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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4.0
2119 Reviews (2119)
5 Stars
991
4 Stars
821
3 Stars
212
2 Stars
57
1 Stars
38
Conditions
3.8
Value
3.7
Layout
4.4
Friendliness
4.6
Pace
4.1
Amenities
4.2
80.6%
Recommend this course
1894 out of 2119 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.4
55 Reviews (55)
5 Stars
31
4 Stars
17
3 Stars
6
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.1
Value
4.1
Layout
4.6
Pace
4.5
Amenities
4.4
StaffFriendliness
4.8
90.9%
Recommend this course
50 out of 55 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.2
138 Reviews (138)
5 Stars
65
4 Stars
49
3 Stars
14
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
9
Conditions
3.9
Value
3.9
Layout
4.4
Pace
4.2
Amenities
4.2
StaffFriendliness
4.7
86.2%
Recommend this course
119 out of 138 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

4.0
2119 Reviews (2119)

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 12
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing

Great Course

Only course I’ve played in Florida. A little pricey but it was well maintained and the staff was great.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/28/2023

Hello. Thanks so much for your review. We're so glad you enjoyed your round at Emerald Bay Golf Club. That's what we like to hear! We hope to see you again soon!

Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/28/2023

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 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/26/2023

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

Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Travel golf

Course was in very good condition except for tee boxes which need a good bit of TLC. Greens we’re soft and played slow. Overall a very nice course

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/26/2023

Hello. Thank you for visiting us at Emerald Bay Golf Club. We appreciate your 4-star rating and review. We hope you join us for another round soon.

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Emerald bay

I had a 8:03 tee time as a single. I knew I would get paired up with another group and when it was my time to tee off they had a scheduling issue and I got pushed back to 8:30 so not a great start but not a huge deal either. I noticed the practice greens were aerated and once I got to the first green I realized the the entire course was the same way. For me playing golf in Florida for the first this really took the excitement out of it. Putting on these greens was not enjoyable. I know this is part of course management but just frustrating for me. Besides those two things everything else was in good shape. Just wish for the price and time spent I would have played elsewhere if I knew the greens were in that shape

Conditions Fair
Value Fair
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/23/2023

Hello Mike! Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We apologize for the inconvenience caused due to the scheduling issue and that our aerated greens were not up to your satisfaction. We appreciate your business and hope you will give us another chance in the future.

Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/26/2023

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

Played On
Reviews 21
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

It’s actually a 2.5. Fairways spotty in places and grass not mowed low leaving more like what the 2nd cut on most courses would be.

Greens were slow however they were arrested 15 days ago. Need rolled and cut then they could be fine.

Several tee boxes were just sand. I would give tee boxes 1.5.

Conditions Fair
Value Average
Layout Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/26/2023

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and provide feedback on our fairways, greens, and tee boxes. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and will take your comments into consideration as we strive to improve our course for all golfers.

Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Some tees were in bad shape and the greens were slow and didn't maintain a run at hole

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/26/2023

Thank you for leaving a review. We apologize for any inconvenience caused during your visit and we will strive to improve the quality of our tees and greens.

Played On
Reviews 23
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

B-

Greens were very slow and rough. T boxes not impressive.

Expected more from a Fl course

Conditions Fair
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/22/2023

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We apologize that our greens were not up to your standards and that our tee boxes were unimpressive. We will take your feedback into consideration to improve our course for future patrons.

Played On
Reviews 7
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Emerald Bay

Loved playing the course. Had lots of water and sand traps made you have think and play the course accordingly. Definitely will play it again.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/22/2023

Thank you for taking the time to write a review. We are glad you enjoyed playing our course and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

Played On
Reviews 45
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Windy weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/22/2023

Hello, thank you for the awesome rating! We hope to see you again at the course very soon for another great experience, and thanks for choosing Emerald Bay Golf Club.

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Challenging But Fair, Second to None Staff

I played this course with my daughter and we both truly enjoyed it. I've been playing Emerald Bay for years and it has always been one of my favorite courses in Destin. The course can be challenging, especially if you're playing from the back tees, but if your course management is good it is also a fair challenge. 1-4 will lull you into a sense of safety and security, and then 5-8 with eat your lunch if you're not careful. Same with 10, 11, 14, and 18. Leaving the course the staff is simply awesome. From the cart attendant to the pro shop and the beverage cart to the restaurant the staff was professional, courteous, and helpful. GM Jearl McCall really runs a great shop at Emerald Bay. If you're in Destin please don't miss this course. I'll play it every chance I get.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/22/2023

Thank you so much for the great review. We are glad you had an incredible time, and we hope to see you again soon! Thanks for choosing Emerald Bay Golf Club.

Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
1.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

The rental clubs were awful. The greens just punched and too sand covered.

Conditions Average
Value Fair
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/19/2023

Thank you for your honest review. We apologize for the poor condition of the rental clubs and greens. We appreciate your feedback and will work on improving these areas to ensure a better experience for our customers in the future.

Played On
Reviews 7
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Emerald Bay

Love the course layout, was great to play for the price. Lost a few balls in the water but that’s okay played a lot out sand traps.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/16/2023

Thank you so much for the great review. We are glad you had an incredible time, and we hope to see you again soon! Thanks for choosing Emerald Bay Golf Club.

Played On
Reviews 2
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 06/16/2023

Hi Rene. Thank you so much for the great review. We are glad you had an incredible time, and we hope to see you again soon! Thanks for choosing Emerald Bay Golf Club.

Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Nice course but greens and tee boxes were not good

Probably just caught it at a bad time, but the greens were super slow, not rolled, and likely being grown out on purpose for seasonal reasons. Tee boxes were mostly trash. Rest of the course was great and would like to play it again under better conditions. Would not play in June 2023.

Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/16/2023

Hello. Thank you for visiting us at Emerald Bay Golf Club. We appreciate your 4-star rating and review. We hope you join us for another round soon.

Played On
Reviews 45
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Hot weather
Used cart

Great course

Cannot beat the price and the course layout. Staff at the course extremely courteous and helpful.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/16/2023

Thank you so much for the great review. We are glad you had an incredible time, and we hope to see you again soon! Thanks for choosing Emerald Bay Golf Club.

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Twice a year
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/15/2023

Hello u314163923084. 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!

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Fair
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/13/2023

Hello. We appreciate you taking the time to leave us a review. We would love to know how we can earn those last two stars next time! Thanks for playing Emerald Bay Golf Club.

Played On
Reviews 2
2.0
Verified Purchaser
Conditions Fair
Value Fair
Layout Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/12/2023

Hello. Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review. We see you rated the course 2-stars and are interested in learning what we can do to improve for your next visit.

We take customer feedback very seriously at our course. Please reach out to our team in the golf shop and tell us what's on your mind.

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