Emerald Bay GC: #18
View of the 18th hole at Emerald Bay Golf Club.
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Rating Index Rating
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4.1
2133 Reviews (2133)
5 Stars
998
4 Stars
828
3 Stars
212
2 Stars
57
1 Stars
38
Conditions
3.9
Value
3.9
Layout
4.4
Friendliness
4.6
Pace
4.2
Amenities
4.2
84.7%
Recommend this course
1908 out of 2133 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.4
66 Reviews (66)
5 Stars
36
4 Stars
23
3 Stars
6
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.1
Value
4.1
Layout
4.5
Pace
4.3
Amenities
4.4
StaffFriendliness
4.8
92.4%
Recommend this course
61 out of 66 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.4
129 Reviews (129)
5 Stars
71
4 Stars
46
3 Stars
8
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
3
Conditions
4.2
Value
4.2
Layout
4.5
Pace
4.3
Amenities
4.3
StaffFriendliness
4.7
93.0%
Recommend this course
120 out of 129 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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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

4.1
2133 Reviews (2133)

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
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Twice a year
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Brothers Golf and Fishing Trip

Very friendly staff who gave each of us a sleeve of Srixon balls. Complimentary range balls were a nice touch. Course was in great shape. Greens were also nice but a little slow. Terrific views on the back nine. We would play Emerald Bay again if we are in the area.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing

Great despite some rough tee boxes

Great course, friendly staff.

Greens and fairways were in pretty good shape and greens were true with medium speed. When in doubt, play less break. The III tee boxes need to be replanted before they become all sand.

For triple digit price tags, let's get that fixed up. They did not match the fairways and greens. Would play again for the $99 twilight rate!

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 21
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Nice golf day

Had a fun day of golf with my adult kids. Course was in good condition. Only issue we had was pace of play. There were a couple groups in front of us that were playing slow. On the front 9 a ranger came out and advised them to pick it up as groups behind them were backing up. Worked okay till hole 10 when half the fore some in front of us stopped at the clubhouse and the other 2 went ahead to the tee box to tee off. We pulled up behind them on the tee with our threesome and at no time did they offer or acknowledge for us to play through. They continued their slow play like they were the only ones playing that day. I called the clubhouse to advise them of the issue and was told by the staff they were aware and someone was out there to tell them to speed up. A notice did come across the cart gps for those to speed up their play But they didn’t speed up till hole 17. Other than that we had a fun day and they staff was very nice.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Pace of play an issue

Course was fun. Condition was good. Greens were good. Pace of play was bad.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Poor
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 2
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 4
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great course.

We enjoyed the course. There were some greens that had patches on them but flags were away from them.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Beautiful course and layout

We played Emerald Bay from the back tees, which played at around 7,100 yd, and found it to be very challenging. It is definitely one of those courses where you have to learn to take what the course gives you. I love the layout which forces you to play a lot of different shots. There was some poa annua in the greens, but they still rolled pretty true.

Overall, this is one of my favorite courses in the Destin area. I'm not sure how it plays from the up tees, but if you're looking for a course that challenges your game, Emerald Bay is it.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Response from on 05/06/2026:
We’re so glad you had a great experience! Thank you for the support — we’ll be ready to welcome you back for another great round.
Played On
Reviews 15
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Great course

Good condition

Great layout

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 6
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
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
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 8
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Starter and large group let us go off ahead, all very friendly. Very pretty, fair course.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Greens had small weeds

Greens had small weeds and a couple bad spots on 2 or 3 of the greens.

I booked thru GolfNow and got a better rate, so I was fairly pleased.

Staff helpful and friendly.

Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 7
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Very good

Friendly helpful staff, I especially like the like the last 4 holes.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Response from on 04/24/2026:
We’re so glad you had a great experience! Thank you for the support — we’ll be ready to welcome you back for another great round.
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Fair
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 12
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played

Nice Track for $$$

Nice course for the Price, compared to the rest in the area.

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