LEEGRICE

I have played other Sandestin courses, but not Baytowne in recent memory. We were twosome with early Saturday tee time. Bag drop has lots of assistance. Check-in is easy, with multiple registers to help out. Nice clubhouse, everyone friendly. Big range with plenty of balls to warm up. Two 18 hole courses out of this facility, so it’s very busy. Starter was very nice lady, friendly and helpful. This part of experience all very positive.

We knew the greens were recently punched and sanded, so we understood this coming in. However, it was a bit surprising the fairways did not appear to be recently mowed. They were very lush and green and hairy! While rain is always pervasive in Florida, it was not a circumstance where it appeared too wet to mow. Also, the course has a bad poa annua problem that they appear to be working on, particularly in rough areas. Finally, bunkers can use just a bit more sand.

The course layout is very friendly, not overly long from blues but can be a great challenge from Gold for big hitters. Pace was great (<4 hours) but it was not very crowded. We saw cart girl 3 or 4 times, which may be important during very hot weather.

Overall I like the Sandestin Links course a bit more and The Raven is probably better overall experience. I am not sure I would play this course again if the others are available. I would definitely watch reviews to see if regular course maintenance is current. Overall it was an “OK” experience but could have been much better simply if the fairways were mowed and bunkers were appropriately sanded.