Emerald Bay Golf Club
Emerald Bay Golf Club delivers a well-rounded 18-hole parkland layout tailored for golfers of varying abilities. Its balanced design and coastal setting provide a practical yet engaging round amid gently rolling fairways and strategic greens.
Course Overview
Emerald Bay Golf Club in Destin, Florida, offers an 18-hole layout that balances approachable play with measured challenges, suitable for golfers across all skill levels. Designed to present a varied experience, the course stretches over a moderate yardage that encourages strategic shot-making without overwhelming less experienced players. While its coastal location lacks the dramatic beachfront views found at some nearby courses, portions of the back nine open toward natural wetlands and water features, delivering moments of calm reflection amid the competition.
The course exhibits a traditional parkland style marked by gently rolling fairways lined with native pines and subtle elevation shifts. Bunkers and strategically placed water hazards accompany the greens, demanding thoughtful club selection and precise approach shots. Greens offer a fair test with multiple pin locations often tucked around contours and subtle slopes, encouraging controlled putting and careful reading.
Emerald Bay’s practice facilities include a dedicated driving range and short game areas, allowing golfers to warm up thoroughly before their round or hone specific elements of their game. The clubhouse serves as a functional base with essential amenities, supporting both casual rounds and group events. The course is public and welcomes a wide cross-section of the golfing community, from first-timers to seasoned players seeking a relaxed but engaging experience.
Although feedback on course conditions and service varies, those planning a visit should prepare for possible variable turf quality and be ready for occasional maintenance interruptions. Walking is permitted, though the terrain encourages medium-traction footwear, especially during warmer months. Golf carts equipped with GPS technology aid in navigation, although functionality may vary.
Emerald Bay stands as a solid choice for those seeking accessible golf in the Destin area, particularly for visitors looking to avoid the premium pricing of regional marquee venues. The combination of manageable challenges and pockets of natural scenery offers an inviting setting to develop your game or enjoy a leisurely round in a subtropical environment.
Course Highlights
A traditional parkland course blending coastal humidity with pine-lined fairways, Emerald Bay challenges players with tiered greens and strategic water hazards. The driving range and short game practice areas support preparation and improvement. Several finishing holes look out toward natural wetlands, offering a quiet contrast to the earlier more technical holes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Colin Glass
I didn’t think I could play a course that would make me never wanna golf again, but then I played at Emerald Bay Golf Club. From the second I stepped in the pro shop, I knew this would be a bad experience. The guy working was not very friendly and courteous. Then, we stepped out to the putting and chipping green, which looked like it hadn’t been cut in weeks. On top of that, the range was closed due to “water,” but I couldn’t find any. When we started playing, the tee boxes were torn up and the fairways looked like rough. We played 18 holes in a whopping 5 hours in a cart. By the time I hit hole 8, I really just wanted to go home and never touch a golf club again. But this isn’t even the end of it. By the time we hit hole 18, my dad found a rotten banana in one of the pockets of the bag that we rented. It was disgusting! I almost threw up. When we got back to the clubhouse, the lady refused to pour us a simple drink of lemonade, and was yelled at by another worker. So, she poured it, but filled the entire cup with ice so I couldn’t enjoy my drink. UNACCEPTABLE! I was really thirsty too, so I left the course very sad. I’m very disappointed with my experience at this course. I hope nobody ever plays this course again, so that they will not have the same experience as I did. So overall, if I could give this a negative rating I would, but I can’t. I just really wish I did something else today instead of going to this course.
Braxton Ragan
Never in my life have I felt so out of place. The man at the counter looked at me like I was nuts when I told him I would rather ride along with my friends than pay that much money to golf. The man was very blunt and harsh for the duration of my encounter with him. I bought a shirt at the shop because I did not have a collared shirt with me. I paid 50 bucks and the shirts’ buttons wouldn’t even stay buttoned. We were rushed through our 18 holes by a board member on a golf cart. Which clearly suggests that this establishment values money over their golfers’ experience. All golf carts were equipped with a touchscreen GPS device, but ours did not work from the very beginning. The cart path was in terrible condition. Many parts of it were under water. Some parts were so broken that the path was basically gravel. For the price that they charged there were many weeds throughout the entire course. I would’ve expected much better quality for how costly this day was. The neighborhood that surrounds the course was almost as unwelcoming as some of the staff. Every yard had signs that said “no trespassing” or “do not play from yard”. One yard in particular has golfballs placed in front of trail cameras, all so that they may get someone in trouble. Overall, Emerald Bay has not only made me dislike the establishment, but also the game of golf. It is clear that some of the staff thinks very highly of themselves. Emerald Bay is NOT a welcoming place. If you want a fun relaxing day of golf, this place is not for you.
James M
Emerald is correct, its green everywhere you look.. great customer service eith bag drop employees, towels and ice in carts. Very nice clubhouse, driving range, chipping and putting green areas. Its a really fun layout, the wind gets up and there is a good amount of water. Overall its a really nice track and one of my faves in the destin area.
Patty Childress
Colton Barber
Just got back from only being able to play 5 holes until it started pouring rain. They had a shotgun tourney starting once the rain was passing. So it was either skip half the course or get a refund from golfnow. It was great until it rained.
Braxton Ragan
Never in my life have I felt so out of place. The man at the counter looked at me like I was nuts when I told him I would rather ride along with my friends than pay that much money to golf. The man was very blunt and harsh for the duration of my encounter with him. I bought a shirt at the shop because I did not have a collared shirt with me. I paid 50 bucks and the shirts’ buttons wouldn’t even stay buttoned. We were rushed through our 18 holes by a board member on a golf cart. Which clearly suggests that this establishment values money over their golfers’ experience. All golf carts were equipped with a touchscreen GPS device, but ours did not work from the very beginning. The cart path was in terrible condition. Many parts of it were under water. Some parts were so broken that the path was basically gravel. For the price that they charged there were many weeds throughout the entire course. I would’ve expected much better quality for how costly this day was. The neighborhood that surrounds the course was almost as unwelcoming as some of the staff. Every yard had signs that said “no trespassing” or “do not play from yard”. One yard in particular has golfballs placed in front of trail cameras, all so that they may get someone in trouble. Overall, Emerald Bay has not only made me dislike the establishment, but also the game of golf. It is clear that some of the staff thinks very highly of themselves. Emerald Bay is NOT a welcoming place. If you want a fun relaxing day of golf, this place is not for you.
J.P. T
Played today and really nice conditions. Greens ran true an smooth but my flat stick wasn't co-operating. Beautiful course not the hardest but many tucked pin locations made it challenging. Cups we're cut about 3 paces off a mound headed for water on a few holes so it made you aim for the middle of the green.
Kyu Om
Emerald Bay Golf Club offers a solid golfing experience with a few highlights that stand out. The layout of the course is well-designed and provides a good mix of challenges for all skill levels. The condition of the course was average—playable but could use some improvements in certain areas. One of the standout features is the driving range and practice area, which is a great addition for warming up or fine-tuning your game. While the views are not as scenic as some other courses in the Destin area, a couple of the finishing holes do offer a picturesque setting that adds a nice touch to the round. Overall, it’s a good solid course. Not sure if it’s worth over $100 green fee But all other courses were even higher.
J.P. T
Played today and really nice conditions. Greens ran true an smooth but my flat stick wasn't co-operating. Beautiful course not the hardest but many tucked pin locations made it challenging. Cups we're cut about 3 paces off a mound headed for water on a few holes so it made you aim for the middle of the green.
Colin Glass
I didn’t think I could play a course that would make me never wanna golf again, but then I played at Emerald Bay Golf Club. From the second I stepped in the pro shop, I knew this would be a bad experience. The guy working was not very friendly and courteous. Then, we stepped out to the putting and chipping green, which looked like it hadn’t been cut in weeks. On top of that, the range was closed due to “water,” but I couldn’t find any. When we started playing, the tee boxes were torn up and the fairways looked like rough. We played 18 holes in a whopping 5 hours in a cart. By the time I hit hole 8, I really just wanted to go home and never touch a golf club again. But this isn’t even the end of it. By the time we hit hole 18, my dad found a rotten banana in one of the pockets of the bag that we rented. It was disgusting! I almost threw up. When we got back to the clubhouse, the lady refused to pour us a simple drink of lemonade, and was yelled at by another worker. So, she poured it, but filled the entire cup with ice so I couldn’t enjoy my drink. UNACCEPTABLE! I was really thirsty too, so I left the course very sad. I’m very disappointed with my experience at this course. I hope nobody ever plays this course again, so that they will not have the same experience as I did. So overall, if I could give this a negative rating I would, but I can’t. I just really wish I did something else today instead of going to this course.
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Course Details
Access & Location
4781 Clubhouse Dr, Destin, FL 32541, USA
Emerald Bay Golf Clubhouse with pro shop and basic dining options
Walking allowed; course features moderate elevation changes and some sandy areas, suitable for spiked or spikeless golf shoes with good grip
Open to the public; advance tee time reservation recommended, walk-ins possible depending on availability
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