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4.5
2085 Reviews (2085)
5 Stars
1501
4 Stars
411
3 Stars
112
2 Stars
35
1 Stars
26
Conditions
4.4
Value
4.0
Layout
4.7
Friendliness
4.7
Pace
4.3
Amenities
4.4
92.3%
Recommend this course
1947 out of 2085 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.4
68 Reviews (68)
5 Stars
39
4 Stars
18
3 Stars
8
2 Stars
2
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.1
Value
4.0
Layout
4.6
Pace
4.1
Amenities
4.4
StaffFriendliness
4.7
89.7%
Recommend this course
61 out of 68 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.5
210 Reviews (210)
5 Stars
131
4 Stars
55
3 Stars
17
2 Stars
5
1 Stars
2
Conditions
4.3
Value
4.0
Layout
4.6
Pace
4.3
Amenities
4.4
StaffFriendliness
4.7
91.9%
Recommend this course
193 out of 210 reviews
Read Reviews

About

Holes 18
Type Semi-Private
Par 72
Length 7099 yards
Slope 137
Rating 74.6

Formerly home to a turpentine plantation, the site now offers one of the most environmentally sensitive courses in northwest Florida, Kelly Plantation. The golf course sits along the shores of the Choctawhatchee Bay, sprawling across a waterfront landscape of towering trees and swampy bayous. The course features large, contoured greens and wide, manicured fairways that are in excellent condition but can also be tricky to navigate. The strategically placed hazards also require some careful maneuvering. In addition to being a challenging round, the golf course is also known for its stunning scenic appeal. Throughout the layout, golfers can enjoy panoramic views across the bay to the abundant magnolias and palmettos that are native to Florida's northwest region. For these reasons, Kelly Plantation has received high praise from publications such as Golf Digest and Golf Magazine.

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Kelly Plantation Golf Club
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Course Details

Year Built 1998
Golf Season Year round
Architect Fred Couples (1998) Gene Bates (1998) Bob Cupp (1998) Michael Riley (1998)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes - included in green fees
GPS Yes
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Bunker Yes
Golf School/Academy Yes - "Strano Golf Academy"
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover
Metal Spikes Allowed No

Food & Beverage

Snacks, Restaurant

Available Facilities

Banquet Facilities

Accolades

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Reviews

4.5
2085 Reviews (2085)

Reviewer Photos

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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

This course and staff should get 6 stars.

Everyone at Kelly Plantation was so knowledgeable and courteous throughout the whole process. We came down for the week from the Woodlands Texas. After my round a gentleman named Ashton Crowe came up and helped me book a Ttime for the next day. Come to find he is the Director of Golf and added me to his threesome for the followingday. What a great place!! Keep it up Ashton.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Kelly Plantation

Great day! Course and practice facilities were in great shape.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 15-19
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Kelly Plantation Staff

My wife and I have traveled to NW Florida every year for golf vacations for over 25 years. We have played just about every course along the panhandle. Most of the area courses are excellent in terms of layout, condition, etc. But the thing that separates Kelly Plantation from all of the other courses is the exceptional staff. I am convinced that you can't teach people to care. They either do or they don't, and the secret sauce to running an outstanding organization is to only hire people that care. From the time you pull up in front to drop off yours clubs, to the wait staff in the clubhouse, to the course rangers. Everyone goes out of their way to may sure you have an exceptional experience. Ashton Crowe, the general manager, has surrounded himself with people that truly care and that makes the difference. - Marty & Lucy Blair

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 46
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 18
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Really great course

We golfed daily for a week and this was our favorite course! Greens run very true, course in great shape and staff extremely welcoming!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Great Shape

Course was in great shape and greens rolled really nice. Always a favorite when in Destin.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 10/28/2022

Our golf course maintenance staff puts lots of time and effort into maintaining the golf course conditions. We appreciate you taking the time to recognize their efforts in the review.

We look forward to your next visit when you are in Destin.

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Golf Trip

This was our 9th straight year going to Kelly Plantation as part of our annual golf trip and this course remains the highlight of the trip. The entire staff treated us like we were longtime members of the club, whether it was Ashton Crowe and Spence Fikes from their management team or Jessie and Erica from the restaurant and beverage cart. The course is, and always has been, in great shape! The greens rolled smooth for all three rounds we played here and there are more improvements coming in the near future.

The updated pro shop had plenty of new merchandise to take back home with you and our group is very much looking forward to our 10th annual trip down next October!

You all know how to welcome us every year and greatly appreciate the hospitality!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 10/28/2022

I am delighted to read that every team member your group encountered provided world class customer service. As you have experienced , our golf course maintenance staff keeps the course in peak condition. The greens roll smooth because of our superintendents meticulous attention with his staff and his training practices. Thanks for recognizing how the brand new club house renovations enhance the golf shopping experience.

We appreciate your loyalty and continued support of playing our golf club every year.

We look forward to seeing you all in 2023 for your 10th annual trip..

Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Default User Avatar
Commented on 10/28/2022

We appreciate you taking the time to leave an excellent review. We look forward to your next visit.

Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Worth Playing, Like Raven Better

We played both the Raven and Kelly. I liked Raven better overall. Kelly's greens were fantastic, best greens I've ever played. I would recommend playing. The apples at the turn are awesome. The starter was great. Pace of play was good, we played on a Sunday. The only reason I didn't give it an excellent in conditions is the bunkers, I feel they could look a little prettier for a course of this caliber.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 10/23/2022

Thank you for the compliment about our greens. Our maintenance staff works diligently to ensure we are in peak condition daily. As you mentioned from our outstanding customer service to our delicious cold apples on 10 tee it was an excellent experience. I am glad you got to play another course on your trip, and you enjoyed them as well. Destin is a great spot to visit, and the area has many great golf courses.

We look forward to your next visit to Kelly Plantation Golf Club.

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Great time

Course was great - staff was absolutely awesome. Shop pros, starter, cart girl and the big guy cleaning our clubs at the end were absolutely the best most friendly folks I have ever experienced at a golf course. - great job hiring. Service like that is hard to find anymore.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 10/20/2022

We take great pride in our staff and the level of customer service we provide. When hiring we focus on hiring people who want to be here long term and want to be a part of a family that strives to provide a world class experience for every patron who visits Kelly Plantation Golf Club. I appreciate you taking the time to leave this 5 star review and recognizing our staff for a job well done. We look forward to your next visit.

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

The course is beautiful!

The course is beautiful, the staff are super friendly and the food in the club house was superb! We will definitely be back!!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 10/20/2022

Thank you for noticing the amazing job our maintenance staff does to keep our golf course beautiful, the wonderfully prepared food in the restaurant and the overall staff friendliness in every department. We appreciate you taking the time to share your expoerience and look forward to seeing you on your next visit.

Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 10/15/2022

We appreciate you choosing to play at Kelly Plantation Golf Club. We are glad you enjoyed your experience and thank you for the 5 Star review.

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Very nice course and friendly people.

Got a great rate for the 4 of us on a Wednesday morning. Course in excellent shape and quick greens. Loved the cold apples and iced mango hand towels on the first and tenth tee. Range also very good with new balls.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 10/15/2022

Thank you for choosing to play Kelly Plantation Golf Club. We are glad that you enjoyed your experience. We take great pride in our staff friendliness and on course amenities. Thank you for the 4 star review. We strive to exceed our guest expectations, please let us know how we can earn 5 stars next time you play.

Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great day of golf!

The golf course was beautiful and well worth playing!!! The staff was excellent! Very friendly and welcoming. We had a great time!!!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 10/15/2022

We appreciate you playing Kelly Plantation Golf Club. We are delighted to see Excellent in every category and a 5 Star review. Our goal is to offer a World Class experience to every golfer that plays our golf course. Thank you

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
1.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

POOR CONDITIONS

This was the 2nd time I have played Kelly, and they either started punching the greens or started sanding the greens mid round. They charge a premium to play the course and have no respect for the players. Just a note on their website or a word when you call to book would be great. But nothing! No discount or partial refund. I come to Destin 3 or 4 times a year, I won't say I will never again play Kelly, but it is going to be a long time in coming. They just have no respect for the customer.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 10/15/2022

This is not the type of review I want to see at our golf club. We strive to offer every golfer an amazing experience. Our staff goes above and beyond in communication to golfers. We never want any golfer to play at our golf club and be surprised by unexpected playing conditions due to course maintenance procedures. Feel free to contact me by email to discuss your experiences. my name is John Townsend, Head Golf Professional and my email address is jtownsend@kellyplantationgolf.com.

Enjoy your day

Played On
Reviews 4
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
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