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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3.9
2070 Reviews (2070)
5 Stars
965
4 Stars
805
3 Stars
206
2 Stars
57
1 Stars
37
Conditions
3.7
Value
3.6
Layout
4.3
Friendliness
4.6
Pace
4.1
Amenities
4.1
78.6%
Recommend this course
1850 out of 2070 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.6
29 Reviews (29)
5 Stars
19
4 Stars
9
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.6
Value
4.4
Layout
4.8
Pace
4.5
Amenities
4.5
StaffFriendliness
4.7
93.1%
Recommend this course
27 out of 29 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
3.6
173 Reviews (173)
5 Stars
46
4 Stars
62
3 Stars
35
2 Stars
15
1 Stars
15
Conditions
3.4
Value
3.4
Layout
4.3
Pace
3.9
Amenities
4.0
StaffFriendliness
4.5
70.5%
Recommend this course
122 out of 173 reviews
Read Reviews

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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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

3.9
2070 Reviews (2070)

Reviewer Photos

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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 10/12/2023

We love hearing about our golfers' experiences, skiggins14. Please tell us more about what you enjoyed during your round. Thanks for choosing Emerald Bay Golf Club!

Played On
Reviews 1
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 Moderate
Default User Avatar
Commented on 10/06/2023

We love hearing about our golfers' experiences, MattMiller99. Please tell us more about what you enjoyed during your round. Thanks for choosing Emerald Bay Golf Club!

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

Mike Hawks

I need someone to call me about the payment for this round of golf. I had a credit that applied but did not realize that I paid for the entire foursome at the time of booking. Ended up that two of the players became ill and ultimately tested positive for COVID. I only became aware of this early Friday morning. Only two players actually played so I feel that I should get credit for two rounds which I will use in a few weeks. The pro shop at Emerald Bay can verify this information. Please correspond as soon as possible. Thanks, Mike

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 10/02/2023

Thank you for taking the time to review us, Mike9889192. Your feedback is valuable, and we look forward to delivering you excellent service again soon. Emerald Bay Golf Club thanks you!

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

Better than expected

First time playing here. Staff was awesome. Course was challenging but fair. Scenery was nice. Will come back in the future.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/28/2023

Thanks so much for your wonderful review, u081756386. We are thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed your time with us. Please visit again soon. Thanks for choosing Emerald Bay Golf Club!

Played On
Reviews 41
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/26/2023

We love hearing about our golfers' experiences, davidshenderson55. Please tell us more about what you enjoyed during your round. Thanks for choosing Emerald Bay Golf Club!

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Previously Played

In need of work

For a “premiere” course it is in dire need of work. Many greens have dead areas that appear to have been that way for some time. The same for some of the fairways and tee boxes. The three areas on a course that should always have healthy grass.

Conditions Fair
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Poor
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/25/2023

We apologize for the condition of the greens, fairways, and tee boxes during your visit. We appreciate your feedback and will take it into consideration as we work to improve our course. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review.

Played On
Reviews 9
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Wet weather
Used cart

Beautiful pics, very nice staff.

Course had a good layout. Staff seem somewhat confused as I was sent out on the back nine. Later, got behind people who got sent off on the front. Weather played a part, but the greens were a little sketchy. In fairness, I played another course two days later with sub par greens. I found the holes very challenging and was happy to make par.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Difficulty Moderate
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/25/2023

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We apologize for any confusion with the course layout and the inconvenience it may have caused. We appreciate your feedback and are glad to hear that you found the holes challenging and enjoyed making par.

Played On
Reviews 37
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once 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
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/26/2023

We love hearing about our golfers' experiences, bjconom. Please tell us more about what you enjoyed during your round. Thanks for choosing Emerald Bay Golf Club!

Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/15/2023

We love hearing about our golfers' experiences, u314164535478. Please tell us more about what you enjoyed during your round. Thanks for choosing Emerald Bay Golf Club!

Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/14/2023

We love hearing about our golfers' experiences, u364067677. Please tell us more about what you enjoyed during your round. Thanks for choosing Emerald Bay Golf Club!

Played On
Reviews 28
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
2.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

No way this is a 4 star course

Many of the front 9 tee boxes chewed up. Thin grass on the fairways, greens are shaggy and several have bare spots or diseased. No ranger to enforce pace of play. There are many better options in Destin.

Conditions Poor
Value Fair
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/14/2023

We sincerely apologize for the issues you encountered during your visit. We appreciate your feedback and will make sure to address the concerns you raised to improve our course conditions and pace of play. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

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 Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/14/2023

We love hearing about our golfers' experiences, angel0214. Please tell us more about what you enjoyed during your round. Thanks for choosing Emerald Bay Golf Club!

Played On
Reviews 44
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/12/2023

Hello and thank you for your 5-star rating! We're delighted you enjoyed your round. Please book another round with us soon, and thanks for choosing Emerald Bay Golf Club!

Played On
Reviews 37
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
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
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/12/2023

Hello and thank you for your 5-star rating! We're delighted you enjoyed your round. Please book another round with us soon, and thanks for choosing Emerald Bay Golf Club!

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays Once 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 09/11/2023

We love hearing about our golfers' experiences, MikeHCovol. Please tell us more about what you enjoyed during your round. Thanks for choosing Emerald Bay Golf Club!

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/26/2023

We love hearing about our golfers' experiences, austingoff. Please tell us more about what you enjoyed during your round. Thanks for choosing Emerald Bay Golf Club!

Played On
Reviews 7
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Great Course.. 'Almost' perfect.

Really nice course. Difficult layout/slope rating. The staff was very accommodating and friendly. The greens were aerated which made putting a little difficult. But also a few greens had damges areas(sand patches/no grass)near the edges. But overall , a Great course to play.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/11/2023

Thanks so much for the great review, dgut2006. We look forward to welcoming you back to our course soon. Thanks for choosing Emerald Bay Golf Club.

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

Could be good

Had a fun round, but the course condition was terrible. Staff was friendly, but they definitely need a better system to close out tabs after the round. Had to wait in line for nearly 45 minutes after my round ended to close a tab I had with the beverage cart.

Conditions Poor
Value Fair
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/04/2023

We appreciate your feedback regarding your round and the friendliness of our staff, but we apologize for the poor course condition and the inconvenience you experienced in closing out your tab. Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review.

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
3.0
First Time Playing

Has potential for sure

Played 9 holes this morning, was supposed to play 18 couldn’t possibly finish. I play for fun, but it isn’t fun when you are playing in a swamp. The course was absolutely drenched, and that wasn’t told to me ahead of time. The course was recently aerated, which is fine, and the greens were about what you’d expect. However, the fairways were just swamp land today. My first 5 drives literally plugged in fairways; just seems like something that should be made aware to players that the course doesn’t drain well. Played as cart path only which I wasn’t told until after I paid; obviously wouldn’t have played if told all ahead of time. By hole 2 it was pretty evident I wasn’t going to play the entire 18.

Layout was cool and challenging, I was a fan of the tee box layouts and course layout as a whole! GPS in the carts is useless when playing cart path only lol. Carts and attendants were great! The GPS hadn’t been updated for current pin placements, always fun to play to a back pin, only to find it’s a middle or front placement.

Clubhouse attendant was super nice, clubhouse is fully stacked with anything you could imagine.

There has been rain recently, but at full price, there’s zero justification to play the course right now. Aerated greens and standing water everywhere. Pins hadn’t been changed in a few days as most were caved, which is strange since the greens were punched this week…

Would be interested to play again during a drought or whenever course is completely dry.

I play at a 2-3 handicap, so the course was more annoying than anything, would be fun if it’s a family outing.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/04/2023

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review of your experience playing at our course. We apologize for any inconvenience you experienced due to the course conditions. We appreciate your feedback and will take it into consideration to improve our communication with players about course conditions. Thank you for mentioning the positive aspects of your visit and we hope to have the opportunity to provide you with a better experience in the future.

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 09/04/2023

Hello and thank you so much for taking the time to leave an excellent rating! We really appreciate your business. Please let us know what we can do for you in the future to earn that last star and thanks for choosing Emerald Bay Golf Club!

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