The Raven: RTJ Jr.’s Emerald Coast Crown Jewel of Florida Golf Reviewed
Location & Allure: Miramar Beach, FL
At the heart of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort along Florida’s Emerald Coast (SoWal/30A),is the Raven Golf Club is a PGA-level bucket-list must-play golf destination. With powder-white beaches, luxury resorts, and world-class dining just minutes away, it’s no wonder this award-winning championship course is a favorite among golfers and vacationers alike. Sandestin’s other championship golf courses, Burnt Pine, The Links, and Baytowne, deliver a par excellent golf resort. Let’s get on the links and review this jaw-dropper!
A Robert Trent Jones Jr. Coastal Head Turner
Robert Trent Jones Jr. carved this 18-hole stunner into Emerald Coast’s rare elevation changes, blending risk-reward carries over wetlands with tour-caliber bunkering. Par-71, 6,931 yards (73.8/137) means it plays as good as it looks. This is a PGA-level golf experience to put on your bucket list of “Must Play” golfing when in the Destin area. A jewel in the crown of the Emerald Coast Golf Trail. #GolfCoast
Trophy Case: Raven Golf Club Accolades and Awards
🏆 Golf Digest “Top 100 Public Courses”
🏆 Golfweek #1 Resort Course in NW Florida
🏆 92.9% GolfPass Recommendation Rate
🏆 Golfweek Magazine “Best Tour Courses You Can Play”
Signature Hole: Raven Golf Club
-
- Rated Toughest Hole (No. 18) on the 2006 PGA Champions Tour
-
- Elevated tees framing panoramic coastal views
-
- Jones’ trademark strategic bunkering (bring your A-game sand saves )
-
- The Raven provides the challenge of lowering your score with great shot making
Course Highlights at Raven Golf Club
-
- Elevation surprises (rare for Florida!)
-
- Raven has two Par 3’s for Hole Number 16, 16A and 16B (You Choose, just be aware and ask the friendly staff.. it can take you by surprise your first outing)
-
- Signature water hazards & undulating greens that may surprise you
-
- Pine forests, marshes, and coastal views —nature meets strategy
-
- Beverage Cart is a nice friendly feature on the course 😉
-
- Views from the Tee Boxes are hard to beat with the scenic backdrop
Off-Course Perks and Amenities at Sandestin Raven Golf Club
-
- Elegant clubhouse with a very friendly staff (Raven shares the same Clubhouse with Baytowne)
-
- On-site dining featuring locally sourced cuisine
-
- Stay & play packages at Sandestin Resort (think beachfront villas & spa perks )
-
- Discover Miramar Beach and Scenic 30A to see more about the local area
-
- Clubhouse grill serving post-round gimmes with local seafood
-
- Pro shop stocked with latest sticks and threads
-
- Live Music, Shops, Restaurants at the Village of Baytowne Wharf
Why Play at The Raven Golf Club?
“Most Florida courses flat-out can’t offer these elevation changes or RTJ Jr.’s design genius,” says Head Pro. “It’s a thinking player’s course where every club gets used.”
19th Hole Vibes: Good Vibrations Abound
-
- 27 Restaurants serving post-round gimmes with local seafood & southern treats
-
- Marina Bar & Grill at Sandestin provides great views and better food
-
- Pro shop stocked with latest sticks and threads
-
- Stay & Play packages at Sandestin’s beachfront villas & more
-
- See Accomodations of Up to 10 Resort Locations
-
- Family-friendly activities and live events at Baytowne Wharf
Pro Tip: Book twilight rates for golden hour rounds when the pines cast perfect shadows on tournament-speed greens.
Final Verdict
Our review of the Raven Gllf Club is a can’t-miss blend of RTJ Jr. genius, Emerald Coast beauty, and great amenities. Book your tee time —this course is a hole-in-one-of-a-kind experience. (See our ultimate guide of golfing at Sandestin and beyond)
📍 1199 Troon Dr, Miramar Beach
⏱️ 3:35 avg. round time (thanks to PGA-level maintenance )
