What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of vacationing on 30A? For many folks, it’s the endless white sand shores, crystal clear waters, beachside cocktails, and countless memories made on the beach. And that’s fantastic! While we love all those parts of an Emerald Coast vacation, there’s more to our area than just the gorgeous ocean views.
One favorite activity for locals, snowbirds, and other visitors is going golfing. It’s very popular, especially in cooler months. Florida’s “winter” provides the perfect environment for golfing: no humidity, no snow, slightly cooler temperatures, and sunshine.
Want to explore your own golf getaway on your trip to the Emerald Coast? You’re in the right place! In this piece, we’ll tell you the best time to golf, where to go, and anything else you need to know about golfing on the Emerald Coast. Let’s dive in!
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In this blog:
- When is the Best Time to Golf in Florida?
- Top Golf Courses on the Emerald Coast
- Where to Stay for Your Golf Getaway
- Book Your Emerald Coast Stay Directly with Benchmark Management!
When is the Best Time to Golf in Florida?
The best time to go golfing in Florida is in the winter, from December to April. This is the opposite of many other golfing destinations in the continental United States, where winter golfing would be bitterly cold.
Here, the weather is best in the cooler months, and golfing in the summer would be much too hot. You can try it, if you dare—but be sure to drink plenty of water and know your limits. The last thing you need to do is pass out on the course!
Top Golf Courses on the Emerald Coast
You’ll have no shortage of outstanding options to choose from near Benchmark Management. The Emerald Coast has several world-class golf courses right outside your doorstep! Here are a few popular courses:
Signal Hill Golf Course
This Panama City Beach golfing experience is right across the street from the beach. Signal Hill offers terrific views of the challenging 18-hole course. This spot is a great choice for regular rounds of golf for you and your friends when visiting Panama City Beach.
- Course Designed By: John Sherman
- Par: 71
- Emerald Coast Community: Panama City Beach
- Amenities:
- 8 holes, wide open fairways, few trees
- Snack bar serving breakfast & lunch
- Pro shop; clubs & cart rentals
Legacy Golf Club
Centrally located in the heart of Panama City Beach, Legacy Golf Club (formerly Holiday Golf Club) has curated fast greens, lush fairways, and is the perfect environment for a golf day. They offer a Championship 18-hole course and an Executive 9-hole course that features recently installed Zoysia grass greens. They offer custom club fittings, a practice facility with a driving range, and chipping & putting practice areas. Before or after you hit the course, spend time at their clubhouse, which houses the Pro Shop and a Bar & Grill serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Course Designed By: Jim Dunkerley
- Par: 72 (Championship 18-hole course)
- Emerald Coast Community: Panama City Beach
- Amenities:
- Championship 18-hole course plus a 9-hole Executive course
- Driving range, practice putting & chipping areas; Pro Shop; Bar & Grill/Clubhouse
- Recently reconstructed all greens (2014)
Camp Creek
Designed by Tom Fazio, this course offers nearly 7,200 yards of undulating fairways and greens with drivable bunkers and views of the green from every tee box. This challenging course is unique for its mixture of native plants interwoven with manicured turf, giving it a natural look while providing a habitat for diverse wildlife. Located between Highway 98 and Scenic Highway 30A, Camp Creek was ranked #2 by Golf Digest for “Places You Can Play in Florida”.
- Course Designed By: Tom Fazio
- Par: 72
- Emerald Coast Community: Watersound/30A region (just off Scenic Highway 30A, near Panama City Beach)
- Amenities:
- Championship-level 18 holes with undulating fairways, sand dunes, native vegetation, and wetlands.
- Full practice facilities: driving range, putting green, lessons/clinics, pro shop.
- Member services, including bag storage and mid-round food/beverage options near certain holes.
Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club
Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club boasts 18 holes of “The Purest Golf in the Florida Panhandle,” according to Golf Magazine. Bordering the sugar-white sandy beaches of South Walton, the golf club spans more than 85 acres, providing members, guests, and the public with access to golf, dining, and more!
With seven sets of tees, every type of golfer has a fair chance at conquering the course. Having recently completed a multi-million-dollar renovation, this 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course, complete with Beach Club, private pool, and beach access, is a must-play for the avid golfer.
- Course Designed By: Originally by Brent Williams; renovation by Bill Bergin in 2021
- Par: 72
- Emerald Coast Community: Santa Rosa Beach (30A)
- Amenities:
- Championship 18-hole course, stunning gulf views, two holes back up against the Gulf in some layouts; elevation changes; natural dunes & water features
- Practice facilities: driving range, putting green, short-game area
- Dining at “Vue on 30A”; Beach Club & private beach access; walking course; renovated clubhouse etc.
The Raven at Sandestin
This Robert Trent Jones, Jr. designed course is unique and visually striking. The par-71 layout is sculpted through marshes, wetlands, and pine trees. The Raven was voted "Best New Course in Florida in 2000" by Florida Golf News, hosted the Champions Tour in 2006-2007, was hailed with 4 1/2 Stars by Golf Digest in 2006 and 2008, and was named “#14 in Florida" by Golf Magazine; need we say more! The Raven at Sandestin is a must-play during your Emerald Coast stay.
- Course Designed By: Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
- Par: 71
- Emerald Coast Community: Sandestin / Destin
- Amenities:
- Championship course routing through marshes, wetlands, pine, with dramatic holes (eg, island green on the 6th)
- Multiple tee boxes, shared clubhouse & pro shop with Baytowne; driving range, practice greens & bunker/chipping facilities
Baytowne Golf Club
This unique golf course extends its greens from the beach to the bay! Designed by Tom Jackson, Baytowne Golf Club features impressive elevation changes compared to many courses in the area and challenging championship tees for golf enthusiasts. A fifth set of tees makes this course appealing for beginners and players looking to play a quick afternoon game.
- Course Designed By: Tom Jackson
- Par: 71
- Emerald Coast Community: Sandestin / Miramar Beach (Destin area)
- Amenities:
- Multiple tee sets (including family/junior tees) to accommodate all skill levels.
- Practice facilities: driving range, chipping/putting greens, club rentals.
- Pro shop, clubhouse, snack bar/food service.
Seascape Golf Course
Seascape Golf Course at Seascape Resort in Destin is accessible from our Benchmark Management Ariel Dunes I Condos! It's a great pick if you’re looking for a relaxed round by the beach. With just 9-holes, is approachable and fun for newer players, and still helps seasoned golfers keep their swing sharp. It’s the perfect spot to fit in a quick game while enjoying the rest of your Emerald Coast getaway!
- Course Designed By: Joe Lee
- Par: 35
- Amenities:
- 9-hole course with water hazards and undulating greens
- Practice putting greens and chipping / pitching area
- Rental clubs available for 9-holes (men’s/women's/right/left)
- Bermudagrass on fairways and greens
- Teaching pro / golf instruction available
Where to Stay for Your Golf Getaway
Pictured: Sandpiper Cove Golf Course, accessed from our Sandpiper Cove rentals.
Many of our Benchmark Management rentals are located conveniently close to some of the best golf courses in the area! Check out these:
Beachside Villas
- Just five miles from the Camp Creek golf course!
Ariel Dunes I
- Located right next to the Seascape Golf Course. You can see it from your room!
High Pointe Resort
- There’s a golf practice turf and driving cage in the resort, so you can be in top shape when you head out and play the real thing!
Laketown Wharf
- Laketown Wharf Resort may not have a full-size golf course located inside of it, but you can play a round of miniature golf here, which is fun for the whole family! Plus, you can work on your putting game.
San Remo
- Located right next to the Santa Rosa Golf and Beach Club!
Sandpiper Cove
- When you stay in Sandpiper Cove, you’ll have access to their 9-hole course.
Book Your Emerald Coast Stay Directly with Benchmark Management!
View of Seascape Golf Resort from our Benchmark Management Ariel Dunes I Condos.
Wow! With so many outstanding options, you can’t go wrong no matter where you golf—or where you stay, as long as you’re staying in a Benchmark Management rental! Our team is full of Emerald Coast experts who know this Florida stretch better than anybody else. And we can’t wait to share that knowledge with you! Should any questions or issues arise during your stay, we are happy to help.
Whether you choose to stay in a rental with a private pool so you can splash around after a day on the course or a pet-friendly rental so your pup can enjoy paradise with you, we’ve got you covered. With our extensive catalog of Emerald Coast vacation rentals, we’re confident you’ll find the right fit for your trip.
Ready to book? Browse our available Emerald Coast vacation rentals now and book your stay directly with Benchmark Management!
Start Planning Your Golf Getaway – Explore Our Featured Vacation Rentals!
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