Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club

Ever since it debuted in 2003 and started earning raves for being one of Northwest Florida's premier courses. This semi-private layout is the star amenity of an 800-acre residential development that touches Choctawhatchee Bay. Robert C. Walker, formerly the lead architect of Arnold Palmer's design company, laid out Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club amidst a nature preserve near the south shore of the bay. While you'll feel the breezes as you play this stalwart of Florida's Emerald Coast region, the water views during the round are of the wetlands, streams and manmade lakes that lend beauty and challenge to the game here. Plenty of trees, bulkheads lining the hazards and bright white sand in the predominantly shallow bunkers add extra aesthetic panache when you play at Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club. With so much water and trouble all around, you'll need to execute numerous forced carries on your drives and approach shots. A couple of holes feature island-like fairways. Regatta Bay Golf and Yacht Club delivers a classic brand of Florida target-style golf, though it's a challenge everyone can enjoy. Moderately skilled players will be relieved that some of the hazards and shot prospects seem more intimidating than they really are. The game at Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club comes to a crescendo finish. On the tricky par-4 16th you must avoid the water on the left and the marsh that crosses the fairway. While the redesigned 17th may be a drivable par 4 for long hitters, for most players the primary task is executing a forced-carry tee shot over water that finds the fairway in a spot short of the bunkers that intercede before the green. The finishing hole at Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club is a reachable ball 5 that hooks around a large lake with the green tucked hard by the hazard. It's the last test of a day of golf filled with strong and intriguing holes. The club's extensive practice facilities include a golf academy with a canopy cover and a nice clubhouse with a lakefront restaurant that's ideal for winding down after your game. It's no wonder that Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club is such a popular place to play in golf-rich Destin.