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If you live in Destin and you’ve ever wondered, ” What are the best public golf courses near me? ” You’re in luck. In this article, we’re going to look at three of the best public golf courses in Destin, Florida.
It’s no secret that Florida is a premier golf destination for golf enthusiasts—of all levels—the world over.
The weather is prime for golfing and many cities in Florida are near oceans, meaning an ocean breeze is nearby in a lot of the courses in the state.
One of the most beneficial aspects of living in Florida is being near interesting areas to do your favorite activities—like golf!
In Destin, Florida, many courses host events like the PGA Tour as well as other tournaments and even smaller competitions.
You certainly don’t need to be a pro to enjoy the courses in this article, and it’s telling that even the pros visit and play on courses in Florida.
If you’re a golfer, you need to check out these courses in Destin, Florida.
1. Emerald Bay Golf Club
Designed by renowned architect Bob Cupp, Emerald Bay Gold Club is a prime course in Destin, Florida.
The course at Emerald Bay Golf Club has been bolstered even further from a complete renovation in 2014 and has several water features with great views of the bay that winds through the course and the exclusive gated community.
Destin, Florida is a lauded vacation spot for golfers because of courses like Emerald Bay, which is conveniently located near beaches and areas for recreation, shopping, dining, and entertainment.
This is a prestigious course that residents of Destin frequent often, and travelers routinely make trips to experience the expertly designed course and the challenges that the many water elements provide.
How Much Does it Cost at Emerald Bay Golf Club?
Emerald Bay Golf Club doesn’t list their rates on their site, but they do take tee-time bookings through GolfNow.com, and the link is listed on Emerald Bay’s site.
You are looking to pay for a full round of golf at the course around $100 to $120 for 18-holes and the rate includes a golf cart.
Emerald Bay takes bookings for the hours of 7 am to 5 pm, and most of the bookings left are in the 11 am to 2 pm range.
You can download a scorecard for Emerald Bay Golf Club, FL here.
Facilities
Part of the renovations at Emerald Bay Gold Club was to add practice facilities for golfers to enjoy.
Emerald Bay doesn’t list the exact facilities on their site, but they boast that they have facilities to help with every facet of the game.
Emerald Bay Gold Club features The Grille at Emerald Bay that serves classic lunch items like burgers, hot dogs, BLTs, club sandwiches, chicken wings, salads, and even have their own homemade potato chips.
The Guesthouse can accommodate nearly any party or event need that one might have.
Single or double rooms can be rented as well as the entire building.
This facility has a full kitchen, access to a swimming pool, two tennis courts, golf school and lessons, The Grille, and a full-service Pro Shop.
Comfortably accommodating up to 16 employees in separate rooms for company or corporate retreats, The Guesthouse offers catering and can be booked for private functions and events, and they have transportation services available for guests.
Emerald Bay Golf Club FL: Contact Information & Directions
Emerald Bay Golf Club, 4781 Clubhouse Drive, Destin, FL 32541.
Tel: (850) 837-5197
Website: www.emeraldbaygolfclub.com
Hours: 7:00AM to 5:00PM
Click here For directions to Emerald Bay Golf Club, FL.
2. The Golf Garden of Destin
Located on the gorgeous Emerald Coast, The Golf Garden of Destin boasts itself as a family-friendly facility that accommodates golfers of any skill level.
The Executive Golf Course is a 9-hole, par 29 course that’s an excellent challenge for beginners as well as a great source of practice for more seasoned golfers trying to hone their short game skills.
The Golf Garden of Destin also has an 18-hole putting course.
The course is a par 62 and is capable of a challenge for competitive putt-putters as well as a great source of enjoyment for kids and families.
In the summer (June through August) The Golf Garden is fully lit for night play.
The course has a driving range with target greens for goal training and practice greens for chipping and putting.
There’s a little something for everyone at The Golf Garden of Destin from putt-putt to their driving range, chipping and putting practice areas, and the Executive Course.
The “Garden” encourages fun and friendly play for families and friends looking for a relaxing time on the course.
How Much Does it Cost at The Golf Garden of Destin?
For 9-holes on the Executive Course, The Golf Garden rates are $24 for adults, $17 for juniors, and $19 for seniors.
For 18-holes on the Executive Course, the rates are $32 for adults, $24 for juniors, and $26 for seniors.
A cart is $16 for 9-holes and $20 for 18-holes.
The 18-hole putting course rates are $8.50 for adults, $7.50 for children, and $7.75 for seniors.
You can download a scorecard for The Golf Garden of Destin, FL here.
Facilities
The Golf Garden of Destin isn’t an all-encompassing 18-hole championship course, they’re a family-oriented golf venue. As such, there aren’t standard facilities like a Grille or a venue to host events and functions.
The club does have practice areas: a driving range and a chipping and putting area. They also offer lessons from a PGA instructor for individuals, children, and groups.
The Golf Garden of Destin: Contact Information & Directions
The Golf Garden of Destin, 12958 US. Highway 98 West, Miramar Beach, FL 32550.
Tel: (850) 837-7422.
Website: www.thegolfgardenofdestin.com.
Hours: 7:30AM to 11:00PM.
Click here For directions to Golf Garden of Destin, FL.
3. Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club
The Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club welcomes travelers from all over.
Golfers of any skill level can find a challenge on the Seminole Course at the Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club.
The course features large greens, water in play on four holes, and multiple pin placements to reward accuracy.
The club hosts events like weddings, parties, and private functions. They have a bar and grill, gift shop, well-kept facilities.
They have received rave reviews on Golf Advisor so it’s well worth a visit if you’re in the Destin area.
The club hosts events throughout the year, men’s and women’s leagues, and they offer discounts in travel packages for visitors from out-of-state.
How Much Does it Cost at Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club?
The Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club offers varied rates throughout the day through their tee time booking.
For a full round of 18-holes before 2 pm, it is generally $89 and after 2 pm it’s usually $69.
You can download a scorecard for Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club, FL here.
Facilities
The Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club features a Bar & Grill that serves Bayou-themed dishes like the Bayou Club Sandwich or Bayou BLT as well as salads, other dishes, and has a kids menu.
They rent out their clubhouse for events like weddings, corporate or company retreats, conferences, parties, or other private functions.
Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club FL: Contact Information & Directions
Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club, 1 Country Club Drive East, Destin, FL 32541.
Tel: (850) 837-6192.
Website: www.indianbayougolf.com.
Hours: 6:00AM to 6:00PM.
Click here For directions to Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club, FL.
Best Public Golf Courses in the Destin, FL Area
Destin, Florida is a hotspot for golfing activities.
Nearby public golf courses in Florida: Disney World, Boca Raton, Jupiter, St. Petersburg, Delray Beach, Pompano Beach, Estero, Cape Coral, Gainesville, Tampa Airport, West Palm Beach.
As shown here in these three varied public courses, there is something for every golfer in Destin.
For families looking for a good time, the Golf Garden of Destin is a great spot to spend the day and connect.
The Emerald bay is a lauded course that golfers from all over travel to play on. Their tee times book up quickly and nothing else really speaks to the quality of a course quite like that.
The Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club is a great course for intermediate players.
It has challenges, but is forgiving, and can still provide enough to give even experienced golfers a run for their money!