7 Best Fort Walton Beach Golf Courses

Fort Walton Beach may be best known for its beautiful beaches with glittering, emerald-colored waters, but this seaside retreat boasts more than one type of green. The Fort Walton-Destin area is a haven for golfers!

The area boasts several beautiful and challenging courses for all skill levels. Paired with Florida’s sunny, tropical climate and courses that are open year-round, Fort Walton Beach is the perfect all-season golf getaway.

Ready to take your toes out of the sand and step onto the greens? Don’t worry — you won’t have to stray far from your beachside vacation rental. You’ll be back in time for an afternoon soak in the hot tub or a cocktail at sunset.

Here are the seven best golf courses in the Fort Walton Beach area!

Shalimar Pointe Golf Club

  • Address: 302 Country Club Road, Shalimar, FL
  • Distance from Fort Walton Beach: 10 Minutes
  • Phone: 850-651-1416
  • Book a Tee Time: shalimarpointe.com

Just a few minutes outside of Fort Walton Beach, the Shalimar Pointe Golf Club features an 18-hole championship course right on the beautiful shores of Choctawhatchee Bay. The expertly manicured greens are set among a natural landscape of rolling hills, trees, and sparkling lakes. Five sets of tees ensure every level of golfer is set to play.

Shalimar Pointe Golf Club is open to the public but does offer special membership rates. On-site, you’ll find a well-stocked pro shop and fitting center for top equipment brands. If you’re looking to improve your swing, the pro shop has expert instructors offering daily lessons. After a game of golf or an afternoon of lessons, stop by The Grill to grab a bite and a beverage.

Fort Walton Beach Golf Club

Photo Credit: Allen.G

  • Address: 1955 Lewis Turner Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL
  • Distance from Fort Walton Beach: 10 Minutes
  • Phone: 850-833-9664
  • Book a Tee Time: fwb.org/374/Golf-Club

Just minutes from the beach, the Fort Walton Beach Golf Club boasts 36 championship holes across two distinct courses. The Pines Course features rolling greens through an upland pine forest, while the Oaks Course takes you through a myriad of narrow fairways, water hazards, and gorgeous oak trees. Both courses offer a fun and challenging game for all skill levels.

No membership is needed to play at Fort Walton Beach Club and it’s a favorite among visitors to the area. After a round of golf, you can hit the driving range for more fun, visit the pro shop for some signature gear, or grab a bite at the on-site restaurant.

Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club

Photo Credit: CBentonPhotos

  • Address: 465 Regatta Bay Blvd, Destin, FL
  • Distance from Fort Walton Beach: 30 Minutes
  • Phone: 850-337-8080
  • Book a Tee Time: regattabay.com

The epitome of a luxury golf experience, Regatta Bay Golf & Yacht Club is about 30 minutes from Fort Walton Beach but is well worth the drive.

Known as a world-class golf destination, Regatta Bay features gorgeous greens with thoughtfully placed bunkers, water hazards, and smooth hills. The 18-hole course was designed by Robert C. Walker, a lead golf architect for Arnold Palmer. While it feels like an exclusive, members-only club — all are welcome to play at Regatta Bay!

While playing, golfers can enjoy luxury amenities like Visage GPS and beverage cart service on all golf carts. After your game, be sure to stop by the clubhouse for a gourmet meal and cocktails with breathtaking patio views of Lake Regatta. Want to work on your swing? The golf academy at Regatta Bay is staffed with PGA professionals and features all the latest in golf technology and video swing analysis.

Gator Lakes Golf Course

Photo Credit: Dean Clarke

Situated on the Hurlburt Field Air Base, just a few minutes outside of Fort Walton Beach, the Gator Lakes Golf Course is a favorite spot to tee off for military members and civilians alike. Gator Lakes offers fast and mostly flat fairways with 18 holes set amid a natural landscape with a very unique set of water hazards. As the name implies, don’t be surprised if you come across a resident alligator swimming in one of the lakes or basking on the greens.

While Gator Lakes is open to the public, since it’s part of an air base complex, be prepared for extra security upon checking in. Visitors have access to all the golf course amenities, including the putting green, driving range, golf shop, restaurant, and more.

Indian Bayou Golf Club

Photo Credit: StockLite

  • Address: 1 Country Club Drive East, Destin, FL
  • Distance from Fort Walton Beach: 20 Minutes
  • Phone: 850-837-6191
  • Book a Tee Time: indianbayougolf.com

A world-class golf destination since 1978, Indian Bayou Golf Club is just a few minutes outside of Fort Walton Beach in nearby Destin. The championship 18-hole course features five tee boxes, wide fairways, challenging hills, and lots of trees for shaded play.

Indian Bayou is a semi-private golf club. Non-members can book a tee time, but the driving range and practice facilities are for members only. Lessons are available to the public through the on-site Bayou Golf Academy. After your game or lesson, stop by the Bayou Grille for lunch or a cocktail.

Eglin Golf Course

  • Address: 1527 Fairway Dr, Niceville, FL
  • Distance from Fort Walton Beach: 20 Minutes
  • Phone: 850-882-2949
  • Book a Tee Time: eglinlife.com/golf

Just a short drive from Fort Walton Beach in the neighboring town of Niceville, the Eglin Golf Course features 18 holes situated on an Audubon-certified sanctuary. The gorgeous green fairways wind through lush forests and lakes. It’s not uncommon to spot wildlife while out on the course, including birds, deer, and alligators.

Eglin Golf Course is a former private military course (near Eglin Air Base) but is now open to the public as of 2023. Visitors can enjoy playing a round, picking up some new gear in the pro shop, or grabbing a bite or a cocktail at the bar and grill.

Emerald Bay Golf Course

  • Address: 4781 Clubhouse Drive, Destin, FL
  • Distance from Fort Walton Beach: 25 Minutes
  • Phone: 850-837-5197
  • Book a Tee Time: emeraldbaygolfclub.com/home

A gorgeous waterfront course just a short drive from Fort Walton Beach, the views at Emerald Bay Golf Course in Destin are nothing short of spectacular. The masterfully designed 18-hole course features rolling green fairways dotted with pine trees, sand bunkers, and water hazards. The back 9 has breathtaking views of Choctawhatchee Bay.

Memberships are offered at Emerald Bay but are not required to play. Day visitors are welcome to book a tee time, enjoy a meal in the clubhouse, or visit the pro shop. Emerald Bay Golf Course is the perfect spot for golfers who don’t want to stray too far from that cool ocean breeze while they tee off!

Take a Swing in Fort Walton Beach

Ready for breezy beachside mornings and afternoons on the greens? Fort Walton Beach offers the best of both worlds. You’ll have access to some of the best golf courses in Florida while enjoying the beautiful beaches of the Emerald Coast.

Legacy Vacations has everything you need to plan your dream vacation with beautiful beachfront condos close to world-class golf courses. Amenities like private pools and hot tubs await so you can relax and soak up the sun or soak away sore muscles after a day of tackling tees.

Book your stay now for the ultimate beach and golf getaway!

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