Raven Golf Club
There’s no doubt that the world of golf travel is booming. Like many things today, prices tend to be on the rise because the demand is so high, and if you have a larger group of 12 or more golfers the need to book earlier is becoming more important than ever.
With rates and demand climbing, we are constantly on the search for destinations that can deliver a great experience all while providing the ultimate amount of value. One such destination that fits these criteria perfectly is Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Every time we visit here, we fall a little bit more in love with the experience. There is so much to enjoy at this resort, and we’ve highlighted 8 of the reasons why we think it is worthy of consideration for your next golf vacation.
Four outstanding golf courses
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort certainly doesn’t lack in options when it comes to a golf vacation here. With 73 holes of golf (and yes, you read that correctly), you’ll have four unique layouts to choose from that provide an outstanding experience. Burnt Pine Golf Club is the premier course at the resort as it is only available to resort guests and members, and this inland layout features plenty of water hazards as the “Open Doctor” designer Rees Jones certainly showed off his talents here. The Raven Golf Club is often considered the other top layout here, and it happened to be designed by Rees’ brother Robert Trent Jones, Jr. This course works its way through the marshes and pine trees of the resort, and it’s a fun and enjoyable challenge. The Links Golf Club is a Tom Jackson-design that we find to be an extremely great deal as resort guests can play here for as little as $69 which is an absolute steal. And, last but not least, Baytowne Golf Links offers another Tom Jackson design and is the only course in the Emerald Bay that features views of the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay during your round.
Burnt Pine Golf Club
Accommodations for any group
Every group has their own idea of their ideal set up for their group when it comes to where they stay. Sandestin has you covered as the resort features a myriad of condo and villa options to choose from including multiple properties on the water, either beachside or on the bay. If a more standard hotel experience is what your group has in mind, then the luxurious Hotel Effie has 250 rooms to choose from and is a fantastic option.
Pristine beaches
The Emerald Coast is known for its gorgeous beaches as the soft, white powder sand and crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico make for a perfect setting for you to enjoy a serene setting all while helping you balance out those golfer tan lines.
Value, value, and more value
We mentioned this right from the get-go for you as we cannot stress how much we love this property when it comes to the experience you get for the price that you pay. The golf rates are exceptional for the level of golf that the resort provides, and if your group is looking to stretch every dollar you can double up in a room in a multi-bedroom condo or villa and by doing so, you’ll be blown away at what your package rate looks like per person here. This is without a doubt one of the best value golf resorts in the country.
Baytowne
Activities galore
We could write a small novel by the time we listed every activity that the resort provides for guests to enjoy. There’s so much to see and do here including beachside watersports, bike riding, paddleboarding, fishing, Baytowne Wharf, a multitude of dining options, tennis, boat charters, and more. You’ll certainly have plenty to keep you busy here before and after your rounds.
Area shopping
The resort features multiple outlets to buy some logoed gear while you are onsite, and there are also plenty of nearby high-end shops and outlet options nearby off-property.
Warm weather
Sandestin is in the panhandle of Florida, and the combination of the Southern climate with the ocean and bay breezes creates a warm yet comfortable climate for golf year-round. Even during the winter months, it never gets too cold here and it makes for a great golf destination all year long.
Special events
When you’re booking your trip here, be sure to check out the Events Calendar as there are often special events going on throughout the year here. Two to keep your eye on are the Annual Gumbo & Bloody Mary Festival (February 21-22, 2025) and the Annual Sandestin Wine Festival (April 11-12, 2025) as these two events have both been going on here for over 35 years.
The Links