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4.5
2029 Reviews (2029)
5 Stars
1473
4 Stars
394
3 Stars
104
2 Stars
33
1 Stars
25
Conditions
4.3
Value
3.9
Layout
4.7
Friendliness
4.7
Pace
4.4
Amenities
4.4
91.5%
Recommend this course
1898 out of 2029 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.7
82 Reviews (82)
5 Stars
61
4 Stars
18
3 Stars
3
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.7
Value
4.1
Layout
4.8
Pace
4.6
Amenities
4.6
StaffFriendliness
4.8
96.3%
Recommend this course
79 out of 82 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.5
188 Reviews (188)
5 Stars
115
4 Stars
54
3 Stars
13
2 Stars
4
1 Stars
2
Conditions
4.3
Value
3.9
Layout
4.6
Pace
4.4
Amenities
4.4
StaffFriendliness
4.7
92.0%
Recommend this course
173 out of 188 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
2029 Reviews (2029)

Reviewer Photos

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Beginner
Plays Once every three months
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Fair
Value Average
Layout Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 17
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played

Water is needed. Greens need help

Nice day to play. Greens were punched about 3 weeks ago and it’s still noticeable and affects some putts.

Staff was very friendly. Cart guys, clubhouse and bar tender.

I started at 2:30p and the course was fairly open. Only a few groups ahead of me which I passed through. Then it was wide open. Relaxing and played a couple balls.

There was a wedding going on so I believe the beverage cart girl was summoned to go help with that as I never received service. I saw her before I tee’d off, but never received service.

Not that big a deal as I stocked up a bit before hand and I carry my own water and snacks.

Tee boxes and fairways were in good shape. Course looks a bit burnt in spots, but did not effect play.

Greens looked worse than they actually rolled. Big punch holes trying to mend.

They clipped me for $140, which for this course is supposed to be a deal. I’d say it’s worth a hundy for an afternoon round.

I’ve played this course many times, since it opened in the 90s.

It is very picturesque course and that’s why I played today as it has been a while.

It has the best layout in the area. Couples did a good job.

Hopefully they get some rain or spend some time watering it.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/23/2025

Thank you so much for visiting us and taking the time to give us a 5 star review. We welcome you to visit anytime in the future and appreciate you playing this great course!

Regards,

Kelly Plantation Golf Club Professional Staff

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/23/2025

Thank you so much for visiting us and taking the time to give us a 5 star review. We welcome you to visit anytime in the future and appreciate you playing this great course!

Regards,

Kelly Plantation Golf Club Professional Staff

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
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/23/2025

Thank you so much for visiting us and taking the time to give us a 5 star review. We welcome you to visit anytime in the future and appreciate you playing this great course!

Regards,

Kelly Plantation Golf Club Professional Staff

Played On
Reviews 22
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Windy weather
Used cart
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/23/2025

Thank you so much for visiting us and taking the time to give us a 5 star review. We welcome you to visit anytime in the future and appreciate you playing this great course!

Regards,

Kelly Plantation Golf Club Professional Staff

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Beginner
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

The course is fabulous and the staff are great they overcharged us.

The pro shop did not honor the “amount due at course” and over charged us by $7. However, the course is fabulous and we look forward to playing it again! Highly recommend.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/23/2025

Thank you so much for visiting us and taking the time to give us a 5 star review. Please give us a call at (850) 650 - 7600 so that we can discuss the specific transaction. We pride ourselves on keeping our rates fair and consistent for all of our great customers such as yourself.

Regards,

Kelly Plantation Golf Club Professional Staff

Played On
Reviews 32
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Great track in Destin

Great course all the way. Pricey! Greens were punched and sanded. Needs to be 50% off for that! Otherwise great track.

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/23/2025

Thank you so much for visiting us and taking the time to give us a 5 star review. While we understand your sentiment regarding the aeration rate, we are unaware of any facility in our market that would reduce by a full 50%. We did however reduce our rates by $100 per person, which we understood to be more than fair. We welcome you to visit anytime in the future and appreciate you playing this great course!

Regards,

Kelly Plantation Golf Club Professional Staff

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing

Good not Great

Course is tough for an average golfer. They just punched the greens so bumpy putts. Course layout is okay but well designed to challenge even a low average golfer. My opinion but think Raven is better based on course layout, quality and price.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 13
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 25+
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Midday play

We had a foursome and play went smooth all day. Had a good time

Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/15/2025

Thank you so much for playing Kelly Plantation Golf Club! We are happy you had a great time. We would love to hear from you on what we could have done to earn a 5 star review. We look forward to seeing you in the future!

Warm Regards,

Kelly Plantation Golf Club Professional Staff

Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
1.0
First Time Playing

Poor Management

I don’t normally review based on customer service. I had one of the first tee times today, got a bit of rain last night too. Drove an hour to the course. Called them 3 times on the way there just to make sure they were open, no answer. I finally get to the gate and it says closed. I call again, they answer and say they’re closed. Went and played Raven Golf Club down the road and had a great time.

Friendliness Poor
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Enjoyable round

Course conditions were great. Fairway, rough and greens well maintained. Greens especially nice and true. Staff very nice, no complaints at all. Would play again.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/15/2025

Thank you so much for playing Kelly Plantation Golf Club! We are happy you had a great time! We humbly appreciate your 5 star review. We look forward to seeing you in the future!

Warm Regards,

Kelly Plantation Golf Club Professional Staff

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Overrated

I’ve played courses for 40 years. 140 bucks for average courses is way too expensive. They had recently airated the greens but despite this, it was still not worth that much. Burnt pine in Sandestin is much better

Conditions Average
Value Fair
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/15/2025

Thank you so much for playing Kelly Plantation Golf Club! We are happy you had a great time. We and many of our customers respectfully disagree with your review. Kelly Plantation is consistently rated above our competitors. The pricing of $129 plus tax was $90 off of our actual rack rate due to greens aeration that all were informed about. We look forward to seeing you in the future!

Warm Regards,

Kelly Plantation Golf Club Professional Staff

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Disappointing Experience

Pro shop not overly friendly - seem to have paid taxes twice. Guys outside were great.

Started us on 10- but then sent 2somes behind us (4some) to start after we made the turn and went to #1. Very uncomfortable and poor planning on their part.

We had to wait a few times for someone ahead of us and then the cart repeatedly told us we weer 7 minutes behind. Not a friendly feeling.

We paid 40% more than other courses with a very mundane course. Par 4’s we’re all the same.

The number of tee boxes were also misrepresented as we were looking for the last tee option that did not exist.

Conditions Average
Value Fair
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Poor
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Beautiful Round

We were in town on vacation and decided to play this course mainly because many others were closed for aeration. As it turned out, they had also aerated the greens here. I was a little disappointed, but other than that, it is a spectacular place. Tee boxes, fairways, and every other element was fantastic. On top of that we essentially had the course to ourselves late in the afternoon. I would love to play it again when the greens are in top shape.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/15/2025

Thank you so much for playing Kelly Plantation Golf Club! We are happy you had a great time despite the necessary maintenance practice of greens aeration. We humbly appreciate your 5 star review. We look forward to seeing you in the future!

Warm Regards,

Kelly Plantation Golf Club Professional Staff

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

Great Course - Bad Luck Timing

Very nice course/club. Unfortunately, the greens and fairways were just aerated - something that happens annually this time of year (first week of May, most courses in Destin area aerate ). Enjoyed the layout - look forward to return visit under better conditions.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/15/2025

Thank you so much for playing Kelly Plantation Golf Club! We are happy you had a great time despite the necessary maintenance practice of greens aeration. We humbly appreciate your review. We look forward to seeing you in the future!

Warm Regards,

Kelly Plantation Golf Club Professional Staff

Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
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