Emerald Bay Golf Club

Pros- fairways and greens were in good shape A few very pretty holes, this course is just challenging enough with the amount of water along the sides of holes as well as some forced carrys over water. Pace of play great, we never waited and were never pushed. Employees were great, from the clubhouse, to the beverage cart to the grill, all very nice, friendly and happy. Very fair track.
Cons- Coming from Texas, the lack of roll on shots, because of the lush and damp bermuda. It took a few holes to get used to, but, it also saved a few shots from rolling into the water (which is why i call it fair). The tee boxes were brutal, really the only true negative.

We played at 11am, it was horribly hot and humid. However, the frequency of the bev cart and alot of shaded areas made it bearable.

Enjoyable course, will play again.

Just make sure the clowns from the Southern Gentlemen Sports Show are not in my way when I am playing.

DO NOT VISIT THIS COURSE!

Where do I begin with this review. We were extremely disappointed with the course and our overall experience. The staff is completely rude and unprofessional. I saw this on several reviews in the past. The past reviewers were spot on. When you book online, the cost is $110. When I called the pro shop 2 weeks prior, they confirmed my tee time and did not state a cost. We assumed the price was $110. When checking in, I was told the price was $150 per golfer. I asked about the $110 price and I was told that was the internet price. Now get this. The gentleman in the pro shop told me whoever answered my call should have told me to book online and save $30. He said “I always tell people to book online. Let me see who took your call.” Then he went on to say “oh, I took your call and just laughed.” Now I’m out $30 per golfer as he just continues to laugh. I asked him if we could get the internet price and I was told “no with more laughter”. Very unprofessional of the pro shop staff. We rented clubs that were junk and over 5 years old. The staff continued to push other sales on us…balls, tees, etc.

Tee boxes were awful. Completely beat up and filled with the green mixture everywhere. Crab grass filled the tee boxes and the greens, making the greens very slow.

There are no water stations on the course. The one by the practice green was empty. We played on a day when it was 98 degrees and only saw the cart girl once.

The pace of play was slow at times and we had several people jump in front of us on the back nine. Did not see one Marshall on the course all day.

The maintenance crew on the course continued with their work as we took fairway shots, tee offs, and putts. Normally staff would wait as you played through. Not here.

This is probably a $65 course at best! The layout was interesting and has potential. But the staff attitude and unprofessionalism made this a terrible experience. If August is truly the “offseason” why are the prices not reflected to be the off-season prices.

I can’t recommend anyone visit this course. Save your money and visit another course in Destin.

Played Emerald Bay while on vacation. Enjoyed it very much. Green were much slower than what I’m used to at home but the starter warned me about that. Course has some well placed water hazards that make you think through how to attack it. Staff was awesome to deal with. My only complaints are that the tee boxes weren’t in good shape and there was no drinking water on the course. The cart person came around three times during the round which helped on a hot and muggy day. Will definitely play again if I’m back in the Destin area.

First time here. Enjoyed the round. I was expecting better course conditions. The greens were ok as well as the fairways. The bunkers were maintained nicely. The play was slow due to too many 2 and 3 somes. The food was great. Pro Shop was great. Overall I give it a 4. I'd play here again.

Got to play a nice course with my son, my brother and my nephew. The greens were a little slower than I like but we all got used to them. It was on me and not the courses fault. Will play here again

Great course, very good shape, staff professional and friendly, would play again, lots of challenge and fun

Great course. Staff was awesome. They seem to have it down pretty well. Didn’t have to wait on a ton of shots and we weren’t holding anyone up. If I’m ever back down that way again I will be coming back

We enjoyed the course. There were a few small issues: many tee boxes were well-worn but not anything that took away from the round

The group in front of us was very slow. A Marshall’s intervention would be welcomed. Greens were in great chapel.
Good value for price. Will play again

Emerald Bay is a nice layout. We played a twilight time, so for the money (despite the heat) I'd ssay it was worth it. It definitely play it again.

Unfriendly staff. Miserable pro shop and staff.
Beverage cart did last call at 4pm. No water coolers on golf course and it was 95 degrees. We couldn’t even stock up on water because bev cart was “out”.

Course was in good shape. We had a great time. Staff was excellent and very friendly. Thank you to the beer cart girl. It was extremely hot and humid. She was right on with cold beverages. Was impressed with the well stocked pro shop. Looking forward to playing again next vacation in Destin.