The Ultimate Guide to Experiencing Florida’s Hidden Coastal Golfing Gems
Imagine standing on a lush, green fairway, feeling the warm Florida sun and hearing waves in the distance. Welcome to the Golf the Emerald Coast, where championship golf courses meet stunning Gulf of America crystal clear emerald green waters and sun-kissed sugar white sandy coastal beauty. This golfing paradise along the Florida Panhandle is perfect for serious golfers and beach lovers. Experience the good life.
The Emerald Coast has some of Florida’s best golf courses. Each course offers a unique challenge and beautiful waterfront views that will amaze you. From Burnt Pine, Camp Creek, and Kelly Plantation Golf Course’s well-kept greens to Emerald Bay Golf Club’s tricky bunkers and water hazards, every course shows the region’s golfing excellence. Blaze your own Emerald Coast Golf Trail on this Coastal Paradise for golfers.
Burnt Pine a Hidden Gem of an Epic Par 3 in Miramar Beach, Florida, on Florida’s Emerald Gulf Coast
The Top 15 Must-Play Golf Courses on The Emerald Coast of Florida.
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- Burnt Pine at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort (Miramar Beach, Florida)
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- Camp Creek Golf Club (Inlet Beach, Florida)
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- Indian Bayou Golf Club (Destin, Florida)
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- Shark’s Tooth Golf Club (Panama City Beach, Florida)
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- The Club at Hidden Creek (Navarre Beach, Florida)
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- Kelly Plantation Golf Club (Destin, Florida)
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- The Third Golf Course (Panama City Beach, Florida)
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- Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club (Destin, Florida)
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- Raven at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort Miramar Beach, Florida)
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- Bay Point – Nicklaus Course (Panama City Beach, Florida)
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- Lost Key Golf Club (Pensacola Beach, Florida)
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- Emerald Bay Golf Club (Destin, Florida)
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- Tiger Point Golf Club (Gulf Breeze, Florida)
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- Perdido Bay Golf Club, Cottages on the Green (Pensacola, Florida)
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- Windswept Dunes Golf Course (Freeport, Florida)

But there’s more than golf here. You can enjoy the white sands and clear waters that give the area its name. Plus, beachfront vacation rentals are close to the shore, making mixing golf with a beach vacation easy. Golf The Emerald Coast provides a wide range of local amenities, dining, and world-class beaches just minutes from Florida’s Gulf Coast’s best-kept secret in the NorthWest Panhandle of Florida.
So bring your clubs and sunscreen. The Emerald Coast is waiting with relatively low crowds compared to other golf havens, with tranquil spots to soak it all in. Get ready for a fantastic, relaxing golf and beach vacation. Once you experience the Emerald Coast, you’ll want to stay in this golfer’s paradise. We have maps, itineraries, and golf travel packages to save you time and money!

Key Takeaways
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- The Emerald Coast is the top destination for some of the best golf courses in Florida, perfect for a golf travel vacation. It is located in the NW Florida Panhandle.
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- Courses like Kelly Plantation Golf Course and Emerald Bay Golf Club offer unique challenges and stunning scenery1.
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- Beachfront vacation rentals allow you to combine your love for golf with a relaxing beach getaway1. Choose from Luxury Beachfront, Resort, or budget-friendly stays.
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- The Emerald Coast offers the perfect blend of world-class golf and awe-inspiring coastal scenic beauty, such as Scenic Highway 30A.
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- Pack your clubs and sunscreen for an unforgettable golfing experience on the Emerald Coast.
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- You will find many things to do while on your golf vacation, including stay-and-play golf packages, golf travel ideas, day trip itinerary ideas, and some of the best eats around the beaches.
Discover the Golfing Hidden Gems of Florida’s Emerald Coast
Get ready to tee off on some of the most spectacular golf courses in the United States. The Emerald Coast of Florida stretches from Pensacola Beach to Panama City Beach. It’s a paradise for golf lovers and beach fans. With its white sandy beaches, clear emerald waters, and top-rated golf courses, this place offers an unmatched golfing experience.
Stunning Scenery and World-Class Golf Courses
The Emerald Coast has golf courses designed by famous architects like Fred Couples and Robert Trent Jones Jr. These courses mix the area’s beauty with tough layouts, making for an unforgettable golfing experience for all players.
At Kelly Plantation Golf Club, you’ll find water hazards and bunkers. Baytowne Golf Club has a mix of coastal and inland holes. The Raven Golf Club at Sandestin is challenging, with a rating of 74.1 and a slope of 131. It’s even hosted pro tournaments, showing its top-level design.

Perfect Destination for Golf Enthusiasts and Beach Lovers in Destin, Florida
Whether you’re a pro golfer or just playing for fun, the Emerald Coast has something for you. Courses like Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club are challenging, with a rating of 73.8 and a slope of 150. Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club offers 18 holes of championship golf.
But there’s so much more to do after a round of golf here, with hundreds of attractions and things to do. Enjoy the beaches, kayaking, and big-time fishing in calm waters. After golf, try the local seafood and specialties.
“Playing golf on the Emerald Coast is an experience like no other. The stunning scenery, impeccable course conditions, and warm hospitality make it a golfer’s paradise.” – Peter McDade

WaterSound Club’s Play Like a Pro – Camp Creek Golf Course Review
WaterSound’s Club “Stay and Play” Golf at Camp Creek Golf Club
Tee off in style at Camp Creek Golf Course, where every swing is a dance with the whispering winds and every putt a delicate ballet on pristine greens. As part of WaterSound Club exclusive “Stay and Play” luxury experience, golfers are invited to indulge in a world-class golfing that now is at 54 holes of adventure amidst breathtaking landscapes and challenging fairways. Get ready to immerse yourself in the allure of Camp Creek, where each hole is a masterpiece waiting to be conquered.

Conquering the Shores at Shark’s Tooth Golf Course
Dive into the challenge of Shark’s Tooth Golf Course, where players are lured by the siren call of Greg Norman’s impeccable design. With fairways that weave through the natural beauty of pine trees along the coastal dune lake (Lake Powell) and hazards that lurk like hidden treasures, each round at Shark’s Tooth Golf Course is a thrilling expedition into the heart of golfing excellence. Prepare to navigate the waters and conquer the greens in the ultimate test of skill and precision. You have to see it to believe it!
The Third Course: A Davis Love III Paradise near Scenic Highway 30A
As the sun sets over the emerald waters of Inlet Beach on Scenic Highway 30A, a new golfing paradise is on the horizon just north of Shark’s Tooth. The Third Course, a world-class Championship gem to grace the golfing scene just outside Panama City Beach, promises an unparalleled experience of strategy and finesse. Picture-perfect views, meticulously groomed holes, and the challenge of mastering the short game await those who seek to conquer this upcoming golfing marvel. Get ready to tee off on a new chapter of golfing excellence on the Emerald Coast.
Another great place to Stay and Play golf by WaterSound Club is The Lodge 30A, which offers a variety of excellent accommodations right on 30A.

Indian Bayou Golf and Country Club: A Golfer’s Oasis in Destin
Indian Bayou Golf and Country Club is a true gem among Destin golf courses. It is located on Florida’s Emerald Coast and offers a mix of natural beauty and challenging play. Golfers and beach lovers will find it a top spot. The club is open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily, giving you plenty of time to play.
Challenging Course Layout Amidst Tall Pines and Serene Lakes
At Indian Bayou Golf and Country Club, you’ll find a beautiful landscape of tall pine trees and calm lakes. The course is well-kept and challenges golfers of all levels. It has bunkers, undulating greens, and water hazards that require skill and accuracy.
You’ll love it here whether you’re a pro or a casual golfer. The course’s layout changes with each round, keeping you engaged. It’s one of the top golf courses in Florida’s Emerald Coast and in all of Florida!

Upscale Clubhouse Dining with Breathtaking Views
After golf, enjoy dining at the elegant clubhouse. The restaurant serves fresh, local ingredients and a variety of dishes. It’s perfect for any taste.
Enjoy your meal with views of the golf course and the peaceful landscape. The clubhouse has a welcoming feel and great service, making your stay memorable.
Indian Bayou Golf and Country Club is not just a golf course; it’s a complete golfing experience that combines the best of Destin’s natural beauty with top-notch amenities and service.
It’s ideal for a golf trip, a romantic escape, or a family vacation in Destin. Book your tee time now and see why it’s a top spot for golfers and beach lovers.

Kelly Plantation Golf Course: Where Nature Meets Golfing Excellence
Prepare to tee off in paradise at Kelly Plantation Golf Course, a top Destin golf course along the Emerald Coast. Designed by Fred Couples and Gene Bates, it offers an unforgettable 18-hole championship experience.
As you play, you’ll see lush vegetation and serene wetlands, with views of Choctawhatchee Bay7. Destin draws 80% of Emerald Coast visitors, making Kelly Plantation a top spot for golf and beach lovers8.
Playing at Kelly Plantation is like stepping into a golfing paradise. The course layout is both challenging and visually stunning, making every round an unforgettable experience.
Kelly Plantation Golf Course suits all golfers, from pros to beginners. It offers a mix of challenge and beauty and has a great clubhouse for relaxing after your game.
Looking for more fun? Destin Things to Do: Destin Welcome Guide
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- Go on a 1.5-hour dolphin cruise and see these amazing creatures up close
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- Try a seafood meal at one of Destin’s beach restaurants, with beautiful sunset views
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- Have fun with the kids over at Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park, with over 40 water activities
Kelly Plantation Golf Course offers great stay-and-play packages for the ultimate golf resort experience. It combines natural beauty with top-notch golf, making it a memorable escape on Florida’s Emerald Coast.

Regatta Bay Golf Club: Luxury and Precision on the Greens
Regatta Bay Golf Club is on Florida’s Emerald Coast and offers a top-notch golfing experience. Designed by Robert C. Walker in 1996, it’s a gem among golf clubs and resorts. Golf Digest calls it one of the “Top Places to Play in North America.” Florida Golf News magazine named it the “#1 Favorite Golf Course in Northwest Florida”.
Meticulously Manicured Fairways and Strategic Water Features
Regatta Bay’s fairways and greens are immaculate, showcasing the club’s attention to detail. The 18-hole course by Robert C. Walker offers a luxury golfing experience. It has water hazards and bunkers that test players of all levels. Regatta Bay is a top choice with a 4.5 rating from over 2,200 reviews and a 90.1% recommendation rate.
Exceptional Clubhouse Amenities and Hospitality
Regatta Bay is known for its top-notch clubhouse and hospitality. The clubhouse has a pro shop with the latest golf gear and apparel. After golf, enjoy dining at the clubhouse restaurant with great views of the greens and lakes. Regatta Bay is among the best golf resorts in Destin, Florida.
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