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
2112 Reviews (2112)
5 Stars
988
4 Stars
818
3 Stars
211
2 Stars
57
1 Stars
38
Conditions
3.8
Value
3.7
Layout
4.4
Friendliness
4.6
Pace
4.1
Amenities
4.1
80.3%
Recommend this course
1888 out of 2112 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.4
49 Reviews (49)
5 Stars
28
4 Stars
15
3 Stars
5
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
1
Conditions
4.1
Value
4.0
Layout
4.6
Pace
4.5
Amenities
4.5
StaffFriendliness
4.8
91.8%
Recommend this course
45 out of 49 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.1
146 Reviews (146)
5 Stars
64
4 Stars
51
3 Stars
20
2 Stars
2
1 Stars
9
Conditions
3.8
Value
3.8
Layout
4.4
Pace
4.2
Amenities
4.2
StaffFriendliness
4.6
82.9%
Recommend this course
121 out of 146 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
2112 Reviews (2112)

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
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Windy weather
Used cart
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Default User Avatar
Commented on 01/02/2023

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 9
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Excellent course

Friendly staff. Interesting layout. Great conditions. Pace of play was super (3.5 hours starting at 8:00am). Nice practice facility.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 6
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Greens need attention

I thought it would be different this time but no, the greens have Poa weed grass growing causing problems putting out.

They had also just dressed the greens and sand hadn’t settled which also caused problems.

I understand course management and had they adjusted the rates because of theses conditions I would have understood. But to charge full price……. Sorry my last play here

Conditions Fair
Value Fair
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 20
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played

Good golf

Had a good day of golf at Emerald Bay with family. The course was in good condition. Played here 2 years ago and tee boxes were not in good shape at all. Today was a different story. Greens rolled nicely and fairways were in good shape. Would definitely recommend this course to others. Pace of play was a little slow at 4 and half hours. Group in front of us a foursome at no time offered us to play through for our threesome even with no one in front of them holding them up.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 17
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
Played On
Reviews 7
Handicap 20-24
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
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 6
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 7
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Greens need work

The greens have not been repaired since last year. The club house needs new carpet badly.

Conditions Fair
Value Fair
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 3
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
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.
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
Played On
Reviews 2
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
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.
Played On
Reviews 4
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.
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.
Played On
Reviews 3
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
Played On
Reviews 11
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
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