By Yvonne Summerfield
Living along Florida’s Emerald Coast means lifestyle matters just as much as location, and golf plays a big role in that balance here. I work with buyers who specifically ask about golf access because it often shapes how and where they want to live. From bayfront fairways to established country clubs woven into residential communities, Destin offers a strong golf culture that blends recreation with real estate appeal. Understanding what each course offers helps buyers and homeowners make more informed lifestyle decisions.
Key Takeaways
- Golf courses influence both lifestyle and property appeal
- Destin offers a mix of private and public options
- Course location matters for daily living
- Amenities often extend beyond the fairways
Why Golf Is a Defining Part of the Destin Lifestyle
How golf connects to daily living
- Shapes neighborhood character
- Attracts second-home buyers
- Supports long-term property demand
Golf is more than a pastime in Destin—it’s part of the area’s identity. Many buyers relocating or purchasing second homes here actively look for proximity to established courses because they value the social atmosphere and scenic settings that come with them. Properties near golf communities often benefit from mature landscaping, thoughtful planning, and a sense of permanence.
Along the Emerald Coast, golf courses frequently sit near Choctawhatchee Bay or just minutes from the Gulf, blending water views with playable landscapes. That combination supports both lifestyle enjoyment and long-term appeal, especially for buyers who want more than just beach access.
Emerald Bay Golf Club
Why bayfront golf stands out here
- Waterfront course design
- Gated residential community
- Strong social atmosphere
Emerald Bay Golf Club is one of Destin’s most recognizable golf destinations, set along the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay between Destin and the Beaches of South Walton. This gated golf course community is known for its scenic layout, established homes, and central location that keeps residents close to shopping, dining, and the Gulf Coast beaches.
The course itself offers a refined playing experience that reflects the area’s long-standing golf reputation. Beyond the fairways, residents enjoy amenities that support an active lifestyle, including a community swimming pool and Rubico tennis courts. The clubhouse serves as a social hub, featuring a full-service pro shop and The Grille, where indoor dining and a covered outdoor porch overlook the 18th green. It’s a place where golf, community, and daily living intersect naturally.
Kelly Plantation Golf Club
What makes this course a destination
- Championship-level design
- Waterfront and bayou views
- Public access with prestige
Kelly Plantation Golf Club consistently earns recognition for both its design and setting. Originally crafted by Fred Couples and Gene Bates and later enhanced by Bill Bergin Golf Design, the course offers a challenging yet approachable experience for players of varying skill levels. Stretching over 7,000 yards, it winds through waterfront corridors, bayous, and mature trees on land that once served as a turpentine plantation.
The course features wide manicured fairways, contoured greens, and strategic hazards, all framed by views of Choctawhatchee Bay. Because it’s open to the public, Kelly Plantation attracts golfers from across the country while still maintaining a polished, high-end feel. For buyers, nearby residential options benefit from the course’s reputation and beautifully maintained surroundings.
Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club
Why central location adds value
- In-town convenience
- Established club history
- Flexible play for all levels
Indian Bayou Golf & Country Club sits right in the heart of Destin, offering accessibility that many buyers appreciate. Established in 1978 and designed by Earl Stone, this 18-hole course has become a staple of the local golf scene. Its five tee boxes and well-maintained greens provide a fair but engaging test of golf for players at different stages.
Because of its central location, Indian Bayou appeals to homeowners who want easy access to everyday conveniences while still enjoying a traditional country club setting. The course weaves through an established area of Destin, reinforcing the connection between recreation and residential living.
How Golf Courses Influence Real Estate Decisions
Why buyers factor golf into purchases
- Daily lifestyle alignment
- Community engagement
- Long-term desirability
I often see golf courses influence where buyers focus their search, even if they’re not avid players. Course-adjacent neighborhoods tend to feel cohesive and well planned, which appeals to buyers looking for stability and visual consistency. Views, open space, and traffic patterns around golf communities also play a role in perceived livability.
For second-home buyers and those relocating full time, proximity to golf can support both personal enjoyment and resale flexibility. These communities often attract like-minded residents who value recreation, social connection, and well-maintained surroundings.
Public Versus Private Course Considerations
What to think through before choosing
- Access and availability
- Membership expectations
- Guest flexibility
Destin offers a mix of public-access and private-feel golf environments. Some buyers prefer the flexibility of public courses like Kelly Plantation, while others value the sense of exclusivity and community found in gated golf neighborhoods. Each option supports a different lifestyle, and neither is inherently better; it depends on how you plan to use it.
I help clients evaluate how often they expect to play, whether they enjoy club-based social activity, and how golf fits into their broader lifestyle goals. Those answers often clarify which type of course makes the most sense.
Golf, Scenery, and the Emerald Coast Setting
Why the environment enhances the experience
- Bay and water views
- Mature landscapes
- Coastal climate
One of the defining features of golf in this area is the setting itself. Courses here are shaped by water, natural contours, and coastal breezes, creating a playing experience that feels distinct from inland markets. That same environment enhances nearby homes, adding visual interest and a sense of openness.
For homeowners, this translates into daily views and surroundings that feel intentional and calming. It’s one of the reasons golf communities remain consistently appealing along the Emerald Coast.
FAQs
Are Destin golf courses mostly private?
No. Destin offers both public-access courses and private or gated golf communities, giving buyers a range of options.
Does living near a golf course affect home value?
It can. Homes near well-maintained courses often benefit from strong demand, especially when paired with good location and community amenities.
Do you have to play golf to enjoy living near a course?
Not at all. Many homeowners value the scenery, open space, and neighborhood feel even if they rarely play.
A Lifestyle Conversation Worth Having
Golf is just one piece of what makes Destin such a desirable place to live, but it’s an important one for many buyers. I help clients look beyond course names and evaluate how each option fits their daily routines, long-term plans, and property goals along the Emerald Coast.
If you’re exploring Destin, FL, golf as part of your lifestyle or real estate decision, contact me, Yvonne Summerfield, and let’s discuss how these courses and surrounding communities align with what you’re looking for in your next home.
