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Rating Index Rating
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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.

Book a Tee Time at
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

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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Course condition

While on this trip we also played Baytowne and Raven in Sandestin. Those courses were absolutely plush, in great shape. Tee boxes, fairways, greens. Because of the fee at Kelly Plantation we expected more in terms of fairways and greens conditions. Fun course, good time, but absolutely not worth what we paid. All four of us agreed.

Conditions Fair
Value Poor
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/19/2025

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We're glad to hear you had a fun round and that our staff made a positive impression — we take pride in providing excellent service. We understand your expectations regarding course conditions and value, especially when compared to other courses in the area. Your feedback is appreciated, and we’re always working to enhance the overall experience for our guests. We hope you’ll visit us again to see how the course continues to improve.

Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/19/2025

Thank you for the great review! We’re glad you had a positive experience and appreciated our staff, course conditions, and value. We’re always aiming for that fifth star, so we hope to welcome you back soon for an even better round!

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

Great course but overpriced

Staff good , course challenging and in good condition but I was going to play more times but due to holes 6-8 and 12-18 all on temp tees that were not even flat and cut , it offered poor value for money and I will not pay that price for temp tees.

Conditions Fair
Value Poor
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/19/2025

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the course overall and found our staff to be excellent — we’ll be sure to pass that along to the team. We completely understand your frustration regarding the temporary tees. At the time of your visit, we were in the middle of a renovation project aimed at significantly improving the course. We’re happy to share that those renovations are now complete, and the temporary tees are no longer in use. We’d love the chance to welcome you back and show you the final results — we think you’ll find it well worth the return.

Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Difficulty Moderate
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/19/2025

Thank you for the review and for recognizing the excellent course conditions and value — we truly appreciate it! We’re always working to provide not only a great course but also a warm, welcoming experience from start to finish. Your feedback helps us continue to improve, and we hope to have the opportunity to exceed your expectations on your next visit!

Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Windy weather
Used cart

Nice Enough course

Course had 5 or 6 temporary tee boxes, some placed in awkward locations. Lots of course work that will pay off later. Green very good, pace of play was typical for resort course.

Conditions Fair
Value Average
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/19/2025

Thank you for the review and for sharing your experience with us! We're glad you enjoyed the greens and appreciated our friendly staff — that means a lot. You were right about the course work paying off — we're happy to share that renovations are now complete, and the course is in great shape from tee to green. We’d love to have you back out soon to experience the improvements firsthand!

Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Windy weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/19/2025

Thank you for the 5-star review! We're so glad to hear that everything was excellent during your visit. It means a lot to our team to know you had a great experience, and we hope to see you back on the course again soon!

Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

One of the Best Courses in Destin

One of the nicest courses in Destin. The practice areas, range, putting and chipping green were top notch. The fairway and greens were too. The greens rolled true and fast. Page of play was enjoyable. We also enjoyed the cool, crisp apples at the turn. The only negative was the temporary tees on the back nine. Talked with an attendant after the round and he said it was supposed to be until the first of April, so he really doesn’t know! Other than that, I would definitely play this again!

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/08/2025

Thank you so much for the kind words and for calling us one of the nicest courses in Destin — that truly means a lot! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the course conditions, especially the greens and practice facilities, and we’re glad the apples at the turn were a hit too!

We appreciate your patience with the temporary tees on the back nine. As you mentioned, they're part of an improvement project, and we’re working hard to get everything back to full play as soon as possible. We’ll continue to keep guests updated on the timeline.

We look forward to welcoming you back soon for another great round!

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

This course is great!

Greens are huge and receptive. Greens rolled true and green speed did not vary much even as they dried out.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/08/2025

Thank you for the great review! We’re glad you enjoyed the course and especially the greens — it’s great to hear they rolled true and consistently throughout your round. We take pride in maintaining top conditions, so your feedback means a lot. Hope to see you back out here again soon!

Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Disappointed

I played during spring break. I was alerted that there were alternate tee boxes. I called to confirm this for the following day and the clubhouse assured me that the tee boxes would be open the next day when I was playing. Unfortunately they were not. A little steep to pay 170 for alternate tee boxes. Otherwise course was in good condition

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/05/2025

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and share your experience with us. We’re glad to hear that you found the course to be in good condition.

We understand your disappointment regarding the temporary tee boxes and truly apologize for any confusion surrounding their status. Our team always aims to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information, and while we were hopeful that the tees would be open by the time of your visit, the early-season temperatures simply didn’t allow for that to happen as quickly as we had planned.

We appreciate your understanding as we work to ensure the best possible playing conditions. Thank you again for visiting during your spring break, and we hope to welcome you back soon under more optimal conditions.

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

Awesome experience

Great place to golf while in Florida. Will golf again

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/05/2025

Thank you so much for the kind words! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed your time on the course and that we could be part of your Florida experience. We look forward to welcoming you back for another round soon!

Played On
Reviews 8
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/05/2025

Thank you for the 5-star rating! We truly appreciate your support and are glad you had a great experience. We look forward to seeing you again soon!

Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Great time!

We came down from Tennessee on a golf trip and played 4 different courses. Kelly was the best one! The course was in amazing condition and the staff was top notch. We can't wait to play again.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/05/2025

Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We’re honored to hear that Kelly Greens was the highlight of your golf trip. Our team takes great pride in the course and in delivering top-notch service, so your kind words mean a lot. We can’t wait to welcome you and your group back the next time you’re in town — safe travels back to Tennessee!

Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/05/2025

Thank you for the 5-star rating! We truly appreciate your support and are glad you had a great experience. We look forward to seeing you again soon!

Played On
Reviews 21
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/05/2025

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review! We’re glad to hear our staff’s friendliness stood out — we truly aim to make every guest feel welcome. We appreciate your overall 4-star rating and hope to earn that fifth star on your next visit. If there’s anything we can do to make your experience even better, we’d love to hear your feedback. Looking forward to seeing you again soon!

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

Destin's Best

Staff incredibly nice, the course had some temporary tee boxes but other than that it was a great and beautiful course.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/05/2025

Thank you for the wonderful review and for calling us "Destin’s Best"! We're so glad you enjoyed the course and found our staff to be incredibly nice — we truly appreciate that feedback. We look forward to welcoming you back soon for an even better experience!

Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Course condition

I know they have undergone a remodel. The greens were excellent even though they are hard due to being new. We tried to play earlier this winter but delayed due to work on course. We had to play at least 12 temp tees yesterday even though we were told only a couple of holes were temporary. Would not have minded the tees if we had known. They were adequate and course will be better once they grow in. Wish we had been told the actual condition

Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/05/2025

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and for sharing your feedback. We’re glad to hear that you enjoyed the greens, though we understand the temporary tee boxes were an inconvenience. To clarify, while the greens are in great condition, they are not new, and we apologize for any confusion there.

Regarding the temporary tees, we did have 10 temporary tees in place, not 12, and we make sure to communicate this with all guests both when booking through GolfNow and at the counter upon check-in. Our team, including the host, also informs players of the current course conditions to ensure everyone is aware before they tee off.

We appreciate your understanding and hope you’ll return to experience the course as it continues to improve. Thank you again for your feedback, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!

Played On
Reviews 12
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

What an AMAZING round!

This is the round of golf you will want to play!

Right out of your vehicle, you are greeted by an amazing staff member.

We got paired with great gentlemen and that was a Plus!.

The course is very-very well maintained. The views are great and the course is the perfect combination of fun and challenging. All was on point; even the food was great.

Definitely a course I will play every time I'm around.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/05/2025

Thank you so much for the fantastic review and for calling it an "amazing round"! We’re thrilled to hear that our staff made a great first impression, and that you had such a positive experience on the course. We take great pride in maintaining the course and providing excellent service, so it's wonderful to know that all aspects of your visit were on point — including the food! We can’t wait to welcome you back every time you’re in the area.

Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 04/05/2025

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review! We’re glad to hear our staff’s friendliness stood out — we truly aim to make every guest feel welcome. We appreciate your overall 4-star rating and hope to earn that fifth star on your next visit. If there’s anything we can do to make your experience even better, we’d love to hear your feedback. Looking forward to seeing you again soon!

Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing

great value

17 and 18 were closed due to rebuilding. several temporary greens, but didnot effect play. played early enough starter suggested playing 2 balls for two holes. resort course with mid winter conditions.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing

great time. quick pace

holes 17 and 18 closed, but starting at 730. no hold up. Just played two holes with two balls.

great resort value with a under construction cost. weather was cold but oh well.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
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