Florida’s stunning Pensacola Beach on the Emerald Coast is a true golfing gem with its warm winters, picturesque beaches, and exceptional golfing opportunities. It boasts over 50 courses just a short drive from Destin, east or west, where you can soak up around 320 days of sunshine each year. Discover Pensacola Resorts, Dining, and Things to Do with our Golfer’s Paradise Guide.
From Pensacola to Panama City Beach, this beautiful stretch of coastline, often overlooked for the more bustling spots like Miami or Orlando, offers a charming, laid-back atmosphere. It features inviting distinct historic neighborhoods brimming with local culture, the most beautiful National Seashore, and seafood restaurants that dot the Gulf.
Whether teeing off with scenic views or indulging in fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants, the Emerald Coast makes for a perfect getaway filled with Southern hospitality and unforgettable experiences. Browse Pesnacola’s best golf courses and the Emerald Coasts top rated golf courses just a short drive away—your ultimate guide to golfing in Pensacola.
Pensacola’s Top-Rated Golf Courses Listed
Marcus Pointe Golf Club – Pensacola, FL
A must-play course with fantastic greens and friendly staff on this Par 72, 18 holes at 6650 yards. This is a fun course where the fairways start to roll on the back nine and will keep the golfer tested with tricky shots. This is a great course and an Emerald Coast favorite while in Pensacola.
Perdido Bay Golf Club – Pensacola, FL
Beautiful bay views and a satisfying round await you on this Par 72, 18-hole course at 7072 yards. Multiple cuts of rough flank Perdido Bay Golf Club’s fairways, and the greens are large and undulating and hosted the Pensacola Open for a decade.
Lost Key Golf Club – Pensacola, FL
Redesigned by the Arnold Palmer Design Group in 2006, the par 71 signature-designed championship course at 6801 yards features Sea Dwarf Paspalum grass from the tee through the green for the optimum in quality playing surfaces and green speeds.
Tiger Point Golf Club – Gulf Breeze, FL
Designed in the tradition of classic Scottish links golf courses but with the added feature of water, which comes into play on 14 holes along Santa Rosa Sound layout, comes in with a Par 72 at 7054 yards.
The Club at Hidden Creek Navarre Beach, FL
Consistently a local and tourist favorite, top-rated, and on our MUST-PLAY list, Hidden Creek is just 30 minutes from Pensacola east to Destin. It’s a hidden gem and a top-15 course on our list for all of the Emerald Coast! This challenging course plays at a Par 72 and has 6805 yards of challenging golf. It served as a host site for the US Open Qualifying Rounds.
Cypress Lakes Golf Club – Cantonment, FL
This Par 72, 18-hole course at 6396 yards is an underrated gem that will impress both golfers and nature lovers. This highly rated course features pine, oak, and magnolia trees, and in season, blooming azelas. It makes for a scenic treat, with tricky shots balanced with wide fairways. Enjoy!
Pensacola Country Club – Pensacola, FL
Florida’s oldest private country club is in a classic setting on this 18-hole, Par 72 course, which is 6815 yards long. Various memberships make this a must-play for those who love the club setting is a 5 Star Bayfront gem of a course for retirees, active service members, families is just a amazing place that would make Bushwood blush.
Scenic Hills Country Club – Pensacola, FL
The well-kept greens on this Par 72, 18-hole course at 6730 yards blend serenity with a pleasant golfing experience. It is one of the most affordable and offers value and challenging play.
Best Local Golf Courses Worth the Drive from Pensacola Beach
Indian Bayou Golf Club– Destin, FL
This is a hidden gem of a must-play golf course on the Emerald Coast Golf Trail. You’ll love this Par 72, which plays 7078 yards from the back tees. Not just a top golf course in Destin, but all of Florida, an Emerald Coast Golf Trail “Must Play”
Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club – Destin, FL
Robert C. Walker, Arnold Palmer’s former lead architect, designed the course. Water is present in sparkling blue lakes, marshes, and meandering streams. This is another must-play treat on the Emerald Coast at 6840 yards Par 72 beauty. Another ECGT must-play in Destin!
Kelly Plantation Golf Club – Destin, FL
Play in a stunning setting that will inspire golfers of every level along Choctawhatchee Bay, a highly rated championship course measuring 7099 yards on this Emearals Coast Golf Trail Par 72 beauty. It also features the Strano Golf Academy. Also making our Must-Play list for ECGT.
Emerald Bay Golf Club – Destin, FL
Tee off on a Bob Cupp-designed scenic gem along Choctawhatchee Bay Par 72, 18-hole at 7050 yards. It features 12 holes with water and shots of ponds and lakes, but Emerald Bay Golf Club’s sculpted fairways and tight greens are always in excellent condition.
Shalimar Pointe Golf Club – Shalimar, FL
Experience this often-overlooked golf course. It has been considered one of the Emerald Coast’s best-kept secrets, but word about this Par 72, 6,765–yard layout is beginning to emerge. Another gem along the shores!
Rocky Bayou Country Club – Niceville, FL
It is an enjoyable round, complete with beautiful views and serene surroundings. This is a great course and is highly rated throughout Florida! At 6901 yards, this Par 72 is an excellent choice and not too far up the road from the beaches.
Pensacola Municipal and Military Golf Courses
Osceola Golf Course – Pensacola, FL
A welcoming challenge for golfers of all skills and very affordable municipal courses Par 72, 18-hole at 6405 yards.
A.C. Read Golf Course – Lakeview – Pensacola, FL. Military Golf Course
It is a beautiful course with plenty of water to keep your game interesting! These four courses comprise 27 holes and a 9-hole course with connecting courses to get these very well-kept fairways and greens in great shape for very affordable golfing.
A.C. Read Golf Course – Executive Front 9 – Pensacola, FL
Perfect for a quick round; it’s all about fun and finesse. Military Golf Course
A.C. Read Golf Course – Bayview/Bayou – Pensacola, FL
Gorgeous views and a well-maintained course await you here! Military Golf Course
A.C. Read Golf Course – Bayou/Bayview – Pensacola, FL
Navigate this course’s natural beauty with every swing. Military Golf Course
