Origins Golf Club, Watersound

Masterfully carved through marshes, wetlands, and pines, the par 71 layout at Raven Golf Club is “modern traditional”. A natural wonder that presents drama and strategy on every tee, golfers can elevate their game with a myriad of exciting shot options. The dramatic changes in color and texture throughout the course, such as large, undulating greens, help make club selection an essential part of each round. Raven was home to the Boeing Championship—a stop on the PGA Champions Tour—in 2006 and 2007.

The mission of Origins Golf Club is to make golf more fun, accessible, and attractive to families, beginners, and casual golfers. No clubs? No problem. Origins will rent you whatever you need to get you out there and swinging.

In the prime location of Miramar Beach, the perfectly manicured greens of Seascape are nearly as seductive as the lush forests and coastal dune lakes. With breathtaking views of the Gulf from many of the holes, the tranquil, yet challenging settings, were envisioned and designed by famed course architect Joe Lee. The sheer beauty of the terrain, with its tall pines, shimmering waters, and softly rolling hills has been known to distract even the most ardent golfers. If time is an issue, Seascape offers the option of playing nine holes in the afternoon.

When Golf Magazine calls you the "Crown Jewel of Florida Golf", you tee up and take notice. Course architect Rees Jones proves in this 7,000-yard layout why he is one of the most respected architects in the world. And because it neighbors Sandestin's Raven Golf Club, it is the only place where Rees and Robert Trent Jones Jr. courses meet. Breathtaking views along the Choctawhatchee Bay highlight the back nine. Meander through pine forests and wetlands of the Emerald Coast on the front nine. Rolling fairways and strategically placed bunkers invite golfers to out-duel the course by using a different approach to every hole.

A private beach club and member-owned, the recent multi-million-dollar renovation inspired Golf Magazine to call it the “Purest Golf in the Florida Panhandle.” You’ll be challenged by the many elevation changes. And wowed by the natural wildlife and its habitats. The golf course is designed for walking, with very little distance between greens and tees. But that’s okay, two of the holes back up to the Gulf of Mexico, a rarity around here. Explore the course, and see what makes golf at Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club, unlike anything you’ve played before.

Recognized as the only course on Florida’s Emerald Coast that extends from the beach to the bay, Baytowne Golf Club is revered as one of the finest creations by renowned designer Tom Jackson. One of the most sought-after golf experiences on the Panhandle, and brimming with choices, Baytowne has been hailed, twice, by Golf Digest as one of the “Best Places to Play”, with some of the only elevation changes for any golf course in the South Walton or Destin area. With multiple teeing areas, the course is as forgiving from the forward tees as it is challenging from the championship tees. A fifth set of tees makes this course a great option for beginners just learning the game, or for a brisk afternoon round of golf after a meeting, or before dinner at the nearby Village of Baytowne Wharf.

Designed by Fred Couples and Gene Bates, Kelly Plantation Golf Club is gorgeous. With challenging play, amidst stunning coastal scenery and bayside views, the club is consistently top-rated by Golf Digest and the Zagat survey. The impeccably maintained course is open to the public and is a favorite destination of golfers from throughout the country and around the world, and boasts more than 7,000 yards of contoured greens, wide manicured fairways, strategically placed hazards, and panoramic views of Choctawhatchee Bay.

For a unique challenge, try outfoxing the prevailing Gulf Coast winds. It may be the only way to achieve success on this classic links-style, shot-makers course, the ultimate in risk-reward golf. The winding, one-of-a-kind layout includes five holes that run along the bay and spectacular views of the Choctawhatchee Bay and the Baytowne Marina.