Oaks at Ft. Walton Beach Golf Club

I’ve played at FWB golf club three times. Twice at Pines course, and once at the oaks (during the week and weekend). And it’s taken me at least four and a half hours to play each round. Doesn’t really matter what your tee time is because you’re going to have 5-6 groups of players on hole one waiting to tee off . They should probably spread out their tee times instead cramming in as many people as they can. It’s not fun playing that way.

But that’s my only complaint. The golf course is in great condition, really fun to play, and not terribly hard. The practice areas are awesome. You can actually improve your game here. And the staff is cool, very friendly and helpful.

They had a tournament going on, which took up the Pines course. When we got there for our tee time, at the Oaks course, there were no carts available. There were probably 20 - 25 of us waiting for carts to finish and come in. After about an hour of waiting, we got a refund and left and went to another course nearby. If they knew this tournament was going to be as big as it was, why would they continue to book tee times...they had to know they couldn't accomodate everyone. It was a cluster!

The pace of play was very slow and backed up. No Marshall’s. The fairways grass was way to short and the greens weren’t in that good of shape.

My group played and we had fun. Some of us played after not playing for 2 years. Not to difficult especially when your as bad as me. We got into our groove on the back 9 on Oaks Course.

Played this course as one of first dips in FL golf upon relocating here to Panama City. We had a blast, played from the tips and enjoyed hitting longer irons on approach. My only critique is the greens were inconsistent on speed. The condition of them held shots but were beat up. Given the weather any course has had to endure this was not really bad and for a muni on a budget I’d say they were doing pretty good. I was surprised by the elevation change on the back 9 (pines course). We’ll be definitely playing here again and hit the oaks course next time.

The only other disappointing factor was that the Edwin Watts Golf Shop on site was closed and emptied out.

I suppose because it’s very reasonably priced especially for the locals. Some wet spots, the tees were pretty chewed up and the greens were.slow but it is challenging and fair so we came back for a second round. Worth the price.

Look let’s be honest there are some amazing golf courses in the Destin Ft. Walton area while this course is no Regatta Bay or Kelly Plantation if you are looking for a round that is a little more affordable this place was great! The Oaks course was decently challenging and was well laid out. I definitely was not upset with my decision to play here and when I find myself in Destin again I just might have to go play the Pines side

I’ve played here a bunch of times. The greens are always slow. The slowest muni greens I’ve ever played on. Rolling less than 8, I’ll bet. They’re in pretty good shape but they are spongey, grainy and slow. Biggest complaint is the holes are old and ragged. I’ll bet they cut them two to three times a month, tops. They were worn out and terrible! The Bermuda fairways have improved and the aprons around the greens are lush. Some junky weeds and tuffs of crab grass throughout the rough. Bunkers were ok only because many players don’t rake after using them. This place gets a good amount of traffic. Typical muni golf.

Have played the “Oaks” track a few times.

But be aware of the following;

1. No Marshall on the course

2. No amenities cart

3. Extremely slow play at certain times

(especially at hot deal times)

4. No real attention to how many players are playing at those times-stack ‘em up—and no one to control pace of play!!

5. It’s a nice track—just be aware of your start time.

Luckily I met a member (Frank) on the first tee. I had no idea where to go. He advised me as where to hit the ball off the tee. The course was well maintained almost every divot was filled and there were few marks on the greens. Overall the course was a test. It is not a hard or long course but it rewards good shots and recovery from the trees are tough. The course should really take down the Edwin watts signage as it has been years since the shop was removed. Would play this course any day.

Unfortunately the course was very wet from the rains. But still a nice course

The Oaks Course is in excellent shape. The greens were pretty fast and plush. No weeds. Fairways are green and plush too. All in all, excellent conditions.