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Emerald Bay Golf Club

4.2
2160 Reviews (2160)
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
2160 Reviews (2160)
5 Stars
1017
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
86.8%
Recommend this course
1933 out of 2160 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.4
91 Reviews (91)
5 Stars
53
4 Stars
26
3 Stars
10
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
2
Conditions
4.1
Value
4.1
Layout
4.5
Pace
4.4
Amenities
4.3
StaffFriendliness
4.7
92.3%
Recommend this course
84 out of 91 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.4
123 Reviews (123)
5 Stars
73
4 Stars
37
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
92.7%
Recommend this course
114 out of 123 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
Sat 7/18
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Sun 7/19
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Mon 7/20
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Tue 7/21
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Wed 7/22
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$8599
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Thu 7/23

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Fri 7/24
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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
2160 Reviews (2160)

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

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Default User Avatar
cancinoa
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Awesome all around

This course was challenging, had nice views (photo-ops), super friendly staff, and was in great condition. Best course in the area!!!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Response from on 03/25/2026:
Thank you for the great review! We’re thrilled you had a positive experience and look forward to welcoming you back again soon.
Default User Avatar
u926080807
Played On
Reviews 12
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Worthy of Play!

I have been very skeptical of Emerald Bay due to reviews of the past.

However, for the layout, the conditions and the price, this might be the best option on 98 for public play.

It was not perfect but overall I think its going to be my go to on 98 if the price is right.

staff was great, very friendly. our pace of play was surprisingly good and the greens were much better than i expected. yes some poa and some bumpiness but overall they were good to very good.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Moderate
Default User Avatar
u314163555980
Played On
Reviews 2
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
u000005689958
Played On
Reviews 15
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Nice course with lots of water

Nice course with lots of water. Pace of play was a little slow but not unreasonable until we got to the last 3 holes when it really slowed down.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Response from on 03/23/2026:
We truly appreciate the five-star rating! It’s great to hear you enjoyed your visit — we’ll keep working hard to make every experience just as memorable.
Default User Avatar
u00000585696
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 5-9
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

One of the best....

This is a great track that doesn't get talked about enough. In pretty good shape for the time of year.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Response from on 03/16/2026:
Thank you for the great review! We’re thrilled you had a positive experience and look forward to welcoming you back again soon.
Default User Avatar
bacon88
Played On
Reviews 39
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Great as usual

Course and staff make this 4 and 3/4 star for sure

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Response from on 03/13/2026:
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.
Default User Avatar
Milledgea2013
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Stunning views

5 star review for this course. Had an 8am tee time. Never played the course before and the whole experience was awesome. From staff to unloading the bag for to my cart from the start and them loading the bag back up when I was done with my round. Helped me find everything! Pointed me right to the range and got paired with a dad and son and pace of play was great! Definitely recommend this course to anyone and everyone. Stunning views and all around great course.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Featured
Find Out More >>
Default User Avatar
u566950867
Played On
Reviews 16
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
boJ5tR569qCrdRj6F8Vq
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
u000005408564
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Default User Avatar
RG8E65600001C9A068C7
Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
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 Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
u82418543
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Great track in Destin with great service

Being a Destin local, I have always played the other more popular courses in the area but was beyond impressed by Emerald Bay. Course is in great condition for this time of year, and all of the employees went above and beyond. Will definitely be playing here again.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Default User Avatar
u0000048862
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Great course

One of my favorites wish it was a little less expensive so could play more

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
u314159682944
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Featured
Find Out More >>
Default User Avatar
KingSliceofGA
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Good time

Had fun. Wonderful staff. Great overall experience

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Excellent
Response from on 02/23/2026:
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.
Default User Avatar
GuessWho78
Played On
Reviews 6
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
u4171683
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Nice layout with challenging holes. Water comes into play often. Greens were recently sanded which made putting an adventure

Fairways are in marginal condition, but given the time of year to be expected.

Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Default User Avatar
u785080968
Played On
Reviews 6
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Conditions Average
Value Fair
Layout Average
Friendliness Fair
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
u000007333482
Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Emerald Bay GC

Friendly reception, very clear instructions about the course.

The layout was fine but had a few holes on 2nd 9 I did not like.

Greens was my biggest concern, very bumpy and quite slow.

There is other courses in the area that is much better.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Default User Avatar
Ajmtta
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
3 4 5 6 7
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