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Emerald Bay Golf Club

4.2
2155 Reviews (2155)
Emerald Bay GC: #18
View of the 18th hole at Emerald Bay Golf Club.

Rating Snapshot

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Rating Index Rating
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4.2
2155 Reviews (2155)
5 Stars
1012
4 Stars
831
3 Stars
216
2 Stars
57
1 Stars
39
Conditions
4.0
Value
4.0
Layout
4.5
Friendliness
4.7
Pace
4.3
Amenities
4.2
Tooltip Information Icon
86.7%
Recommend this course
1928 out of 2155 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.4
86 Reviews (86)
5 Stars
48
4 Stars
26
3 Stars
10
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
2
Conditions
4.1
Value
4.1
Layout
4.5
Pace
4.3
Amenities
4.3
StaffFriendliness
4.7
91.9%
Recommend this course
79 out of 86 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.4
126 Reviews (126)
5 Stars
72
4 Stars
41
3 Stars
10
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
3
Conditions
4.2
Value
4.2
Layout
4.6
Pace
4.4
Amenities
4.4
StaffFriendliness
4.7
92.9%
Recommend this course
117 out of 126 reviews
Read Reviews
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AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
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Course Highlights
Exceptionally friendly staff and a challenging, well-designed layout consistently earn high marks from golfers visiting the Destin area. Fast greens, well-kept fairways, and attentive rangers contribute to a smooth and enjoyable round.

About

Holes 18
Type Semi-Private/Resort
Par 72
Length 7050 yards
Slope 143
Rating 73.9

Located right along the water, Emerald Bay Golf Club was designed by Bob Cupp to be Destin's premier full-service, 18-hole championship course. Water is a prominent feature as the course overlooks the shores Choctawhatchee Bay and incorporates water features on 12 of the holes. Oftentimes golfers will face an intimidating shot across a lake or a pond. Emerald Bay Golf Club's sculpted fairways and tight greens are always in excellent condition. There are four sets of tees that make the golf course accessible to most players' abilities and no matter what skill level you are, the views are not to be missed. The views are especially breathtaking on the back nine, which borders the bay. There is also an expansive driving range at Emerald Bay that golfers can use before playing the golf course.

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Emerald Bay Golf Club
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Satellite Layout
Tees
Tee Par Length Rating Slope
I 72 7050 yards 73.9 143
II 72 6620 yards 71.4 141
III 72 6209 yards 69.8 132
Combo 72 5735 yards 67.7 124
IV (W) 72 5481 yards 71.9 132
IV 72 5481 yards 66.9 122
V 72 4655 yards 63.6 115
V (W) 72 4655 yards 67.2 123
Track Rounds
Scorecard
Scorecard for Emerald Bay Golf Club
Metrics:
Hole 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Out 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 In Total
I M: 73.9/142 W: 80.8/153 427 424 164 313 399 430 562 232 529 3480 474 362 246 605 372 449 204 331 527 3570 7050
II M: 71.5/136 W: 78.2/150 405 390 150 296 385 410 554 162 505 3257 455 348 215 580 352 409 178 318 508 3363 6620
III M: 69.6/129 W: 75.9/146 376 378 138 284 365 380 515 152 485 3073 395 330 202 555 325 382 152 308 487 3136 6209
Combo M: 67.7/126 W: 73.7/140 311 353 138 284 339 321 463 152 485 2846 332 330 202 504 261 313 152 308 487 2889 5735
IV M: 66.6/125 W: 72.6/138 311 353 115 264 339 321 463 140 418 2724 332 302 181 504 261 313 128 290 446 2757 5481
V M: 63.3/115 W: 67.7/121 267 304 91 227 298 289 387 85 378 2326 291 277 107 483 146 285 114 210 416 2329 4655
Handicap 9 3 15 17 7 1 5 11 13 4 14 8 10 12 2 18 16 6
Par 4 4 3 4 4 4 5 3 5 36 4 4 3 5 4 4 3 4 5 36 72
Handicap (W) 9 7 15 17 1 5 3 13 11 8 6 14 4 12 10 18 16 2
Hot Deals at Emerald Bay Golf Club
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Course Details

Year Built 1991
Fairways Bermuda Grass
Greens TifEagle Bermuda Grass
Golf Season Year round
Architect Bob Cupp (1991) Bob Cupp (2014)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes - included in green fees
GPS Yes
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Golf School/Academy Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted VISA, MasterCard, Amex Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No
Dress code Appropriate golf attire. No denim, collared shirt required.

Food & Beverage

Bar, Restaurant

Available Facilities

Clubhouse, Banquet Facilities
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Reviews

4.2
2155 Reviews (2155)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 21
Watching the Game 11
19th Hole Scenic Views 10
Course Challenges Include:
Water Hazards 49
Bunkers 38
Forced Carries 29
This course/club is great for:
Advanced Golfers 29
A Weekend Splurge 22
Seniors 21
This Course's Location is:
Convenient to the City 34
Near Local Attractions 30
Worth the Drive 15

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Reviewer Photos

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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Default User Avatar
u000007636998
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Not a bad layout

Ok layout but conditions were not great. Tees and greens were chewed up pretty badly.

Conditions Average
Value Fair
Layout Average
Friendliness Fair
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Default User Avatar
mbrichar
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once every three months
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Challenging but fair!

Great golf course with lots of challenges. Lots of water and out of bounds, but it makes you a better player playing courses like this. Greens rolled good for summer conditions. I would recommend to more serious golfers, not casual golfers!

Pace Excellent
Response from on 06/24/2026:
We truly appreciate your support and kind rating. It's great to hear you had a positive experience, and our team looks forward to seeing you again for another round.
Default User Avatar
dhewitt
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
1.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Hot weather
Used cart

Below average

Greens were punched 3 weeks ago and they were very slow and bumpy. About half of the fairways had very sparse grass. Play was very slow and after the turn there were 3 groups on hole 10 so I bagged it.

Value Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
jX5hFTCv7qhiLGHxqzML
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
kasigh
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Mikerumz
Played On
Reviews 9
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Enjoyed the course

Emerald Bay was a significant step up from. Baytowne.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
gVvFuLJMi2pZkFHDdWea
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Wet weather
Used cart

Great Course

This course was one of my first times playing in Destin. I wouldn't consider myself a championship golfer. I definitely struggled a little bit on this course with the thinner fairways, hazards on both sides, and bunkers in strategic positions. Staff was super nice and we did have a great time, regardless of what our score card said. Definitely would come back and play this course again in the future!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Featured
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Default User Avatar
u314159861889
Played On
Reviews 38
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Course in great condition. Greens had been arrayed but still rolled well

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Response from on 06/17/2026:
We truly appreciate your support and kind rating. It's great to hear you had a positive experience, and our team looks forward to seeing you again for another round.
Default User Avatar
WoodDuck31
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
RGE2592F1B490AADF04
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
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
PNVVnSQWPGL8AeV69gbV
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great course

This course was in great shape. It was a great layout, offering a variety of tees for different levels. It down poured for an hour but we had a great time!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
u000005019510
Played On
Reviews 18
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Good layout. Greens bumpy

Course had a fairly forgiving layout with some placement required. The greens had been aerated a few weeks prior and were still recovering.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
u314160851168
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Very nice course and staff!

The golf course was recently aerated and is recovering quite nicely. What a nice layout and excellent course conditions.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Response from on 06/15/2026:
Thank you for the five-star review! We're thrilled you enjoyed your visit and appreciate you choosing to spend your time with us. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Default User Avatar
u285972598
Played On
Reviews 6
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Featured
Find Out More >>
Default User Avatar
tommyrgraham
Played On
Reviews 10
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Previously Played

A value when the greens are punched

The Pro Shop Man was Rude. I’m sure it’s not easy putting up with tons of Tourists each year but it’s your Job dude!

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Fair
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
bill24000
Played On
Reviews 10
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart

Always a favorite in Destin

The course was an excellent deal. The course was in great shape although the greens were not at their best. They were aerated about 2 weeks ago and were still rather bumpy. I can't wait to try this course again once the greens are completed recovered. I always find Emerald Bay to be a challenging play that requires control on your drives and approach. There is plenty of water to hold your attention. The views of the Bay on holes 15 and 16 are truly beautiful.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
creswelld
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Worth about half of what you will pay

Decent course. Booked a 3 some, they stuck a 4th with us, good thing he was an awesome addition to our group or else it would have been awkward. Probably about twice as expensive as the value. No on course restrooms, no ball washing stations, maybe a couple water stations, maybe 3 trash cans on the whole course. Beverage cart made an appearance about 3 times over 18 holes…cash only. For on course refreshments. Driving range needed faster ball recovery for as many people as they stack on tee times. Overall a 3 out of 5 for course, and 2 out of 5 for amenities.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
u314163563147
Played On
Reviews 7
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
jseminoles
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Very wet

As I live here I never expected a course a block away to be so wet I sank an inch in places and I’m not much over 200 lbs…. I was very shocked..

Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
gn28842450
Played On
Reviews 1
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 Good
Amenities Excellent
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