotel inns and for families and larger buddy’s golf should consider beach home rentals.
WaterSound Club Offers Three Award-Winning Golf Courses
#4 Shark’s Tooth Golf Club
Highest Rating: At Shark’s Tooth Golf Club, the panoramic views of the surrounding coastline will leave you in awe, making every hole a picturesque adventure. This exclusive course presents golfers with an idyllic golf experience challenge, thanks to its unique layout and well-manicured greens requiring strategic thinking and precise shots. It is a private member-only course but open to guests staying at the WaterSound Club. Psst keep reading to find out how to Stay and Play.
Scenic Views: Shark’s Tooth Golf Course continues to earn top ratings for its mesmerizing scenic views, as the breathtaking coastline backgrounds highlight the beauty of each hole. It is a Top-Rated Luxury Vacation Resort with “have to see it to believe its amenities.” just north of Scenic 30A in Panama City Beach on Lake Powel.
Difficulty: The newly renovated clubhouse is conveniently situated in the heart of the course, boasting a course rating of 73.4 and a slope rating of 139 at Par 72, which attests to the skill and expertise needed to conquer this captivating golfing experience. (Lake Powel: Shark’s Tooth Golf Club)
How to Stay and Play: Staying at WaterSound’s Club offers a “Members for a Stay” at Camp Creek Inn on Scenic 30A, get’s you access to all Three Championship golf courses, Camp Creek, The Third, and Shark’s Tooth WaterSound’s triple play! Discover Panama City Beach.
#5 Camp Creek Golf Club
Highest Rating: Camp Creek Golf Club is a top-rated golf course in the region for its exceptional course design, immaculate conditions, and fantastic customer service. The Tom Fazio-designed course is known to offer challenging gameplay for avid golfers. Vacation visitors are welcome to one of the great golf courses in Florida!
Scenic Views: Camp Creek Golf Course views are breathtaking, with greens that wind through natural dune formations and native vegetation. Players can enjoy the stunning scenery and will be impressed by the course’s integration with its natural surroundings.
Difficulty: With a course rating of 74.7 and a slope rating of 138, Camp Creek offers a Par 72 challenging layout suitable for skilled golfers. Each hole has multiple tee boxes to cater to varying skill levels. (Inlet Beach: Camp Creek at Watersound Club)
How to Stay and Play: Staying at WaterSound’s Club offers a “Members for a Stay” at Camp Creek Inn on Scenic 30A, get’s you access to all Three Championship golf courses, Camp Creek, The Third, and Shark’s Tooth WaterSound’s triple play!
#6 Bay Point Resort Golf Club
Highest Rating: Bay Point Resort Golf Club is a top-quality championship golf destination along The Emerald Coast for its impressive course design, well-maintained conditions, and exceptional customer service. The renowned Jack Nicklaus-designed course is recognized for providing an exciting challenge to avid golfers.
Scenic Views: Bay Point Golf Club sits alongside the beautiful St. Andrew’s Bay, offering stunning waterside vistas and abundant natural beauty. The course is surrounded by native Florida vegetation and wildlife, creating a serene atmosphere for golf enthusiasts to enjoy the view.
Difficulty: Boasting a course rating of 75.3 and a slope rating of 143, Bay Point Resort Golf Club presents a Par 72 demanding experience ideal for skilled players. Each hole features multiple tee boxes to accommodate golfers with various abilities. (Panama City Beach: Bay Point Resort)
How to Stay and Play: Discover Panama City Beach and all it has to offer, Resorts, Hotels, Inns and Beachfront Vacation Rentals.
#8 Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club
Highest Rating: This prestigious golf club, designed by Robert C. Walker, consistently receives top accolades for its challenging and well-maintained course. Regatta Bay Golf Course does it all!
Scenic Views: Embracing the landscape of Florida’s Emerald Coast, the course meanders around protected natural preserves and stunning water features of Choctawhatchee Bay, offering captivating views.
Difficulty: With a course rating of 73.8 and a slope rating of 150, a Par 72 Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club is suitable for golfers who love a good challenge, demanding focus, strategy, and adaptability. (Destin: Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club)
How to Stay and Play: Discover Destin and all that it has to offer. From Henderson Resort to the Emerald Grand and Beachfront Resorts. Find your perfect place.
#9 The Links Golf Club
Highest Rating: Often referred to as the “hidden gem” of Emerald Coast golf courses, The Links Golf Club at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort was masterfully designed by Tom Jackson and stands out for providing a traditional links-style golf experience.
Scenic Views: The stunning course runs along the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay, offering panoramic views of emerald waters and the immaculate coastline.
Difficulty: The course rating is 70.6, and the slope rating is 125, making this Par 72 course challenging for golfers, testing their ability to handle shifting wind currents and coastal conditions. (Sandestin: The Links Golf Club)
How to Stay and Play The Links: With Sandestin’s Premium Golf Package, you can play all four of Sandestin’s award-winning golf courses—Links, Baytowne, Raven, and Burnt Pine—with offers up to 30% off accommodations and golf.
#10 Windswept Dunes Golf Course
Highest Rating: Windswept Dunes Golf Course is a premier golf destination in the region due to its exceptional course design, artful bunkers, flawless conditions, and stellar customer service. Designed by Doug O’Rourke, the course offers an invigorating challenge for dedicated golfers.
Scenic Views: A true hidden gem encompassing over 700 acres, Windswept Dunes showcases panoramic views across sweeping dunes, natural wetlands, and native vegetation. The pristine environment provides a tranquil and picturesque setting for golf enthusiasts. Just north of 30A.
Difficulty: With a course rating of 75.1 and a slope rating of 137, Windswept Dunes offers a Par 72 formidable layout tailored to skilled golfers. Each hole has multiple tee boxes to suit golfers of diverse skill levels. (Freeport: Windswept Dunes)
How to Stay and Play Windswept Dunes: Discover Walton County and all that South Walton’s beautiful scenic beaches offer. Choose from Resorts, Inns, Hotels, and Beachfront Vacation Rentals in Miramar Beach.
#11 The Third Golf Club
Highest Rating: Ranked among the top golf resort courses by Golf Digest, The Third Golf Course is WaterSound Club’s newest Golf Course by Davis Love III’s set in stunning Panama City Beach.
Scenic Views: The Third offers a unique golfing experience with pristine greens, lush fairways, and natural landscapes. It has been carefully designed to fit into the surrounding environment, using the existing environmental topography to create a challenging yet enjoyable course. People are already calling it a masterpiece!
Difficulty: The course is both challenging and rewarding, with bunkers, water hazards, and strategic shot placements that will keep golfers on their toes. The Third Golf Course is an excellent addition to an already impressive lineup of golf courses within the Watersound Club experience. (Panama City Beach – WaterSound Club)
How to Stay and Play: Staying at WaterSound’s Club offers a “Members for a Stay” at Camp Creek Inn on Scenic 30A, which get’s you access to all Three Championship golf courses, Camp Creek, The Third, and Shark’s Tooth WaterSound’s triple play!
#12 Emerald Bay Golf Club
Higher Rating: Like Camp Creek Golf Club, Emerald Bay Golf Club is highly rated for its superb layout, pristine course conditions, and outstanding customer service. The world-renowned Bob Cupp. Designed this championship course, which golf enthusiasts love.
Scenic Views: The Emerald Bay Golf Club offers visually stunning and tranquil surroundings alongside the Choctawhatchee Bay. The impressive landscape, picturesque water features, and meticulously maintained greens make playing at this course a feast for the eyes.
Difficulty: Emerald Bay Golf Club boasts a course rating of 73.6 and a slope rating of 135. This challenging Par 72 , 7050 yard layout demands precision and strategic thinking from golfers with some of the most petite greens. To accommodate players of various abilities, each hole offers multiple tee box options for an engaging and enjoyable game. (Destin: Emerald Bay)
How to Stay and Play Emerald Bay: Discover Destin and all that it has to offer. From Henderson Resort to The Emerald Grande and Beachfront Resorts. Find your perfect place close to Emerald Bay.
#13 Marcus Pointe (Pensecola)
Highest Rating: Marcus Pointe Golf Club is highly regarded in Pensacola for its outstanding course layout, pristine conditions, and remarkable customer service. The Earl Stone-designed course is recognized for providing an engaging experience for golf enthusiasts.
Scenic Views: Surrounded by magnificent pine trees and picturesque lakes, Marcus Pointe Golf Club offers captivating views that create a serene atmosphere for golfers. Its natural beauty contributes to an unforgettable golfing experience.
Difficulty: With a course rating of 72.6 and a slope rating of 133, Marcus Pointe presents a challenging Par 72 layout of 6737 suitable for proficient golfers. Each hole features multiple tee boxes to accommodate players with different skill levels. (Pensacola: Marcus Pointe Tee Times)
Pensacola: Marcus Pointe Amenities Golf Course Review
How to Stay and Play Marcus Pointe: Located in one of the country’s top beaches in America (Discover Pensacola Beach) is an amazing collection of great places to stay and play.
#14 Lost Key Golf Club (Pensacola Perdido Key)
Highest Rating: Lost Key Golf Club in Pensacola, FL, is an acclaimed golf course renowned for its pristine conditions, captivating scenery, and unmatched service. The Arnold Palmer Signature-designed course provides a stimulating challenge for dedicated golfers.
Scenic Views: Lost Key Golf Club is nestled amid a serene natural landscape, offering stunning views of lush greenery, native wetlands, and vibrant wildlife. The Gulf Coast of America as the backdrop adds a unique charm, ensuring a memorable golf experience.
Difficulty: Boasting a course rating of 72.5 and a slope rating of 132, Lost Key Golf Club is designed to test the skills of accomplished golfers on this Par 71, 6801 yards with five sets of tees per hole features multiple tee boxes, catering to a wide range of abilities and ensuring an enjoyable game. (Perdio Key: Lost Key Golf Club Tee Times)
Pensacola: Lost Key Golf Course Amenities Review
How to Stay and Play Lost Key: Located in one of the country’s top beaches in America (Discover Pensacola Beach) is an amazing collection of great places to stay and play.
#15 Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club
Highest Rating: Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club is a Members-only premier golf course in the region known for its superb course design, impeccable conditions, and fantastic customer service. Designed by talented architect Tom Jackson, it is renowned for offering engaging play for passionate golfers.
Scenic Views: Nestled between the Gulf of America and Choctawhatchee Bay, Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club boasts stunning coastal views that enhance the golfing experience. Dune-lined fairways and picturesque natural surroundings make for a truly memorable setting.
Difficulty: With a course rating of 73.2 and a slope rating of 134, Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club offers a stimulating layout suitable for skilled golfers. Each hole features multiple tee boxes to ensure players of various skill levels enjoy a personalized experience. (Santa Rosa Golf Beach Club Membership)
#16 The Indian Bayou Golf Club
Highest Rating: The Indian Bayou Golf Club features 18 holes and is one of the most popular golf courses in the area. It is highly praised for its excellent course design, well-maintained conditions, and outstanding customer service. The course, designed by Earl Stone, is celebrated for enjoyable play for dedicated golfers.
Scenic Views: Set amidst the lush natural surroundings of oaks, pines, and magnolias, Indian Bayou Golf Club boasts breathtaking scenery that elevates the golfing experience. The gently rolling terrain provides a pleasant and relaxing environment.
Difficulty: With a course rating of 74.6 and a slope rating of 132, Indian Bayou offers a versatile Par 72, 7078 yard layout suitable for experienced golfers. Each hole incorporates multiple tee boxes to accommodate players with various skill levels. (Destin: Indian Bayou Tee Times)
How to Stay and Play Indian Bayou: Discover Destin and all it offer. From Henderson Resort to The Emerald Grande and Beachfront Resorts. Find your perfect place close to Emerald Bay.
