Golfing has long been a favorite past time in Florida. It’s easy to see the appeal. The state is known for it’s beautiful and sunny weather almost year round. It is also flat, which makes for a great golf game. Florida is also the home of the World Golf Hall of Fame. It definitely plays a role in golf history.
History of Florida Golfing
Starting in Florida around 1897, golf has been a part of Florida’s history for almost 120 years. The initial beginning of golf in Florida began when golf course designer Alexander Findlay accepted the request of Henry Flagler to build a new layout for his Palm Beach Hotel. With the success of Flagler’s hotel, Palm Beach Inn, many began to follow in his footsteps taking advantage of Florida as a tourist spot rather than just swamp land.
Therefore, there are now many beautiful golf courses across Florida, including the golf courses in Fort Walton Beach area. The sunny climate and flat terrain has made it the perfect place to go golfing for years.
Here are the top golf courses in Fort Walton Beach:
- Fort Walton Beach Golf Club. The City of Fort Walton Beach offers two 18-hole Championship Golf Courses: The Oaks Course and The Pines Course. The Oaks course offers over 6,400 yards of narrow fairways, water hazards, and fairways lined with Oak trees. The Pine course offers a challenging layout of over 6,800 yards through a pine forest. Just being a few miles from The Emerald Coast, this golf course offers a day of golfing with the opportunity to finish your day relaxing at the beach. It is suggested that you call 850-833-9528 for tee times. The club also has Edwin Watts Golf Shop, a full-service, well-stocked golf supply merchandiser. Two Trees Restaurant is also on the golf club site. Named for the names of the two golf courses (oak and pine), this restaurant is open for golfers and the public for breakfast and lunch. Overall, these are must visit golf courses in Fort Walton Beach.
- Shalimar Pointe Golf Club. Shalimar Pointe, located on the shores of the Choctawhatchee Bay in Shalimar, welcomes all golfers and treats them like champions. They are home to an 18- hole Dye-Finger designed golf course that has beautiful natural surroundings. They have paid special attention to details, making sure the course has an upkept lawn, strategically placed bunkers, and mature trees. They boast about being the best kept golf secret in Northwest Florida. If you need new merchandise or a bite to eat Shalimar has that covered as well. They have a bar and grill, and a well stocked pro shop. They a are also offering a frequent player card, saving frequent visitors up to 30%.
- Blue Water Bay Resort. Bluewater Bay Resort is located in Destin, but only a half hour away from Fort Walton Beach. Bluewater Bay’s 27 holes of championship golf were designed by world renowned architects Tom Fazio and Jerry Pate. It’s scenery is intriguing, as it takes you through natural wetlands, making a truly unique golfing experience. Bluewater Bay also features a full Sports Bar and Grill perfect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. Any golfer is sure to have a good time at Bluewater. They offer a gold and community memberships for those who wish to support the beauty of the golf course and desire the perks that come with being a member.
Fort Walton Beach is the perfect place to get your golfing fix. These golf courses in Fort Walton Beach allow you to stay in quiet, family-friendly area without having to drive more than 30 minutes. You also get to be a part of Florida’s golfing legacy as you support Florida golf courses. We hope this list brings the sport back to life for you and enhances your visit to Fort Walton Beach.